DEER farming in Ireland has been boosted by the BSE scare, which has wiped beef off menus right across the Continent.
According to farm advisory body, Teagasc, there are now between 500 and 600 deer farmers in the Republic and the figure is increasing monthly.
Mr Liam Connolly, research economist with Teagasc, said yesterday that beef consumption is dropping sharply in countries such as Germany and France, with consumers opting for venison and poultry.
The increased popularity of deer farming means that breeding stock is available locally, Mr Connolly said. "It now only costs about £1,000 an acre after grants to get involved in the industry."