Key providers achieve accreditation for British Quality Wild Venison assurance scheme

Three top UK venison producers have now received accreditation from the British Quality Wild Venison (BQWV) assurance scheme.

Forestry England has received accreditation for 11 larders, joining Highland Game and Ben Rigby Game, who achieved their certification earlier this year. Other wild venison processors are currently awaiting audit.

 Launched in 2023, BQWV is the first quality assurance scheme for wild venison produced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing a complete route to market for accredited wild venison. The British Quality Wild Venison standard

Developed by a cross-sector working group including BASC, the BQWV standard aims to increase the traceability of wild venison, increase buyer confidence, and support woodland management. Accreditation involves a rigorous assessment of policy, procedure, and infrastructure by independent auditors. Applicants seeking accreditation need to demonstrate proper handling of deer carcasses, have their premises registered as food businesses with the local authority, and adhere to the required standards for food production as outlined in regulations and best practices, to guarantee full traceability.

The wild venison market is the product of deer management, which is essential to protect our woodlands and open landscapes. Venison is a nutritious, healthy meat, high in essential amino acids and a rich source of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, and zinc. It is lower in cholesterol and saturated fats than other red meats and is a source of high-quality protein. Wild venison is also a truly free-range meat, which supports consumer demands for free range, high welfare and sustainably produced food.

The wild venison market has always fluctuated, and last winter saw several game dealers reducing their prices or even closing their doors to producers as supply outstripped demand. This can present challenges for landowners who are trying to manage deer numbers sustainably. It is essential that we develop a large-scale year-round demand for British wild venison to protect our natural landscapes from the damage done by high-density populations of wild deer. BQWV aims to develop new markets for venison from the nation’s forests through the public sector, contract catering, food banks and food retailers. Consumer surveys suggest that demand is being depressed by low confidence in the product and a lack of accessibility. The new independently audited standard aims to help overcome this barrier.

Christian Nissen, managing director of Highland Game, said:

“This is a vital step, so consumers have confidence in the venison supply chain journey and know that they are eating quality venison. From a business perspective, it supports efficiency and margins and delivers superior venison quality. With this standard we are better placed to compete against other farmed proteins as buyers are re-assured that the quality we supply is the very best.”

Jim Lee, Forestry England wildlife manager, said:

“Achieving this standard is testament to the hard work and professionalism of Forestry England’s wildlife teams. BQWV certification will ensure that our standards continue to be the very best that they can be and help more people enjoy a delicious, sustainable, and truly wild food source from the nation’s forests. Controlling deer, whose population is believed to be at its highest level for 1,000 years, continues to be a vital part of our work to ensure forests and woodlands thrive.”

Ben Rigby, managing director of Ben Rigby Game, said:

“Ben Rigby Game is delighted to be working in partnership with the British Quality Wild Venison Standard. As a leader in top-quality British venison, we ensure that standards are surpassed to create customer confidence and continual growth within the industry.

We would strongly recommend that more suppliers follow suit and sign up to the BQWV Standard guaranteeing an unbeatable and sustainable product in a strong and expanding market into the future.”

BASC is part of the Wild Venison Working Group that developed the standard and we are managing a ‘group’ scheme whereby smaller producers (deer stalkers) can access BQWV. This involves BASC undertaking inspections of producers’ facilities and processes to ensure that they comply with the standards.

Martin Edwards, BASC head of deer & woodland management, said:

“BASC congratulates the three new certificate holders. We are delighted that we have several Approved Game Handling Establishments signed up to BQWV. With more going through the registration process, this will open the door to our members being able to supply BQWV-approved carcasses once they have joined the group scheme.”