How much energy do we use to produce animal protein? From water to feed and environmental impact, traditional livestock farming is often at the centre of the sustainability debate. And when it comes to snails, the common imagination tends to relegate them to a dish for courageous palates or, worse, to identify them as a plague on farmers. And yet, heliciculture, the breeding of snails, holds surprises in terms of protein conversion and agritech innovation.
The challenge of protein conversion
One of the most critical aspects of meat, beef, pork and the like, is the low efficiency of protein conversion: to obtain one kilo of ‘noble’ protein from a bovine, a large amount of water, food and energy is required. In contrast, snails boast a much higher conversion ratio, producing greater amounts of protein for the same amount of resources used. This makes them an attractive option for those in search of new, sustainable and low-impact food sources.
From open field to vertical farm… of snails?
In the past, helicopter farming was almost always practised outdoors, with artisanal and unstructured methods. Today, however, some start-ups are introducing the vertical approach: a system that makes it possible to optimise space and control fundamental variables such as humidity, temperature and nutrition. At first glance, this may seem less tech than drones or artificial intelligence, but verticalisation has several advantages: it reduces the required land footprint, makes it easier to monitor slugs, allows production cycles to be modulated and, above all, limits waste and consumption.
Snelix
Among the realities that have focused on this model is Snelix, determined to improve animal protein production with an eye on environmental impact. Their work focuses on space optimisation, with farms developed vertically to reduce the horizontal area required . In parallel, the meticulous control of parameters such as humidity and temperature ensures a high survival rate and homogenous growth of the snails. Finally, research into nutrition enriches the protein quality and reduces waste, offering a healthier and more appetising end product. The real novelty, however, lies in the business model: not only the sale of snails, but also of a technology and method that can open the door to very different markets, from human nutrition and animal feed to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Towards a more diverse and sustainable future
When talking about snails, some people turn up their noses, imagining bizarre recipes or gourmet scenarios. Yet, in various parts of the world, such as France, snails are already a popular dish. At a time when the search for alternative sources of protein is booming, it is not difficult to foresee that helicopter farming could join solutions such as insect and vegetable vertical farming. Its production efficiency also makes it particularly interesting for those looking at the food needs of the future.
A cultural paradigm shift
Of course, the idea of eating snails requires a little mental shift, the same one that saw sushi go from exotic oddity to global phenomenon in its time. Should helicopter farming prove to be profitable and sustainable, it is easy to imagine an increase in its presence on menus and, above all, along the food chain. Think, for example, of the use of snail protein as a supplement to feed for other species, with both economic and ecological benefits.
Conclusions
Agricultural sustainability often hides behind unexpected solutions. Snails, with their load of prejudices, could turn out to be an important piece in the puzzle of agritech innovation. Reducing pressure on resources, making protein production more efficient and diversifying our diet are key goals in a world that continues to grow and consume. The idea of breeding snails vertically, combined with the experimentation of new business models, proves that even the ‘simplest’ sectors can be transformed into areas of great innovation. It remains to be seen whether these start-ups will be able to scale their models, making snails the protagonists of a more sustainable future.
Note to reader: the author is CEO of Beeco and works with investment funds active in agritech, which may have supported or will support some of the startups mentioned in the future.
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