Reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions requires action across the entire value chain. This includes practical, scalable solutions that create measurable impact at farm-level and reduce resource losses in everyday operations. To address this, the GreenFarm™ climate and energy system converts livestock manure into biogas for local energy production, reducing methane emissions at source. The solution demonstrates how farm-level technology can turn a climate challenge into renewable energy and stronger resource efficiency.

As global demand for high-quality food rises, agriculture faces increasing pressure to reduce its climate impact while maintaining productivity. Livestock farming plays an important role in global food systems, but it is also associated with greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from the storage and handling of liquid manure. This is significant because methane has a stronger warming effect than carbon dioxide in the short term.

The system can be implemented on livestock farms with slurry-based manure systems and is scalable for operations handling approximately 3,000 – 20,000 cubic metres of slurry annually

At the same time, many farms rely on purchased electricity and fossil fuels for daily operations. This exposes farmers to energy price volatility and contributes to overall emissions. Traditional manure management can also result in nutrient losses and leaching into surrounding water environments. Farmers are therefore navigating multiple challenges at once: reducing emissions, improving nutrient use, securing stable energy supply and complying with tightening climate and environmental regulation. The sector needs practical, farm-integrated solutions that can document their impact.

A resource-efficient on-farm solution

GreenFarm™, a Danish climate and energy technology company, has developed an on-farm climate and energy system designed to process livestock manure in a controlled system. Using primarily liquid slurry as feedstock, the modular plant captures methane during processing and converts it into electricity and heat for on-farm use. The system can be implemented on livestock farms with slurry-based manure systems and is scalable for operations handling approximately 3,000 – 20,000 cubic metres of slurry annually. The process also produces a treated fertiliser product intended to improve nutrient availability for crops.

In practice, this connects livestock production, energy generation and nutrient management within the same operational system. Manure is processed before being returned to existing storage for field application, while the energy produced is used directly in daily farm operations.

Integrating climate action into daily operations

By processing slurry in a closed system, methane emissions from storage can be reduced, and the captured energy can replace part of the farm’s external electricity consumption. In some cases, surplus electricity may be supplied to the grid, depending on local regulation. The treated fertiliser product can contribute to improved nutrient utilisation and may reduce the risk of nutrient leaching into surrounding water systems.

Taken together, the solution enables farms to integrate energy production, emission management and nutrient optimisation into daily operations. This demonstrates how farm-based climate technology can support emission reductions while maintaining productivity and operational stability.

The Agreement on a Green Denmark demonstrates how ambitious climate and nature goals can be aligned with competitive food production. Through an integrated framework combining regulation, public investment, and broad stakeholder collaboration, Denmark is transforming land use and agriculture while maintaining a productive food sector. The agreement introduces the world’s first CO₂e tax on livestock emissions and supports large-scale land use change, offering a scalable model for climate-smart agriculture with global relevance.

Food systems worldwide must deliver more food with fewer resources while staying within environmental limits. Major challenges for agriculture is greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and water pollution. At the same time, food production must remain economically viable to ensure food security, rural livelihoods, and stable supply chains.

Many countries struggle to reconcile climate and nature ambitions with competitive agricultural production. Policies are often fragmented across climate, water, and biodiversity objectives, creating uncertainty for farmers and limiting impact. There is a growing need for integrated, scalable approaches that reduce environmental pressures without undermining food production or shifting emissions elsewhere.

An integrated framework for systemic change

The Agreement on a Green Denmark provides an integrated framework for transforming land use and agriculture through collaboration between government, industry and civil society. A core element is the introduction of a national CO₂e tax on livestock emissions from 2030, the first of its kind globally. The tax includes a substantial baseline deduction, incentivising farmers to reduce emissions through recognised measures and technologies. Revenues are recycled into the agricultural sector to support green investments and innovation that can accelerate the green transition.

The agreement is supported by large-scale land use change through Denmark’s Green Area Fund, backed by approximately EUR 5.76 billion. The fund finances voluntary afforestation, peatland rewetting, and extensification, reducing emissions while improving biodiversity and water quality. Local tripartite groups develop catchment-based land-use plans, supported by scientific data and digital planning tools, ensuring solutions are locally anchored and evidence-based.

Accelerating innovation for sustainable food systems

The Agreement on a Green Denmark establishes a credible pathway for reducing agricultural emissions while maintaining a productive food sector, contributing significantly to Denmark’s ambitious climate targets, including an 82% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. It delivers climate mitigation alongside nature restoration, cleaner aquatic environments, and increased land-use efficiency.

