People

John Finger and Terry Sawyer, along with farmers market manager Joe Larkey, farm manager Zane Finger, and 50 full-time employees.

Farmland

150 saltwater acres in Tomales Bay, about 50 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Farm History

Hog Island Oyster Company was founded in 1982 with a 10-acre lease in north Tomales Bay. John Finger and Terry Sawyer, both experienced marine biologists, applied their knowledge of animal husbandry and marine aquaculture to designing a high-tech farm, adapting and improving the best techniques used around the world to suit the unique conditions of Tomales Bay. Today, the company leases over 150 acres and grows all their shellfish using the single seed method. Although this method is expensive and labor intensive, it allows them to produce oysters and clams of unparalleled quality. Hog Island occasionally contracts with other oyster sources in the Pacific Northwest to supply the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market during the rainy season.

Certification

None (no organic standards exist for mariculture)

Pest Management

Shellfish are contained in polyethylene bags to prevent predation.