The Danish government has decided to invest DKK 675 million ($100 million) in Plantefonden, a plant-based fund, to help the country's plant-based sector. The plant fund will invest in and promote climate-friendly food research as part of an agreement led by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries.
Over 60% of Denmark's land is used for agriculture, with 70% of that being used to grow animal feed. Consumers are increasingly shifting to more sustainable options as they become more aware of the impact of their food choices.
Denmark is already light years ahead of the rest of Europe in terms of green practices adoption. The government, which is already known as the Green State, is heavily investing in a green transition in the food industry by encouraging energy-efficient food production, reducing food waste, promoting organic foods, and adopting sustainable packaging.
The Danish Food & Agriculture Council is aiming to be climate neutral by 2050, with sustainability and health as their primary goals.
In October 2021, the government reached an agricultural agreement with all political parties to push for their climate goals through business support, more product development research, and investments in companies that will help them achieve their goals.
The Plant Fund will also be used to encourage Danish farmers to grow more protein-rich crops such as legumes in order to help plant-based industries.
The Danish Plant-based Association will be given a seat on the Plantefonden board of directors as a result of this announcement of a $100 million set aside.
"We are pleased that the Danish Plantbased Business Association has now been recognized by the Minister of Food, joining the other industry organizations that can sit on the Plant Fund's board of directors. As a result, it is both a milestone and a great recognition that we are enormously honoured to have established the industry association just three years ago," said Frederik Madsen, head of the secretariat of the Danish Plant-Based Food Association.
