Income $60,000 – $300,000
The ranges of income for the first year will depend upon how many hives you decide with which to begin. Oysters can be harvested on a farm all year round, so you will be able to create a stable income the first year. However the most typical the harvest season is April through August. With a minimum of 5 acres, the average earning you should expect is around $100,000 per year.
Description
First you must locate a natural habitat for your oyster farm. You will need to grow the algae in containers, usually glass containers and feed the oysters. Oysters can be grown in containers within a year, rather than the two years required in natural bottom habitats.
This type of farming should be located in an area where nurseries are prominent, so you can increase your income potential by selling the vermicomposting (worm composting) to nurseries.
Clients
Your clients will consist of upscale restaurants and fresh fish markets. This is where the set up of your distribution line will make or break the business. The restaurants need to have a sufficient client base to support a pricey menu.
Marketing Plan
Most of your marketing can be done from your home a phone. Call several restaurants and ask to talk to the chef to find out if they would be interested in acquiring a new resource for oysters. You’ll find that as in all businesses, you’ll have a ratio. You might discover that you might need to call ten restaurants prior to locating one that will agree to do business with you.
Repeat this process for fresh fish markets. The only reason they will say no is that they don’t have the client base to support the inventory in a timely manner. It might help to have a sign maker create signs for their restaurant windows that tout “Fresh Oysters Sold Here”.
I have never seen one myself, however, it would logically make sense that it would attract the attention of those of us who are oyster aficionados.
Power Partners
Your Power Partners will consist of to anyone else who has the same distribution points as you. They will include flower growers, commercial fishermen, bakers, vegetable, and fruit producers who deliver to markets and restaurants.
The conversations with these Power Partners should indicate your willingness to include them in your referrals as you become aware of clients who might need their services. It is important you meet with these Power Partners in person the first time, and keep in touch with them weekly by email or by a phone.
Requirements
This is one business, which has already been well documented so it should be easier to start your business from scratch and do well. The amount of land you would like require will depend upon how large a farm you want to start with. You may either lease or purchase the land, which typically will be located near an ocean or bay.
Resources:
Here are a number of resources, which I have come across:
http://www.bcsga.ca/bcsgirs/oysters/oyster.htm
http://lamer.lsu.edu/classroom/edonahalfshell/pdf/cycle_info.pdf
http://www.austasiaaquaculture.com.au/
Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable
Total Start Up Costs: Less than $250,000
(includes business cards, tools, a phone, oysters, land and marketing)