The national commitment to combatting climate change
A relentless focus on efficiency, productivity and cross-sector collaboration is driving the Danish food and agriculture industry towards the national ambition of climate neutrality in 2045.
The first stepping stone to this goal is a 55 to 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, with 1990 as the baseline.
New agricultural practices, technological innovations and efforts to decarbonise food processing are underway – along with strategies to support the development of green proteins and plant-based foods.
Collaboration is the foundation of progress. Together, companies, universities and the government are driving the effort towards a circular, climate-resilient future.
Sustainable goals where Denmark can make an impact
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals are our guide.
Activities in support of Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts are the specific focus of this white paper. Others goals where Denmark can make a direct impact include Goal 2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns and Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Achieving the ambitious goals of the 2030 agenda requires global support and partnerships. In Denmark, extensive crosssector collaboration accelerates the progress of national and international initiatives and directly contributes to Goal 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
THE COLLABORATIVE HEART OF CLIMATE INNOVATION
A FOOD AND FARMING NATION BUILT ON MAKING MORE WITH LESS
An unrelenting focus on efficiency, productivity and cross-sector collaboration
A long tradition for making the best use of limited resources has brought Denmark part of the way towards its 2045 goal.
Today, innovation is increasingly focused on a holistic approach that explores conventional, organic and other alternative methodologies for agriculture and food production.
Well-defined milestones and high-quality data are essential to measuring progress. This is where Denmark’s data-driven operations provide a traceable overview of what goes into production processes and what comes out – supporting future reductions in emissions.
The Danish food and agriculture sector continues to invest in partnerships that deliver sustainable solutions to global challenges. At all levels of the food value chain, partners work together in a spirit of openness and mutual trust.
For international business partners, this gives access to an entire ecosystem, rich in knowledge and innovative strength.
The need to increase productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions has never been so urgent. In Denmark, many innovative solutions have already taken shape.
See some of them in action here:
CROP CULTIVATION WITH RESPECT FOR RESOURCES
STRATEGIES FOR HIGHER YIELD AND CLIMATE PROTECTION
Pioneering approaches to arable farming
Denmark depends on farmers to maximise yields while protecting natural resources.
Many Danish companies have grown out of this need. Specialised in plant breeding, farm machinery and smart crop management, they play a major part in reducing GHG emissions and nutrient losses from agricultural land – in Denmark and around the world.
Innovation also focuses on developing new sources of plant-based protein. As a result, the first biorefineries are now extracting high-quality protein from grass and clover.
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%
growth in Danish food production since 1990
%
reduction in GHG emissions from food production since 1990
EFFICIENT LIVESTOCK FOR A WORLD OF GROWING DEMAND
SPOTLIGHT ON CLIMATE ACTIONS IN ANIMAL-BASED PRODUCTION
Animal genetics, feed efficiency and manure management are key to low-carbon livestock production
Advances in animal genetics make it possible to breed dairy cattle that produce more milk and pigs that convert feed more efficiently and have bigger litters. Such improvements reduce GHG and nutrient loads while safeguarding animal welfare and economic performance.
At the same time, animal microbiome studies have contributed to new feed processing technologies that optimise livestock productivity and health while reducing methane emissions and nitrogen excretion.
Manure management has outstanding potential to reduce emissions from animal-based food production. Danish universities and research institutions are recognised leaders in manure management and go-to partners in the international research community.
The Danish biogas industry uses manure and other organic waste streams to produce renewable, fossil-free fuel.
NEW ROUTES TO LOW-CARBON FOODS
THE CIRCULAR VISION OF MAXIMUM VALUE
Attention on plant-based foods and proteins
Denmark is making strides in the biosolutions sector, particularly with its groundbreaking fermentation technologies. These advancements not only unlock protein from locally sourced grains but also extend into bioactive ingredients for food. This advancement in technology enhancing foods with greater nutritional content, all while maintaining sustainability standards. As a result, Denmark solidifies its role as a global pioneer in food innovation.
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Photo credit: Novozymes
Danish plant-based foods and proteins are helping to meet the world’s growing need for protein.
FOOD PROCESSING TOWARDS A CARBON-NEUTRAL FUTURE
ELECTRIFYING AN ENERGY-INTENSIVE BUSINESS
The decarbonisation of food processing –
a work in progress
Danish manufacturers and equipment suppliers work together to fine-tune processes and prepare the ground for electrification.
Heat recovery and reuse is a key lever for improving energy efficiency. Across the Danish food industry, surplus heat generation is equivalent to the heating requirements of an estimated 150,000 homes. Many companies have recognised the potential for significant energy savings and invested in systems that repurpose surplus heat to other parts of production.
The carbon-neutral food industry of the future depends on electrification. In one major collaboration project, Danish food companies, technology suppliers and researchers are developing high-temperature heat pumps that can replace gas-fired boilers.
Photo credit: Roman Babakin
%
increase in Danish food processing volumes since 2000
%
energy savings in food processing since 2000
TURNING DISRUPTIVE IDEAS INTO CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
IMPACTFUL INNOVATION THROUGH BROAD COLLABORATION
A research hub for solving the climate challenges of global food production
From farmers to food processors and involving universities, research organisations and NGOs, collaboration accelerates change.
The AgriFoodTure roadmap sets out four primary innovation tracks for reaching national climate goals. Major research investments of this kind reveal new improvement opportunities through animal genetics, feed efficiency and manure management or the development of novel fertilisation systems and precision technologies. Another avenue of exploration focuses on cell-based production of meat and milk to reduce reliance on livestock.
Innovative ideas and disruptive thinking are fundamental to the decarbonised future of agriculture and food. Denmark is making a vital contribution.
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Innovative Technology
Innovative technology is an important enabler of the green transition of food and agriculture. Smart solutions from Denmark can support the world’s rising demand for safe and nutritious food – producing more with less, increasing efficiency and minimising energy consumption.
Sustainable food production and far-sighted innovation are the key to tomorrow’s food supply Denmark is all about making the most efficient use of natural resources across the food value chain. Collaborative efforts have made us a global role model and ensure we continue to improve.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration is an outstanding feature of the Danish food and agriculture sector Since the founding of the first cooperative 150 years ago, collaboration, knowledge sharing and mutual trust have made the Danish food cluster one of the most innovative in the world.
Photo credit: Novozymes
