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02 December 2024
SAOS's sister organisation, Food Integrity Assurance (FIA), has been appointed by Scottish Quality Wild Venison (SQWV) to lead the assessment and certification of its Scottish Quality Wild Venison Scheme, starting from January 1, 2025. Under this partnership, FIA will oversee the evaluation of stalking practices and carcass storage for scheme members, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required for certification.
John Fortieth, Chair of SQWV, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting FIA’s strong track record in certifying Scottish products. “With FIA’s expertise, SQWV is well-positioned to grow and meet rising demands in both production and emerging markets. We’re eager to work closely with our members, confident that this collaboration will expand the scheme’s impact for both members and the wider industry,” he stated.
Scotland has long led the way in quality assurance for primary food production, with successful ventures in both local and international markets. Building on this foundation, the SQWV Scheme now aims to support its 170+ members and broaden its reach across the supply chain. The scheme’s core objectives include bolstering Scotland’s reputation for food safety, traceability, and sustainability in wild venison production.
Stephen Sanderson, General Manager of FIA, also shared his excitement about the collaboration. “Since our inception in 2021, FIA’s mission has been to advance sustainable, climate-conscious food production in Scotland. We look forward to working alongside SQWV and the industry to strengthen the integrity of the Scottish Quality Wild Venison brand. By adopting new technologies and integrating cross-scheme assessments, we hope to streamline processes and increase value for producers, both domestically and abroad.”
This partnership signals a milestone for the Scottish wild venison industry, reinforcing its commitment to food safety, quality, sustainability, and consumer confidence.