Internationally, the agreement offers a scalable governance model rather than a prescriptive template. By combining regulation, incentives, public investment, and stakeholder collaboration, Denmark demonstrates how food production and environmental goals can be aligned in a way that is both economically viable and globally necessary. In doing so, the agreement is expected to stimulate innovation and deliver new technologies and solutions that can be applied in food systems worldwide.

Safe and efficient feed is essential to profitable aquaculture and terrestrial livestock production. This is why fishmeal and fish oil are such important ingredients to farmers all over the world. Rich in amino acids, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, there is nothing quite like them for supporting the growth, health and immune function of marine and land-based animals.

Denmark is Europe’s leading producer. With annual exports valued at around US$936 million, the Danish fishmeal and fish oil sector delivers premium ingredients to feed and pet food manufacturers in more than 40 countries.

Production is rooted in responsible resource use and modern biorefinery technology. Most of the raw materials are short-lived pelagic species such as sprat and sandeel, which have limited use in direct food production. Around 25% are upcycled trimmings from seafood processing.

In climate-smart feed formulations, marine ingredients reduce reliance on land-intensive crops and optimise the use of natural resources

Strict traceability, species separation and continuous quality control underline the commitment to sustainability and transparent sourcing – along with international certifications which include Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and MarinTrust. The mid-water gear used for pelagic fishing avoids seabed impacts and minimises ecosystem disturbance.

In climate-smart feed formulations, marine ingredients reduce reliance on land-intensive crops and optimise the use of natural resources. Danish biorefining innovation and the continuous improvement of sustainability standards demonstrates the vast potential of marine biomass to contribute to a circular, bio-based economy.

The distinctive functionality of eggs is well known in food production. Their ability to add texture and enable foaming, gelling and emulsification is hard to match. Yet, as global demand for high-quality protein continues to grow, more manufacturers are seeking reliable egg alternatives that deliver a similar performance at a stable price and with a low environmental footprint.

In Denmark, Palsgaard, its R&D company Nexus and Aarhus University have joined forces to develop plant-based ingredients that can partially replace egg and egg powder in industrial food applications. Innovation Fund Denmark has provided funding for the project.

Using bioinformatics and advanced ingredient screening, the partners aim to identify plant proteins with the potential to replicate key egg functionalities. Food manufacturers are working with the team to test existing recipes and develop new formulations using prototype ingredients. This collaborative approach ensures real-world validation and accelerates the development of scalable solutions.

Using plant-based ingredients in the confectionery sector has strong potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions

The emerging solutions have potential to reduce the cost and environmental impact of food ingredients significantly.

Using plant-based ingredients in the confectionery sector has strong potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in addition to supporting a more resilient and diverse protein supply.

For food manufacturers, a new generation of plant-based ingredients could be on the way, strengthening the sustainability of their production without compromising quality or performance.

Interest in microbial solutions is growing in response to farmer needs to maintain productivity while reducing their reliance on synthetic inputs. Beneficial microorganisms can support seed germination, root development and early plant establishment – areas where small improvements can translate into measurable differences in yield and crop quality.

Nordic microbes develops microbial seed treatments designed to enhance crop growth and make more efficient use of resources. The company aims to enable crop production that maintains yield and farmer income while lowering the environmental footprint. One of its main products, SeedSpeed^®, has been tested in spring barley, winter wheat, faba beans, peas and maize.

In field trials with maize, SeedSpeed^® increased yield by 13.3 %, increased protein content by 28 %, and provided taller plants and fully filled cobs compared to untreated crops. These results illustrate how microbial seed treatments can improve performance without adding synthetic fertilisers or pesticides.

Field trials show yield increases of 13.3 % in maize when using microbial seed treatment

By supporting stronger root systems and better nutrient uptake, microbial seed treatments help reduce dependency on chemical inputs while preserving crop productivity. For farmers, this translates into improved feed efficiency, reduced waste and a pathway to increased profitability. At a broader level, microbial technologies contribute to more resource-efficient agricultural systems that address sustainability targets without compromising output or stability.

Antibiotic resistance is rising globally, threatening public health, animal welfare, and sustainable food systems. To preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in livestock is essential. To address this challenge, a research group at the University of Copenhagen is developing innovative solutions to reduce reliance on antibiotics in the veterinary sector.  

