To promote the breeding and raising of Cantareus aspersus (formally Helix aspersa) snails in a free-range, natural, biodynamic environment.

Encourgae free-range snail farming as a viable, sustainable commercial operation.

Educate producers and consumers on the importance of commitment to quality assurance and food standards.

Free-range snail farming is considered the most sustainable method of mass producing snails for the gourmet food trade and is the only internationally recognised system of sustainable, commercial snail farming in Australia.

It is based on the Italian method of breeding snails utilising the biological cycle of raising and growing snails in open pastures of fresh vegetables - a natural eco-friendly environment that allows the snails to grow as nature intended.

Snails bred in free-range fields have higher reproduction yields. The natural physiological characteristics of Cantareus aspersus are enhanced by a free-range environment that allows excellent metabolic and respiratory functions of the snails.

When compared to snails bred in high density situations such as small enclosures or greenhouse environments, free-range snails have demonstrated a significantly lower mortality rate and the snails produced are well-developed and consistent in size.

This free-range system of breeding and growing snails produces clean, healthy snails that are sought after because of their exceptional quality. It is more cost effective than any other method of raising large numbers of snails for the gourmet food trade and allows reliable market supply.

Snail farming practices that once may have been considered appropriate have been reassessed in the light of new knowledge and changing attitudes to understanding the needs of the physiology, growth, reproduction, nutrition and safe, hygienic and  humane processing of snails for human consumption.

The Australian Free-range Snail Farming Code of Practice has been developed through consultation with representatives from free-range snail farmers in Australia and New Zealand and an independent veterinarian.

The aim of The Code is to emphasise that free-range snail production is the only sustainable and ethical snail farming practice that has a positive influence on the quality of snails while optimizing the health and welfare of farmed snails.

It highlights the importance of the full biological cycle of breeding snails as a requirement for a successful, sustainable commercial operation.

The report demonstrates the suitability of raising snails in open pastures rather than the less sustainable growing methods in small enclosures and greenhouses.

This document outlines the importance of marketing and strategic planning to provide a focused approach for snail products and services to reach the appropriate target market.