La Marque’s oyster farming workshop hopes to attract more people to the industry and put more shellfish on their plates

LA MARQUE, Texas (KTRK) — Agriculture experts want to get more involved in oyster farming, not only to boost the local economy but also to get more shellfish on the plate.

When you think of oyster harvesting, you might think of boats collecting shellfish near reefs, but a new way to harvest oysters is to increase production.

“They have produced over a million farmed oysters,” Texas A saidBrandi Keller, district agent for &M AgriLife Extension, said.

Five years ago the state approved oyster farming. Farmers raise oysters in cages instead of catching them in the wild off a reef.

So far there are only 13 hectares of permitted area nationwide. Executives know that getting started can be expensive and overwhelming to get approved.

They’re trying to change that by hosting a workshop at Texas A&M Agrilife expansion building in La Marque this Friday.

Registration is required by Wednesday. During the event, people can learn about various loans and completing approvals.

“The main reason for this is that it is a completely new industry and it allows them to get into the industry from the ground up,” Keller explained.

Experts say one good thing about oysters in our area is that they come to market quickly. If a farmer in the Northeast wants to catch an oyster, it can take up to five years to get ready, but because of the warm water and nutrients, they can pick those oysters here. Oysters can be ready for market in less than nine months.

Experts hope a tantalizing twist will entice people to workshop and start farms. “By providing these options, it can also have an impact on the local economy,” Keller said.

It’s a boost to the growing industry and seafood joints that can serve you shellfish.

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