Forestry and Land Scotland’s deer management programme was hailed as exemplary when Rural Affairs Minister, Mairi Gougeon, on 3 March 2020 announced a £13 million, five-year venison supply contract between Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and Highland Game Ltd.
The contract highlights the significant economic, social and environmental benefits of Forestry and Land Scotland’s management of deer.
It will also help to underpin the popularity of Scottish venison in markets at home and overseas, and boost its credentials with increasingly health-conscious consumers – venison is high in protein (more than beef), high in iron and vitamin B12 (good for red blood cells), and is low in calories and fat.
Speaking at a visit to Highland Game Ltd in Dundee, Ms Gougeon, said:
“This activity is essential to help reduce Scotland’s deer population to non-damaging levels to protect the environment. as part of our ambition to create a circular economy, we should ensure that this lean, healthy source of protein reaches the food chain. This contract will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s £7.25 million per year venison industry.
“Crucially, the deal with Highland Game, one of the exciting innovative businesses in our food and drink sector, brings added value to the rural economy and sustains hundreds of rural jobs and livelihoods.”
As the largest producer of venison in the UK, Scotland contributes around 3,500 tonnes of wild venison and 70 tonnes of farmed venison each year. Around two thirds of this enters the £100 million UK Game market, with the remaining third being exported to countries across mainland Europe and, increasingly, the USA.
FLS and Highland Game Ltd have worked with the industry to develop the Scottish Quality Wild Venison Assurance Scheme – of which both are members – which has been a fundamental element in the long-term commitment to develop and strengthen the market.
Christian Nissen, Managing Director of Highland Game Ltd, said;
“I am very proud of the part that we play in promoting the benefits of venison to markets at home and overseas. Venison is a highly nutritious, versatile and affordable meat that is no longer a niche delicacy but is a year-round staple found across the country in restaurants, supermarkets and in home kitchens.
“Our working relationship with FLS is moving from strength to strength, which is good news for us and good news for Scotland. It has also allowed Highland Game Ltd to stay focussed on delivering quality of service to our customers and to our ongoing investment in the business and its people.
“This is a hugely successful pairing that is a real boost to the reputation of Scotland’s high quality food and drink sector and I look forward to further work with FLS and other land managers to build on these very strong foundations.”
Bill Bewsher, Chairman, Scottish Venison Association, said:
“Congratulations to Highland Game on its success in this important tender. Highland Game has a long established relationship with Forestry and Land Scotland, formerly Forest Enterprise Scotland, and this significant venison output through Highland Game going forward will provide continuity and a solid foundation for the Scottish venison sector as it moves forward in coming years.”
