In 1998 the South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) recognised that for the SA oyster industry to remain competitive and dynamic, research and development must be a priority. As a result, in 1999 the South Australian Oyster Research Council (SAORC) was established with the Board consisting of nominated licensed oyster growers and SAOGA as the sole shareholder.
SAORC is funded by a levy on seed sales to SA oyster growers - the Australian Competition and Consumer Comission recently granted authorisation to SAORC to collect the levy over the next five years, effective from 29th June, 2005 on conditioin that the levy be set at at no more than $1.00 per 1000 oyster spat.
SAORC's core function is to promote, encourage and coordinate research and development for the benefit of the SA oyster industry.