In recent years, snail farming has become one means of securing a decent income, as well as contributing to the country's economic growth; indeed snail farming for human consumption, is currently witnessing, a remarkable development, particularly in the governorate of Jendouba since the launch of the first project in 2003.
The first of its kind in North Africa, this project was initiated by a young promoter in the region, particularly in the delegation of Ain Draham, at a total cost of 80 000 dinars. During the first two years of the operation, the average of the annual production of this project increased to up to 6 tons, most of which are destined for export.
15 projects at a cost of 300 000 dinars are currently seeking funding and are receiving all the attention they deserve from the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA).
The promoters of these high-added value projects have already attended technical training courses within the Agency. These projects will be set up in the delegations of Jendouba, Northern Jendouba, Boussalem, Oued Mliz and Ghardimaou.
The Tunisian National Solidarity Bank (BTS) provides snail farmers and more particularly university graduates, with a budget of about 150, 000 dinars to finance their projects.
According to 2008 statistics, France plays a central role in the growing international trade in snails. Some of the snails imported into France are processed and exported to other European countries or to North America, especially to the USA, which imports hundreds of millions of US dollars' worth of snail meat annually.
Tunisia is increasingly becoming one of the major suppliers to these markets including Greece, Turkey, Rumania, Algeria, as well as Taiwan, Thailand and China. Low in fat and rich in protein , snail meat is becoming more fashionable in kitchen tables around the world.
© Tunisia Online News 2010
