Scottish Venison Working Group – 3 February 2010

Present: Stephen Gibbs, Richard Cooke, John Morison, Willie Lamont, Nichola Fletcher, Bruce Brymer Will Boyd Wallis, Dick Playfair
Circulate: Above + Alastair McGugan, Linzi Seivwright, John Fletcher, Leo Barclay, George MacDonald, Christian Nissen, Richard Townsend, George Henderson, Leslie Waugh, Douglas Scott (SFMTA)
For info: Robert Balfour, Finlay Clark, Andy Leitch, Jonathan Whitehead (SFQC), Ali Loder, David Greer, Clare Bickford

The following points were discussed:

Grant applications
Dick reported on the grant applications and Government funding support. The two applications that had been made under SRDP have currently been shelved. However, the Scottish Government Food Team is providing interim funding for specific work to be carried out between February and end March 2010. This work covers a Scoping Study (project brief attached), and funding for further development of the website and recruitment of new listings to the site, particularly from London and SE where the majority of hits are coming from. This total package covers £10k with no additional funding required from SVWG, and funds can be drawn down through DCS.

Linzi thanked for pulling the funding package together and successful liaison with the SG food team.

After end March SVWG will need to be self-financing through 2010, relying on contributions from membership (£5K has already been pledged from ADMG).

A further grant supported by the Scoping Study and for 3 years would be submitted in Autumn 2010.

Note: Concern over lack of interest in tendering for the study. Linzi has now received one tender with deliverywithin specified budget and timeframe, so likely to go ahead this.

Future funding
The concept of a levy through game dealers had been discussed at previous meeting (02.12.09). Dick explained that there had been suggestion that this concept should not be taken forward this year as agreed. However, it was decided that time would be lost if this concept was not developed now, and that a favourable response could secure future funding for SVWG work, and provide valuable match-funding in the event of future Scottish Government support.

The 1p per kilo levy on everything would be raised from all SQWV accredited game dealers, and would be a better and more secure method of future funding than relying on hand-outs from organisations such as ADMG. It would also mirror the mechanism used in red meat/livestock industry.

Decided that this be flagged up at ADMG AGM on 26 February as part of SVWG report.

Stephen to write to 4 main game dealers for their support before AGM, followed by telephone conversations. Proposed that levy could commence this year 1 July.

Stephen also to discuss with ADMG (Robert and Finlay) in advance of AGM

Richard added that the levy was important because, if following Country Sports Tourism Group model, grant funding might only be for a three year period, and it would be crucial for the organisation to have means of self-finance to continue to operate and contribute meaningfully after this time.

A survey of Scottish venison prices paid to a sample of estates over last 5 seasons would be useful evidence to support the levy option. Suggested that this information should be sought from 10 estates. Dick to discuss with Richard asap.

Assurance from DCS
Following discussion, Stephen will seek assurance from DCS in writing that its support for SVWG will continue post merger with SNH, and that DCS staff and funding would still be available to input into Group. There was concern that SVWG and SNH might not be natural 'bedfellows'.

Promotional activity 2010
Dick advised that because promotional activity from April 2010 onwards would effectively be self-funding the main focus must be:
• driving visits to website and continued site development
• PR, and raising awareness of Scottish venison in general pre Scottish Venison day and for Christmas
• Scottish Venison Day

On web development, Dick reiterated that it would be extremely helpful if the main dealers could supply key stockists for inclusion, even if this simply involved a link to a retail group's own site, like Sainsbury or Youngs.

Bruce advised that material should be available for restaurants and hotels for Christmas well in advance.

Attention drawn to the Scottish Enterprise Food Tourism initiative, and how Scottish Venison might link into this.

Nichola will decline opportunity for Scottish Venison for this year at RHS (via Charles Milne) but express that we would like to take forward in 2011.

Scottish Gamekeepers Event at Ingliston on 6 and 7 March. SVWG has been offered small free stand. Dick will organise display, which will be information only. Volunteers needed to assist with manning this.
Richard possible for time on Saturday, and John Morison for 1/2 day. Dick will be available for one day. One or more volunteers required please.
Note: Linzi – this would be a good opportunity to give out recipe cards. Stock of these would be useful. Do they carry web address?

Nicola suggested opportunity to have DVD running if available. Dick will need to organise TV/DVD.

Other business
Will suggested possible option of a Cairngorms focused study on Scottish venison as adjunct to larger study.

Possible contractor for this might be MLURI (sustainable hunting group). Contact Justin Irvine?

Dick and Leo to meet separately with SFMTA (Douglas and Bruce), re Scottish Venison Day, possible venison educational seminar for butchers etc

Question over how levy might work for farm gate sales, and for non-QA venison.

John suggested we needed something on the web to enable comments to be left. However, concluded that this might be problematic and attract adverse comment also. People can already comment through Facebook group if they wish.

Dick said that we needed to have more of a mix of items on news pages if possible.

Date of next meeting
25 March at 11.00 at DCS Stirling.