Wild game is fair game…

I feel it's essential to put a balanced view of the rationale for the production of British wild game (Letters, Caterer, 22 December, page 21). The process of rearing and releasing birds into the wild has been part of the countryside estate management for more than 100 years. All game rearing and keeping is conducted under strict codes of practice and subject to approved veterinary codes. Many game farmers are members of the Government-run Poultry Health Scheme and are subject to state veterinary inspection.

Some 80% of pheasants and partridges are reared from either eggs or day-old chicks and released into the countryside in late summer for harvesting the following winter. Here they live alongside the indigenous wildlife and so spend most of their lives in the wild.

The Game-to-Eat campaign is working with caterers to increase awareness of British wild game. It's one of the most truly seasonal meats available; caterers can buy it locally direct from producers or from game dealers, and will always be assured of full traceability. Indicative of game's attractions for the consumer is that it's the only meat sector to have shown double-figure growth in the last five years (Mintel 2004).

Alexia Robinson
Field McNally Leathes, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex

Have your say
Click here to e-mail your comments. The editor reserves the right to edit comments.