Key initiatives: From targets to implementation

1. Policy frameworks with concrete measures

Denmark works with policy frameworks that translate climate and food system ambitions into concrete measures.

A key example is the Agreement on a Green Denmark, which includes a carbon price on livestock emissions from 2030, restoration of peatlands, afforestation, nature restoration, nitrogen reduction and changes in agricultural land use.

The agreement is expected to reduce Danish emissions by 1.8 – 2.6 million tonnes CO₂e by 2030.

2. Financing and incentives for implementation
Denmark supports implementation through dedicated funding mechanisms.

The Green Area Fund, established as part of the Agreement on a Green Denmark, allocates DKK 40 billion, approx. EUR 5.4 billion to land-use change, including peatland restoration, afforestation and nature restoration.

The Plant-Based Food Grant allocates more than DKK 1 billion towards 2030 to projects that promote plant-based foods. The fund supports plant-based crops, ingredients, food innovation, processing, market development and new value chains.

Together, these funds show how Denmark connects political ambition with practical financing for farmers, companies and emerging value chains.

Key initiatives: Producing more value from available resources

1. Circular bioeconomy and better use of biomass

Denmark works to increase the value of biological resources across agriculture, food production and energy.

Through the National Bioeconomy Panel, Denmark focuses on how biomass and side streams can be refined into food, feed, biomaterials and bioenergy. The panel supports recommendations on value chains, commercialisation and export opportunities within the bioeconomy.

This makes bioeconomy a concrete part of Denmark’s approach to productivity within planetary boundaries: Using biomass more efficiently, reducing waste and creating new value from resources that are already part of the food system.

2. Biogas and nutrient recirculation

The Danish biogas model connects agriculture, food production, waste handling and renewable energy.

Livestock manure, food waste and organic residues are used to produce renewable gas. At the same time, nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are recirculated back to agriculture as fertiliser.

In practice, biogas helps turn residues into energy and nutrients, while supporting reduced methane emissions from manure and strengthening the link between food production and renewable energy.

Key initiatives: Building a broader protein landscape

1. Plant-rich foods and new value chains

Denmark was the first country in the world to launch a national Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods.

The action plan supports the development of plant-rich foods across the value chain – from crops and ingredients to food innovation, processing, exports and consumer demand. It is closely connected to the Plant-Based Food Grant, which allocates more than DKK 1 billion towards 2030 to projects promoting plant-rich foods.

In practice, this helps build new markets for Danish farmers, ingredient producers and food companies while strengthening protein diversification.

2. Legumes, ingredients and plant-rich innovation

Protein diversification also depends on developing the crops, ingredients and products that make plant-based foods attractive, nutritious and scalable.

Denmark works with legumes, potatoes, peas, fava beans and other crops that can be used in new food products and ingredients. Danish companies demonstrate how these crops can processedninto ingredients that improve taste, texture and nutrition in plant-rich foods, while opening new opportunities for food producers.

This strengthens both domestic value chains and export opportunities for Danish food solutions

Key initiatives: Making sustainability measurable

1. Climate data at farm level

Denmark works with farm-level data to support farmers and food companies measure and reduce climate impact.

In the dairy sector, climate tools are used to collect data on emissions, feed, energy use and production practices at farm level. This gives farmers a clearer basis for identifying improvements and gives companies better documentation for customers and markets.

By making climate impact measurable at farm level, data becomes a practical tool for action – not only reporting.

2. Traceability across the value chain

Traceability is central to Denmark’s food system. It documents where food comes from, how it has been produced and how it moves through the value chain.

Danish companies use traceability systems to strengthen food safety, quality assurance and sustainability documentation. This is increasingly important for international customers that require reliable data on origin, production methods and impact.

In practice, traceability supports both trust and market access.

Key initiatives: Partnerships that turn ideas into action

1. Public-private partnerships that change markets

Denmark uses partnerships to create shared direction and market development across the food value chain.

The Danish Whole Grain Partnership is one example. It brings together public authorities, health organisations and food companies to increase whole grain consumption. Through shared targets, product development, labelling and communication, the partnership has helped make whole grain products more visible and accessible to consumers.

The same approach is now used in other areas, including legumes and plant-rich foods, where partnerships help build demand, develop products and connect actors across the value chain.

2. Cross-sector collaboration on climate and agriculture

The Agreement on a Green Denmark is  an example of Danish collaboration in practice.

The agreement was developed across government, agriculture, industry, trade unions, municipalities and environmental organisations. It brings different interests together around concrete measures for climate, nature, land use and food production.

This shows how partnerships can be used not only for dialogue, but to create agreements that include both targets, financing and implementation mechanisms.