The Danish Government has decided to invest DKK 675 million ($100 million) to a plant-based fund Plantefonden to aid the plant-based sector in Denmark.
In the agreement led by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, the plant-fund will invest and promote the research towards climate-friendly foods.
Over 60% of Denmark’s land is used for agriculture out of which 70% is used to grow food for animals. But with more awareness about the impact of food choices, consumers are increasingly shifting to pick more sustainable options.
Denmark is already leaps and bounds ahead compared to most of Europe in the adoption of green practices. Already known as the State of Green, the government invests heavily towards a green transition in the food industry by encouraging energy-efficient production of food, fighting food waste, promoting organic foods and adopting sustainable packaging.
With sustainability and health as their main objective, the Danish Food & Agriculture Council is aiming to be climate neutral by 2050.
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Rasmus Prehn said, “Climate bells have been ringing for a long time. We must do something about our food production if we are to achieve the goal of the green transition. Therefore, Denmark must lead the way when it comes to plant-based foods.The demand for plant steaks and oatmeal is increasing both here at home and abroad.There is both a market in massive development and a great gain for the climate if Denmark starts to produce more plant-based foods. Never has so much money has been spent on plant-based foods as there will be with the plant fund. It is important for the development towards a greener agriculture in Denmark.”
The government entered into an agricultural agreement in October 2021 with all the political parties to push for their climate goals through support to businesses, more research into product development and investments to companies that will further their goals. The Plant Fund will also be used towards encouraging Danish farmers to cultivate more protein-heavy crops like legumes to assist plant-based industries.
With this announcement of setting aside $100 million, the Danish Plant-based Association will receive a seat on the board of Plantefonden.
“It is both a milestone and a great recognition that we are hugely honored when we established the industry association just 3 years ago,” said the head of the secretariat of the Danish Plant-Based Food Association, Frederik Madsen.
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