Mass. Eyes Sales Of Shellfish At Farmers Markets

Oysters, clams and other shellfish could soon be taking their place next to tomatoes, sweet corn, blueberries and other more typical offerings at farmers markets in Massachusetts.

State officials, market managers and shellfish farmers are discussing ways to expand a pilot program of shellfish sales that began last year in a handful of markets under a strict set of food safety guidelines.

Les Hemmila, owner of Barnstable Sea Farms, sold oysters last year at farmers markets in Hyannis and Osterville on Cape Cod and is planning to do so again this year. A licensed wholesale dealer, he sees it as a unique opportunity to reach consumers directly.

The deputy director of the state's Division of Marine Fisheries, Daniel McKiernan, said shellfish is a highly-regulated food, making direct sales complicated.