Snail farming: Raising low-carbon alternative protein

Added on 15 August 2022

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Snail farming: Raising low-carbon alternative protein

At the end of May, I attended the NovelFarm conference in Pordenone, in northern Italy. While at the conference, I was invited to visit a local snail farm. Having attempted (mostly unsuccessfully) to raise snails previously in California, I was very interested in visiting this farm.

Editor's Note: This article features an interview between Agritecture's Lead Agronomist and Mattia Marinello (MM), Owner of CAJ - La chiocciola del Tagliamento in northern Italy. Reach out to Mattia on Facebook and Instagram to learn more!

I imagined a high-tech indoor operation with gleaming stainless steel surfaces, scientists in white coats racing around, and small vats of snail caviar readying for sale. The reality was completely different, but more interesting than I could have imagined.

Arriving at Mattia's farm, located just outside of the small town of San Martino al Tagliamento, neither were there buildings, nor were there scientists or snail caviar.

Mattia Marinello is a first-generation snail farmer, farming snails outdoors in large, outdoor pens.

The operation produces certified organic snail meat, snail slime, and related beauty products. The farm likely has a minimal carbon footprint - certainly much smaller than other forms of farmed meat. Mattia had worked in the food industry prior to launching his snail farm, and during that time, he developed a passion for high-quality food and ingredients.

Photo: Mattia Marinello, farm owner and operator, collects snails for harvest. Snails live in pens that measure 3m x 40m, as shown here. These pens are seeded with leafy greens that provide food and a hospitable environment for the development of the snails.

Written By: David Ceaser (DC)

Source: Agritecture