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Wild venison: a valuable resource
Ahead of the general election, the Labour Party pledged in its manifesto to boost local food sourcing. This involved committing to procure at least 50 per cent of public sector food from local sources, or those meeting high environmental standards.
Venison, provided by BASC-trained deer stalkers and managers, offers an excellent opportunity to meet these goals through sustainable, ethical sourcing.
Here’s how BASC’s work in deer management aligns with this commitment and why venison is a valuable addition to public-sector procurement.
BASC’s deer management training ensures ethical sourcing
BASC offers comprehensive training through its Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC) courses and deer mentors network, ensuring ethical and environmentally responsible practices in deer management.
BASC-trained stalkers follow best practice, preventing overgrazing and supporting habitat conservation, aligning with the Labour Party’s commitment to sourcing food with minimal environmental impact.
Through this training, deer stalkers provide a local, high-quality source of venison that meets strict ethical standards, making them ideal suppliers for the public sector. For more details, visit BASC’s deer management page.
Low-impact meat production for a smaller carbon footprint
Venison offers a more sustainable protein option compared to intensively farmed meats. Deer stalkers manage wild deer populations, which allows for the provision of local, low-impact venison without the need for large-scale farming infrastructure.
This approach keeps carbon emissions low and reduces the environmental footprint of the meat supply chain, making it an ideal fit for public sector sustainability goals.
A nutritious option
Wild venison is a lean meat low in fat and rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins. These nutritional benefits make it an ideal choice for institutions such as schools and hospitals, where balanced, healthy meals are essential.
BASC promotes venison’s value as a nutritious, sustainable meat, encouraging its acceptance and integration into public sector menus. By choosing venison, public institutions have the opportunity to offer healthier food options.
Supporting rural economies and local jobs
Deer stalkers contribute significantly to rural economies, providing sustainable job opportunities and supporting local income streams. The Value of Shooting 2024 report highlights captures this contribution, detailing the economic, environmental and social benefits of shooting in the UK.
Through out network, BASC offers guidance, mentoring, and resources to support rural professionals in deer management, ensuring that local communities benefit economically. This work aligns closely with the government’s pledge to strengthen countryside livelihoods through public sector sourcing from local providers.
Enhancing food security and self-sufficiency
BASC’s approach to ethical deer management provides a consistent, high-quality source of wild venison.
It reduces reliance on imports and bolsters the UK’s food security. Sourcing venison from BASC’s network of trained deer managers supports the Labour manifesto’s vision for food security as a national priority by creating resilient, self-sustaining local food chains.
Raising standards through the British Quality Wild Venison scheme
In 2023, the British Quality Wild Venison assurance scheme (BQWV) was introduced as the UK’s first quality standard for wild venison. It was developed with input from BASC and other sector leaders.
Top producers, including Forestry England, Highland Game, and Ben Rigby Game, have already achieved certification. The BWQV established a reliable, accredited supply of wild venison. The scheme’s rigorous standards ensure that accredited venison meets strict requirements for traceability, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
By enhancing buyer confidence, BQWV aims to expand the market for wild venison The scheme encourages its use in public sector contracts and retail. This initiative not only supports sustainable deer management but also aligns with consumer preferences for high-welfare, free-range products, making wild venison an attractive and responsible choice for public sector menus.
By incorporating venison into public sector procurement, the UK can take a significant step toward sustainable and responsible food sourcing.
Learn more about BASC’s work in deer management and the benefits of venison here.
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James Sutcliffe
James Sutcliffe is BASC’s deer officer. He has over 10 years’ experience of recreational and professional deer stalking and gamekeeping. He has spent time guiding in New Zealand and managing wild boar and red stags in Germany. James is a keen rifle and shotgun shooter who enjoys working his Labradors throughout the game shooting season.
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