Ever since the founding of the first dairy cooperatives in the 19th century, the Danish food and agriculture sector has developed new tools and techniques to overcome challenges in production. Today, farmers, food manufacturers, knowledge centres, research institutes, technology specialists and government authorities still collaborate to maintain the pace of technological innovation.
Their visionary thinking has made Denmark a global frontrunner for:
● High production yields
● Resource efficiency
● Precision agriculture
● Food safety and quality
● Safe working conditions
The mission is to secure a safe and sustainable food supply for coming generations.
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals are our guide
These are the goals where innovative technology from Denmark can make a particular impact.
THE VALUE OF CONNECTING KNOWLEDGE
A LONG TRACK RECORD FOR LEADING TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
A technological pioneer with collaborative roots
As the global food supply chain has grown in complexity, the need to make better use of resources has become increasingly intense. Within agriculture, the focus is on optimising yields while protecting the integrity of the soil. In food manufacturing, demand is rising for technology that can secure food safety, quality and sustainability.
This is where Denmark’s food and agriculture sector makes a strong contribution, thanks to the early focus on collaborative research and development.
Generations of innovation have now driven us to Industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution where the physical and digital worlds are merging.
By pooling knowledge, Danish digital specialists and experts in agrifood production are developing sensors, artificial intelligence, drones and satellite technology – and making smart data management accessible.
This empowers better decisions, more sustainable production, and the ability to track and control the food value chain from raw material to consumer.
Food Nation’s Stories by Denmark
What can Danish technology contribute to the green transition of global agri-food systems? GEA, SEGES Innovation, and Agrointelli feature in the innovative technology episode of the Food Nation podcast.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH SMARTER FARMING
PRECISION AGRICULTURE MAKES STRONG FARM BUSINESSES
Precision farming creates far-reaching opportunities to improve the sustainability of crop cultivation.
Since 1990, farmers have increased their yield by almost a third while complying with Danish and EU regulations on nutrient discharge into inland and coastal waters – the outcome of an eminent ability to develop and apply the latest technology.
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%
of Danish farmland is managed by some type of precision agriculture
Denmark’s place in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2022
Denmark’s ranking among high-income countries in the Global Innovation Index 2022
POWERING EFFICIENCY WITH PROCESS AUTOMATION
RELIABLE QUALITY FROM INPUT TO OUTPUT
High-tech automation puts the highest standards in reach
Danish manufacturers of innovative processing equipment stand out for their ability to develop new technology in close collaboration with food producers.
As a result, Denmark has a strong global reputation for helping the food industry raise quality and food safety standards and meet environmental demands – all while staying competitive.
Smart solutions for industrial automation include robots, sensors, quality analysis technology and data management systems. In addition to supporting efficient and standardised food production and packaging, automated tools improve working conditions on the factory floor and reduce the risk of contamination and human error.
Danish suppliers also lead the way with digital solutions that predict the need for line maintenance. Using cloud-based predictive tools, manufacturers can secure better performance and a longer lifespan for their equipment, further contributing to the sustainability of their operations.
In a ranking of 30 global science and engineering regions, University of Copenhagen and the Danish Meat Research Institute rank among the top six research institutions for patent applications.
TECHNOLOGY WITH RESPECT FOR RESOURCES
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION IS WHEN EVERYTHING COUNTS
Efficient utilisation of resources is fundamental to sustainable food processes. Denmark has much to offer in this field.
Innovative technology supports water and energy optimization, biogas production from waste and side streams and the gradual transition to a circular bioeconomy.
Danish companies have, for example, long driven the development of membrane filtration. Apart from ensuring cost-effective production of high-quality dairy products, membranes enable efficient water extraction for recycling.
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Our slaughterhouse technology has reduced water consumption from 600 litres per pig in the 1980s to 150 litres today.
VISIONARY TOOLS FOR TRANSFORMING FOOD
MEETING CHALLENGES THROUGH CONTINUOUS INNOVATION
New opportunities to secure a safe and sustainable global food supply
As the agrifood sector faces up to climate change, a growing world population and shifts in consumer behaviour, Danish innovation will continue to be a reliable choice.
Our collaborative culture provides a solid foundation for ambitious development programmes focused on optimising the efficiency and sustainability of food production.
In Denmark, we have a finger on the pulse of the digital transition. We welcome collaborative projects to maximise the potential of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, 5G, 3D printing and similar opportunities.
Quality & Safety
A safe, high-quality food supply is the backbone of the Danish food industry
Population growth, climate change and food security have pushed food quality and safety to the top of the global agenda. Denmark is a leading player in driving standards for safe, high-quality food.
The ingredient sector is a one-stop shop for solving the challenges of the global feed and food industry
Danish ingredient companies enable feed and food producers to make better use of resources, improve access to nutrition and support the health and wellbeing of livestock and consumers.
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.
