Scottish Wild Venison producers seek EU protection

Wild venison producers in Scotland have begun the process of applying for EU protected status for their meat, despite the uncertainty over the Protected Food Name scheme’s future in the UK after Brexit.

Scottish Venison Partnership wants to secure Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) from the European Commission for Scottish Wild Venison.

If successful this would cover all meat, and processed products like sausages and pies, from the four species of free-roaming deer north of the border – red, sika, roe and fallow deer.

This application comes hot on the heels of Traditional Welsh Caerphilly securing PGI status and joining a host of British products, including Stilton and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, that have various protection levels via the scheme.

But before Defra sends the Scottish Wild Venison application to Europe, the proposal is subject to public consultation, which is being conducted by the Scottish Government.

Any person or business with a legitimate interest in this application can register their comments or objections by midnight on 29th May.

Click here to read the full consultation document, which features an in-depth proposal and details of how to submit feedback.

There is currently no plan for how the Protected Food Name scheme will continue in the UK after Brexit but, earlier this month, the UK Protected Food Names Association told FFD it was hopeful that a reciprocal arrangement could be agreed.

This would ensure that European products would continue to be protected in the UK and vice versa.