Oyster SouthPeer to Pier Program
Peer to Pier is Oyster South’s mentorship program connecting new and emerging oyster farmers with experienced growers across the region.
New and emerging oyster farmers (and chefs) in the Southeast and Gulf Coast who are actively farming or preparing to launch a farm · The next review date for P2P will be March 1st; or until the funds are expended (whichever comes first). Applications reopen in early November.
From oystersouth.com/peer-to-pier ↗About this program
Peer to Pier is Oyster South's mentorship program that pairs new and emerging oyster farmers or chefs with experienced growers, giving them hands-on training, industry insight, and a supportive community to help them succeed.
Peer to Pier connects beginning oyster farmers and chefs with seasoned mentors throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast, offering real-world learning that can't be found in manuals or classrooms. The purpose of this fellowship was supported originally by an award from the National Sea Grant Program and contributions from Oyster South's annual fundraiser, LANDLOCKED.
The P2P program defrays travel expenses for farmer and chef applicants to travel to other farms to observe and study the farming techniques of their peers. Peer to Pier will continue once again in 2024 and 2025 with generous additional funding from the National Sea Grant Program and will be managed by Georgia Sea Grant.
This program not only strengthens the network between Southern oyster farms and chefs and farms around the country, but it strengthens relationships and improves our industry nationally at a time when we need it most. We want to encourage our farmer and chef members to get first-hand oyster farm knowledge they can take back to their respective farms and restaurants.
Applications for Peer to Pier are closed until after LANDLOCKED and will reopen in early November.
Questions
Who is Peer to Pier designed for?
Peer to Pier is designed for new and emerging oyster farmers (and chefs) in the Southeast and Gulf Coast who are actively farming or preparing to launch a farm.
Is prior formal training required?
No prior formal training is required.
What do participants receive?
Participants gain hands-on training with experienced growers, practical problem-solving skills, exposure to different farming systems, and guidance tailored to their specific site and challenges. Beyond technical knowledge, they join a supportive regional network—building confidence, connections, and a clearer path toward running a resilient, successful oyster farm.
How are awardee funds paid?
Awardee funds will be sent as a lump-sum honorarium after the travel is completed and receipts and report provided.
Details
- Who
- New and emerging oyster farmers (and chefs) in the Southeast and Gulf Coast who are actively farming or preparing to launch a farm
- When
- The next review date for P2P will be March 1st; or until the funds are expended (whichever comes first). Applications reopen in early November.
- Where
- Southeast and Gulf Coast
Run by
LANDLOCKEDLANDLOCKED is Oyster South’s annual fundraiser bringing chefs, farmers, and oyster lovers together for a one-of-a-kind Southern seafood celebration.
Annual Oyster South SymposiumThe Oyster South Symposium is our annual gathering of farmers, researchers, chefs, and industry partners from across the Southern coast.