New Zealand venison is produced from the open pastures of New Zealand in a natural, free-range environment, without the use of hormones or steroids. It’s naturally healthy, being low in fat, calories and cholesterol, and with a great taste that must be experienced.
This natural advantage is supported by quality assurance programmes run by New Zealand venison companies and on an industry-wide basis – starting on farms and continuing right through to processing. New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries licences and inspects venison processing plants and certifies all exports of venison from New Zealand.
New Zealand deer farmers are proud professionals
New Zealand venison is a low carbon meat, produced in a natural, sustainable manner.
New Zealand deer farmers have always aspired to sustainable land management via industry-wide programmes to avoid potentially negative impacts on the environment.
New Zealand is blessed with ample rain and vast open pastures. Farming is a natural use for the landscape, and New Zealand farmers have been growing livestock and crops for 150 years, with careful consideration to ensure the environment is left in a better state for the next generation.
In Māori culture, Te Taio refers to the natural world – the environment that contains and surrounds us – while the concept of kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, is rooted in the deep connection to the land that humans share. Deer farmers understand this connection to the land and the responsibilities that come with it. Production and productivity are key elements of farming but so is caring for Te Taio.
Animal welfare is key to achieving the highest quality New Zealand venison products, as well as sustainable land management. Most deer are farmed in mountainous regions with vast fields stretching over hundreds of acres. They feed mainly on natural grass and herbs, either straight from the field or stored for when grass growth is slower.
New Zealand deer farmers believe they have a duty to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects that their activities may have on the environment. The New Zealand deer farming industry has an active programme in place to celebrate environmental excellence and was one of the first such environmental awards within the primary sector. Every two years, nominated farmers are inspected, judged, and if appropriate, recognised in their contribution towards environmental sustainability through on farm initiatives.
New Zealand venison marketing companies and their farmer suppliers work in partnership with international customers to produce quality products to high environmental standards. They also work within formal farm assurance programs that monitor animal health and welfare, as well as the environmental impact of farming operations.