Gentle collection of deer velvet under veterinary supervision, demonstrating the ethical and humane approach to harvesting this valuable natural resource"`
Ethical Production
Velvet Removal: New Zealand's Certified, Humane Approach to Stag Welfare
Ethical Deer Velvet Harvesting: New Zealand's Gold Standard for Animal Welfare
In an era when consumers increasingly monitor not only effectiveness but also the ethical origin of products such as certified deer velvet, New Zealand represents a global leader in ethical deer velvet harvesting. Through the integration of scientific research, strict standards, and a transparent certification system, a unique model has emerged that has become a benchmark for the entire world.
Science as the Foundation of Ethics
The New Zealand deer industry has invested decades in scientific research examining the welfare of stags during velvet removal. The result is a comprehensive Code of Practice for the Welfare of Deer during Velvet Removal, issued by the government's Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in collaboration with the veterinary association and animal protection organizations.
This code is a unique example of how industry, government, and animal advocates have united in the interest of ethical approaches and the highest product quality.
NVSB Certification System: Guaranteeing the Highest Standards
Based on this code, the National Velvet Standards Body (NVSB) system was established, setting strict rules and oversight for the entire process of humane deer velvet harvesting.
Key principles include:
- Local anesthesia and stress minimization – velvet removal is performed exclusively under local anesthesia, without pain and with minimal stress for the animal.
- Strict hygiene standards – detailed rules for equipment and environment ensure maximum cleanliness and safety.
- Professional training and veterinary supervision – farmers undergo training led by certified veterinarians, covering both theory and practice.
- Multi-level certification – written and oral examination, practical assessment, and independent evaluation by a veterinarian.
- Regular education and monitoring – annual training and monitoring of farmers ensures long-term quality.
- Independent audits – NVSB conducts random inspections to ensure standards are consistently followed.
Why New Zealand's Certification Model Is Unique
This system guarantees that deer velvet from New Zealand is obtained:
- Ethically – with maximum consideration for animal welfare
- Humanely – without pain and unnecessary stress
- Sustainably – in accordance with natural processes and the environment
"The New Zealand certification system represents the gold standard in the industry and is the main reason why Roanga Planet works exclusively with suppliers from there," says Norbert Vacík, founder of the Roanga Planet project.
Ethics as an Integral Part of Quality
The result is a product that earns trust not only through its effectiveness but also through its origin. For customers, this means confidence that when they choose a supplement containing premium New Zealand deer velvet, they are selecting an ingredient with guaranteed highest animal welfare standards in the world.
