Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the future prospects for deer farming here and on international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25868/03]
Written Answers. - Deer Farming.
There are 300 deer farming units in Ireland with a stock of up to 40,000 deer, producing 700 tonnes of venison annually. The main outlet for Irish venison is the export market where 70% of production is sent. Fallow deer is exported to Denmark while red deer is supplied to the supermarket chains in Ireland and the UK and also to hotels and restaurants in Ireland, the UK and US. The main competition on the export market is farmed deer from New Zealand and wild deer from Scotland. Prices on the international market fluctuate depending on the availability of supplies from New Zealand.
Development of the sector is affected by the low volumes involved. Irish venison is a special ised, high quality product and markets have been established here and abroad in the retail and catering sectors.
Teagasc provides an advisory service to deer farmers. It also supports the Venison Industry Board which is the main representative body in all matters relating to deer farming and the development and expansion of home and export markets. State support for deer is available under the area based compensatory allowance scheme, the scheme of investment aid and alternative enterprises, housing and handling facilities. The REP scheme also provides assistance.