Through focused research and development the Deer Industry R&D Program invests in improving industry performance in four key areas where the industry has identified problems at both whole-of-industry and industry sector-specific levels.

The Deer Program has been wound down and research for the deer industry is now conducted through RIRDC's New Animal Products Program.

The Program's research investments are guided by the Deer Industry R&D Advisory Committee, following the Research & Development Plan for the Deer Program 2006 - 2011.