Producers are accepted into new venison quality scheme

Three UK venison producers have now received their accreditation from the British Quality Wild Venison (BQWV) assurance scheme. This provides a complete route from the point of shot to a market for the meat. 

Forestry England has received accreditation for 11 larders, joining Highland Game and Ben Rigby Game, which achieved their certification earlier this year. 

Launched in 2023, BQWV is the first scheme of its kind in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has been developed by a cross-sector working group including BASC and the British Deer Society. The standard aims to increase the traceability of wild venison, improve buyer confidence in the product and support woodland management. 

Accreditation involves a rigorous assessment of policy, procedure and infrastructure by independent auditors. Forestry England wildlife manager Jim Lee said the certification would “ensure that 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”. 

While other wild venison processors are currently awaiting audit, BASC is managing a group scheme through which smaller producers, such as individual deerstalkers, can access BQWV. 

Martin Edwards, BASC head of deer and woodland management, said: “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 scheme.”