Denmark celebrates 35 years of the Ø-label
A landmark anniversary of Denmark’s Ø-label highlights a cornerstone of regulation, collaboration and consumer trust, establishing Denmark as a global leader in organic food.
In 2025, Denmark marks the 35th anniversary of the Ø-label – a state-controlled organic certification and one of the most consumer trusted and recognised labels in the world. Introduced in 1990, the red “Ø” has become synonymous with animal welfare, food safety and traceability.
The anniversary is celebrated throughout 2025 under the theme “You can feel the difference” with national and international events, campaigns and retail collaborations inviting all actors in the organic value chain to participate. As markets worldwide move towards stricter standards and greater consumer transparency, the Ø-label offers a solid framework for building trust in organic agriculture and food production.
A trusted regulatory model for organic leadership
Denmark was the first country in the world to implement organic legislation in 1987, laying the foundation for the launch of the state-controlled Ø-label in 1990.
This pioneering model is built on a robust system of inspection from farm to fork, carried out by public authorities under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark.
Today, 100% of Danish consumers recognise and trust the label, and more than 65% buy organic food every week. This high level of engagement is underpinned by strict regulation, consistent supply, and decades of collaboration between the state and organic stakeholders.
A measurable impact on animal welfare and the environment
Since the introduction of the Ø-label, organic production has transformed the landscape of Danish agriculture. Over 42 million animals, including cows, pigs, and poultry, have benefited from higher welfare standards including access to outdoor spaces and farming practices. Organic farming has prevented the use of 7,225 tones of synthetic pesticides, supporting biodiversity.
These outcomes not only highlight the tangible environmental and animal welfare outcomes of organic production but also demonstrate Denmark’s unique ability to align stakeholders across the entire value chain. Government, authorities, research institutions and industry actors work in close coordination – a triple helix approach that enables continuous improvement, data-driven innovation and high-performing organic agriculture.
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