“WE are relieved that the ban by the EU on game exports has been lifted, especially in light of the huge demand for venison in Western Europe,” said president of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), Dr Gert Dry.
“Current demand for organically produced venison in Western Europe amounts to at least 100 000t, while local venison production fluctuates between 600t/year and 1 500t/year,” he said. “We’ve set ourselves the task of proactively developing and encouraging venison production, given the excellent quality of the local product.”
He compared SA venison production to the industry in New Zealand. “That country has the same production capacity as we do and is currently exporting as much as 40 000t of venison per annum. But the New Zealand product can hardly be considered wild venison. The game is farmed under intense conditions, very much like sheep. The SA product, on the other hand, is a healthy product which should be marketed as such.” – Annelie Coleman
