While most thoughts about agriculture might conjure images of leafy plants, rumbling tractors and expansive fields, aquaculture shares many of those same traits – it just happens in the water. 

Chris Garguilo has owned and operated the Cotuit Oyster Company on the coast of Cape Cod since 2004. Chris and his team take small oyster seed and grow it to maturity, producing high-quality oysters that have a unique briny flavor unlike any other.

Transitioning to Life as an Oysterman

Cotuit Oyster Company has roots that date back to the 1800s when Captain William Childs made the transition from a life at sea to life as an oysterman. With the help of Farm Credit, the company continues to supply the nation and the world with these specialty oysters more than 150 years later. 

Chris’ relationship with Farm Credit East began in 2004 when they collaborated to renovate his building and his dock. “We’ve been partnering with Farm Credit ever since. Farm Credit East understands farming, whether it’s on land or in the water,” Chris commented. 

Farm Credit Understands Unique Demands of the Industry

That expertise helps Chris prepare his crop of oysters every year. He purchases the oyster seed in the spring when many farmers buy seed, and it coincides with his lowest point of cash flow. In other circumstances, this could pose a problem. However, Farm Credit understands these unique demands of the agricultural cycles and steps up to support farmers like Chris throughout the entire growing season.