Explore the option of Snail Farming within Ireland
The National Organic Training Skillnets (NOTS) will be hosting an exciting two day seminar on Snail production. This unique seminar should be of interest to all those who might consider snail farming as a part-time of full-time source of income.
Presentations will be made by a number of international experts on all aspects of the industry, including different methods of production, domestic and international markets, viability and profitability of snail farming, difficulties that may be encountered and the main reasons for failure.
Guest speakers will include:
Dr. Giovanni Avagnina, Founder and Director of the International Snail Breeding Institute, Cherasco, Italy. He has over 40 years experience in snail breeding in Italy and is now a recognised international Consultant. He manages a number of snail farms in Italy and has written widely on the topic, including a best selling book entitled “Snail Breeding”.
Ms Monika Samland: Director of the Institut für deutsche Schneckenzucht, Nersingen, Germany. Ms Samland has over 15 years experience in snail breeding in Germany, is a specialist on the needs of the German market and is also an experienced international Consultant in the subject.
Ms Penny Vlachou: Founder and COO of Fereikos in Greece. Since 2007, Fereikos has established 182 outdoor snail farms in Greece, Germany and Cyprus. See www.fereikos.com
Mr. Louis Marie Guedon, President Directeur General of French Mucus, experienced French snail farmer and designer/manufacturer of equipment for the extraction of snail by-products for the pharmaceutical industry.
Mr. Jean-Claude Bonnet, International Expert in Heliciculture, former Advisor to the French Government on snail breeding and now a widely experienced international Consultant
Ms. Eva Milka: Founder of Ireland’s first commercial snail farm. A number of other Irish speakers, who have established snail farms in Ireland in the recent past, will also make presentations.
Why consider snail farming as an option?
The global market for edible snails is 300,000 tons, valued at €1billion. The French and Italian markets alone amount to €300 million. France imports over 80% of their needs and Italy imports 60% of needs, creating an export potential of approximately €200 million.
The market is growing at 4.5% per annum, so price levels are being maintained. .
The Irish climate is ideal for snail farming.
The profit margin on snail farming is high, if the correct farming techniques are applied and investment is relatively low.
Snails are easily exportable live, with a shelf life ranging from 2 to 6 months.
Snail meat is a recognised health food, high in protein and low in fat.
Snails are not susceptible to any serious diseases.
Other countries have established a successful snail farming industry in the recent past. Ten years ago, there were 3 snail farms in Poland. Today there are over 200, providing over 1,000 jobs and generating high income for small farms.
Purpose of Seminar
Recently, there is evidence of a growing interest in snail farming in Ireland. While snail farming can be very profitable if the correct farming and business techniques are applied, it is also easy to incur considerable losses and/or loss of investment, if the incorrect techniques are applied.
The purpose of this Seminar is to outline a variety of techniques that have been successfully applied in other European countries, carry out a preliminary evaluation of those techniques and use this evaluation as the basis of a training programme for potential Irish snail farmers.
Location: The Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath
Dates: Tuesday, October 20th and Wednesday, October 21st. 2015.
Time: Commencing each day at 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Admission
- €100.0 for a 2 day pass including refreshments and a light lunch.
- €157.00 per/person; 2 day pass, evening meal on the 20th of October and shared accommodation in a twin or double room.
- €179.00 per/person; 2 day pass, evening meal on the 20th of October and accommodation in a single room.
Accommodation: For those planning on an overnight stay on the night of the 20th. NOTS have negotiated a group rate with the hotel which would be available on request.
As there is already considerable demand for attendance, it is recommended to confirm interest as soon as possible.
Reservations may be made by phone with a valid debit card. 0719640688
For more information please contact National Organic Training Skillnet on email: info@nots.ie or phone: 0719640688, www.nots.ie. The Enterprise Centre, Hill Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim.