Wild Boar haven’t been seen in any significant numbers on UK soil for over 300 years, but their return to Gwynedd could be up to you!

They were hunted to extinction by our forefathers as their meat was a highly sought after delicacy. Rich in flavour and leaner than our conventional farrowing friend, they feed mainly on various vegetable matter but as with ourselves, need a balanced diet which often includes berries and insects.

Even though there are small pockets of free living wild boar roaming and breeding mainly in southern England, wild boar farming as an enterprise is in its infancy.

The estimated value of the wild boar meat market in the UK is about £2,000,000 and growing! Half of which is being imported in frozen state from Europe as the demand for it clearly outstrips supply. A recent survey conducted with several local chefs concluded that there was plenty of interest in the meat, if only they could secure a reliable supply!

Naturally, there are many issues to address before establishing a wild boar farm. These range from specific land requirements, regulatory compliance, processing and marketing. Under the MENTERRA project, BIC Innovation have researched the opportunity and assessed the risks. Dependent on cost of fencing and the most appropriate route to market, wild boar farming has the potential to maximise value from marginal land, creating a real commercial option in a niche market.

Huw Watkins
BIC Innovation