Across the world, the overuse of antibiotics in livestock production contributes to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, AMR, where standard treatments become ineffective in both animals and humans. In Europe alone, AMR is responsible for an estimated 35,000 deaths of people each year and is ranked among the top four health threats by the European Commission.    

Understanding how antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread is key to developing targeted strategies. The main transmission routes for resistant bacteria are foodborne exposure, direct contact between animals and humans, and environmental contamination. Global differences in food safety standards and thereby foodborne transmissions underscore the need for context-specific strategies to effectively combat AMR. 

Science-based tools improve diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections in livestock  
Denmark was the first European country to implement DANMAP – a fully integrated surveillance system that monitors antibiotic use and resistance, as well as the effects of regulatory measures, across animals, food and humans. Established by the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Danish Ministry of Health in 1995, DANMAP has become one of the most effective systems against AMR globally.  

To address the need for further reductions in antibiotic use, Denmark is advancing new solutions through the One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (OHAR) group led by Professor Luca Guardabassi at the University of Copenhagen.  The OHAR group conduct research on development of solutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections in animals, using a One Health approach that recognises the connection between human, animal and environmental health. The group has two strategic objectives: to develop diagnostic tools and methods that provide rapid, cost-effective guidance for antibiotic prescription in animals, and to optimise the use of antibiotics to minimise the selection and spread of AMR.  

Collaborative efforts offer measurable impact 
As part of this research effort, Professor Luca Guardabassi has coordinated a 5-year (2020–2025) EU project on alternatives to veterinary antimicrobials (AVANT). With a budget of EUR 6 million and 14 research institutions across 10 EU countries, the AVANT project has developed and tested a variety of practical solutions to keep pigs healthy without relying on antibiotics. The work has focused primarily on preventing diarrhoea, the leading indication for antibiotic use in Danish pig production. The results show that no single intervention is enough to significantly reduce antibiotic use by itself. For example, high-fibre diets are simple to introduce but have only a modest effect on their own. Faecal transplantation, where healthy gut bacteria from one pig are given to another, proved much more effective at preventing diarrhoea in piglets. However, the use of this promising method in food-producing animals is currently limited by EU regulations.  

According to projections to 2035, faecal transplantation and high-fibre diets could reduce antibiotic use in European pig farming by around 2% when widely applied. Even greater reductions are possible when these dietary strategies are combined with vaccination programmes, which in some cases completely removed the need for antibiotics on farms. The findings support EU’s target to cut antibiotic use in animals by 20% by 2030 and highlight how Denmark’s long-standing collaboration between the veterinary, medical and agricultural sectors continue to advance science-based solutions. The AVANT project reinforces Denmark’s role as a model for research-driven approaches to reduce AMR in livestock production.  

 

Biosecurity is paramount when transporting livestock across borders. Should disease break out, the economic consequences would be dire for any livestock-exporting nation.

In Denmark, the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency (Styrelsen for Fødevarer, Landbrug og Fiskeri), agricultural industry and scientific institutions collaborate closely to protect the millions of live pigs that are exported each year. Their role is to adopt measures, develop recommendations for farmers and adjust contingency and action plans to prevent the spread of African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, for example.

One preventive measure is the DANISH Transport Standard (DTS), which covers livestock hauliers, collection centres, exporters and the cleaning and disinfection stations for all transport vehicles that enter Denmark from abroad.

Approved DTS hauliers are required to use DTS cleaning and disinfection stations before loading and transporting herds that have been certified according to the DANISH Product Standard.

According to Danish law, all pig and cattle transports must be registered in the Central Husbandry Register. This transport data is then merged with a central database, which collates washing and disinfection certificates, to verify DTS compliance.

Central register for livestock transport

According to Danish law, all pig and cattle transports must be registered in the Central Husbandry Register. This transport data is then merged with a central database, which collates washing and disinfection certificates, to verify DTS compliance.

If vehicles have entered countries identified as high risk or are unable to document their route over the previous seven days, strict quarantines are imposed before they are allowed to approach a herd.

As wild boar poses a risk of African swine fever infections, a fence along the Danish border ensures no wild boar can enter the country – another important step in risk minimisation.

When food manufacturers send samples to external laboratories for microbial analysis, they often face long waiting times – sometimes up to a week – before receiving critical results. In a fast-moving industry where food safety, shelf life and brand reputation are on the line, this delay can compromise decision-making and slow down production.

Moreover, traditional cultivation methods are not equipped to detect the full range of microorganisms present in food and processing environments, leaving manufacturers without the complete microbial picture needed for thorough quality control.

