In the 1980s, their organic vision rapidly won the support of the nation. Since then, the Danish government has created the optimum conditions for nurturing organic innovation and growth.
Today, Denmark has earned a reputation as the leading nation for organic food production and know-how.
At home, our organic food products have a bigger share of the retail market than anywhere else in the world.
The organic mindset is at the root of the high consumer trust in Danish organic foods – and is among the guiding principles of New Nordic Cuisine.
Altogether, that makes Denmark a strong base for international organic growth.
Det Grønne Museum and Rasmus Christiansen
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals are our guide
Many organic farmers, food producers and other stakeholders have pledged their active support to the sustainable development goals. At national level, we see the SDGs as a guiding light for establishing best food production practices, prioritising research and development efforts and identifying innovation targets that will drive us towards a sustainable future.
AN ORGANIC REVOLUTION POWERED BY COOPERATION
THE CROSS-SECTOR COMMITMENT TO A COMMON JOURNEY
A movement driven by many
Visitors to Denmark are often struck by the strong collaboration between organic farmers, food companies, organisations and the government. Over time, this close cooperation has created a trusted organic ecosystem where sustainability, animal welfare and nature are key priorities.
The organic journey began in cooperative dairies and has since grown into a nationwide mindset supported by clear standards, controls and labelling. Today, Denmark has the world’s highest market share of organic food and is home to global dairy leaders like Arla.
Altogether, Denmark stands as a leading nation for organic food production, innovation and know-how.
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Denmark launched the world’s first organic food label in the 1990 and has led the organic movement ever since.
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SUSTAINABLE AMBITIONS START ON THE FARM
DANISH ORGANIC FARMERS TAKE PRIDE IN BEING THE BEST
The tireless effort to improve
The number of organic farmers in Denmark continues to grow year by year.
Each farm follows strict organic principles that prioritise sustainability, biodiversity and animal welfare. This ensures the production of high-quality raw materials while protecting the environment. Efficiency and responsibility go hand in hand.
To support this, most organic farmers receive three to five years of specialist agricultural training – building a high level of professionalism and know-how across the sector.
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From conventional to organic production
Becoming an organic farmer requires a two-year conversion process, where natural methods replace synthetic inputs. Crop rotation, legumes and manure help maintain soil fertility and break pest cycles.
Organic yields are typically 10–30% lower than conventional, but the focus is on long-term sustainability, soil health and biodiversity.
Today, 11.7% of Danish farmers are organic producers, and 12% of agricultural land is under organic cultivation – supported by training, advisory services and continuous improvement through voluntary standards.
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SCALING UP PRODUCTION IN AN INNOVATIVE UNIVERSE
A RELIABLE BRAND CREATES STRONG CONSUMER TRUST
A flair for organic innovation
Denmark has the best developed organic market in the world
Danish consumers buy more organic food per capita than anywhere else in the world – not only at home, but also in restaurants, canteens, institutions and hospitals. This high demand reflects strong consumer trust in the organic mindset and a shared belief in sustainable choices.
Organic food is widely available through retail, online platforms and foodservice. In recent years, sales to the foodservice sector have continued to rise steadily, driven by a well-assorted supply and rising demand for convenience.
At the heart of this success lies a growing number of producers and retailers who continuously earn trust while meeting high expectations. The Danish organic food sector has made innovation one of its key strengths – not only by staying authentic, but by constantly developing new solutions that match modern consumer needs.
Danish organic food industry has made innovation one of its key virtues
STATE CHECKS AND LABELS ARE THE CONSUMERS’ GUARANTEE
COMPLIANCE WITH EU REGULATIONS - AND WAY BEYOND
Regulatory inspections keep credibility in check
Pioneering organic legislation and trusted labelling
In 1987, Denmark became the first country in the world to introduce state-controlled organic legislation. This was followed in 1990 by the launch of the national organic label – the red ‘Ø label’. This laid the foundation for a robust organic control programme that still functions as the consumer’s guarantee of credibility today.
All organic farms, suppliers and food companies are subject to government inspections at least once a year – in addition to other routine controls. These farm-to-fork checks ensure full compliance with EU organic regulations and help maintain consumer trust in Danish organic products.
In addition to organic rules, all actors must also follow general food legislation concerning the environment, traceability, animal welfare, hygiene and food safety. Companies must be able to document their practices at all times, and authorities frequently carry out random cross-checks to verify compliance.
The wide recognition of both the EU organic logo and the Danish ‘Ø label’ plays a key role in reinforcing trust among consumers, who are highly aware of the standards behind these certifications.
A CULINARY JOURNEY WITH ORGANIC ROOTS
THE SUSTAINABLE MINDSET BEHIND NEW NORDIC CUISINE
Gastronomy with an organic heart
New Nordic Cuisine has put Denmark on the gastronomic world map
Organic food has played an important role in Denmark’s culinary journey. It began in 2004, when visionary chefs launched a new Nordic food culture based on sustainability, seasonality and natural ingredients.
To support this development, Denmark introduced the Organic Cuisine Label in 2009. The state-controlled scheme allows both public and private kitchens to label themselves according to how much organic produce they use – with Bronze, Silver or Gold labels for 30–60%, 60–90% or 90–100% organic raw materials.
Today, more than 3,500 kitchens carry the label, including restaurants, cafés, canteens, schools and hospitals. It has become a well-known and trusted symbol for consumers and professionals alike – making organic food visible, measurable and accessible in everyday dining.
THE NATIONAL PLAN FOR ROLLING INNOVATION
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS PUT KNOWLEDGE INTO ACTION
Organic research and innovation – a national priority
Two decades of government-backed organic innovation
Since 1995, government-backed research has played a key role in the development of Denmark’s organic sector. A year after the launch of the first Organic Action Plan, Denmark introduced its first national research programme for organic food and farming – involving 11 research institutions over four years.
Today, research and innovation remain vital drivers of organic progress. Coordinated by ICROFS (International Centre for Research in Organic Food and Farming Systems), Danish research programmes bring together universities, companies, farmers and knowledge institutions to strengthen organic production across the entire value chain.
The goal is to make organic farming even more sustainable, climate-resilient and resource-efficient, while creating strong business opportunities for producers.
Through this long-term commitment, Denmark has positioned itself as an international frontrunner in organic research and knowledge sharing.
Photo: Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology
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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.
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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.