In-house metagenomic testing reduces result time to under 12 hours

To address these challenges, Danish microbiology specialist ISI Food Protection has launched the platform OMNi Track Pro®, which enables food producers to perform in-house metagenomic analysis. This comprehensive approach identifies bacteria, yeasts and moulds through DNA sequencing – offering a complete and precise view of the microbial risk.

OMNi Track Pro® helps manufacturers establish their own on-site microbial testing facilities, reducing the turnaround time for results from several days to less than 12 hours.

The key purpose of OMNi Track Pro® is to help manufacturers establish their own on-site microbial testing facilities, thereby reducing the turnaround time for results from several days to less than 12 hours.

ISI Food Protection not only delivers the hardware and software needed for the setup, but also advises on lab design, workflow integration, microbial classification and data interpretation. User-friendly tools and expert support ensure that manufacturers can take full control of their microbial monitoring.

Faster risk response and better product safety

With faster and more detailed microbial insights, food producers are able to take proactive action to reduce risks, ensure food safety, and minimise production downtime. By gaining full control of testing in-house, they also reduce reliance on external laboratories and protect their brand reputation through rapid, evidence-based decisions.

OMNi Track Pro® empowers food manufacturers to make safer, faster and smarter choices – for the benefit of both their operations and the consumers who trust their products.

Ensuring consistent food safety and quality is essential in the global meat industry. Traditional quality control methods often rely on manual inspection, which is not only time-consuming but also vulnerable to human error and inconsistency.

For large-scale meat producers, the challenge lies in meeting strict safety standards while improving efficiency and minimising food waste – all without compromising product quality or traceability.

AI-driven image analysis ensures accuracy and efficiency

As the largest meat processing company in Europe, Danish Crown has implemented artificial intelligence to automate and enhance quality control across its production lines. By integrating AI-powered image recognition and machine learning, the company can continuously monitor key product characteristics such as colour, texture and fat distribution. Cameras and sensors capture real-time images of each meat product, and AI models analyse the data for any deviations.

The AI system enables rapid, objective assessments and real-time adjustments, significantly reducing food Loss improving process efficiency

The AI system enables rapid, objective assessments and real-time adjustments, significantly reducing food loss and improving process efficiency. Additionally, advanced equipment inspects raw materials – such as metal, plastic and paper – to detect and eliminate foreign objects before they enter production. Automatic image storage also improves traceability and supports follow-up procedures in case of quality deviations.

Smarter production with less waste and stronger consumer trust

By ensuring consistent food safety and quality standards, AI technology helps Danish Crown optimise production, reduce food loss and strengthen consumer confidence in the safety and quality of its meat products.

This shift from manual to digital inspection has enabled Danish Crown to deliver safer, higher-quality meat while meeting growing demands for transparency, sustainability and operational performance in the meat industry.

All meat producers must document the shelf life and food safety of their products. However, meeting the diverse and growing demands from customers, third-party auditors and food safety authorities can be a complex task – particularly when documentation must be both reliable and readily accessible.

To address these expectations, food companies need easy-to-use tools that can support internal quality systems while meeting global standards for food safety and shelf-life assessment.

Predictive models support shelf-life determination and HACCP compliance

In response to these needs, the Danish Meat Research Institute (DMRI) has developed a predictive model platform – DMRI Predict – in close collaboration with the Danish meat industry. The platform provides intuitive, user-friendly tools for assessing microbiological and sensorial spoilage as well as documenting shelf life and food safety in meat and meat products.

The model collection is based on extensive data from systematic shelf-life and challenge tests, and is continuously updated with new models to reflect current production and safety requirements. Authorities around the world now accept the use of predictive models as part of the HACCP programme in food manufacturing facilities. For instance, the American Food Safety and Inspection Services specifically reference DMRI Predict in their guidelines.

DMRI Predict is free to use and openly accessible at DMRIpredict.dk, enabling producers to evaluate product safety without needing specialised software or extensive in-house modelling expertise.

more than 2,000 registered users around the world rely on DMRI Predict to document and manage the safety of their meat products

Trusted worldwide to ensure meat safety and extend shelf life

Today, more than 2,000 registered users around the world rely on DMRI Predict to document and manage the safety of their meat products. The platform supports the industry’s efforts to deliver safe, high-quality products, while improving operational efficiency and supporting compliance with international food safety standards.

With its high level of versatility, reliability and robustness, DMRI Predict plays a vital role in safeguarding meat quality and ensuring shelf-life accuracy – benefiting both producers and consumers.