Denmark’s Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods Makes It the World’s First Nation to Lead the Way

In recent years, Denmark has received noteworthy recognition for its proactive efforts, particularly through the implementation of the “Denmark’s Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods.” The Danish government has embraced a forward-looking strategy that is steering the country away from its traditional emphasis on animal-based food production and toward a greater focus on plant-based alternatives.

This transition aligns with the prevailing trend in Europe, where nearly half of Europeans are actively reducing their meat consumption, and 37% identify as vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian. Denmark’s commitment to addressing these concerns reflects its dedication to promoting a more environmentally sustainable and health-conscious approach to food production. Denmark’s Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods stands as a pivotal step in this transformative journey.

Last year, Denmark took a significant step in addressing climate change by prioritizing vegan food in their groundbreaking 2021 climate agreement. They launched a new initiative called “The Plant Fund,” which is a collaborative effort between the Danish government and the Danish Agency for Agriculture.

This initiative received $100 million from Denmark’s overall budget of one billion Danish kroner, which is roughly equivalent to €168 million. The main focus of the fund was to promote and drive innovation, sales, and education in the plant-based food sector throughout the country. The remaining portion of the funds was earmarked as incentives to encourage farmers to cultivate crops for human consumption that are rich in plant-based protein.

Denmark’s Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods

On October 13, the Danish Government introduced its Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods, marking a significant advancement in the wake of the 2021 climate agreement regarding the green transformation of Danish agriculture. With resounding support from the Danish Parliament, this action plan has attained the remarkable status of being the world’s inaugural national initiative of its kind.

This announcement was made by Jacob Jensen, Denmark’s Food Minister, during an event at the Hotel and Restaurant School in Copenhagen. The presence of key stakeholders from various points along the plant-based value chain at this event underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative.

This comprehensive action plan sets a strong foundation for advancing environmentally-conscious dietary choices and fostering innovation and research in the plant-based food sector. It is aligned with the country’s climate goals and designed to promote eco-friendly dietary choices. What makes this initiative stand out is its all-encompassing approach, offering support and engagement across the public sector, industry, and research, thereby ensuring a well-rounded effort towards a sustainable future.

As part of the plan, there will be a focus on education and training. Chefs in both public and private kitchens will receive training on how to prepare plant-based meals, emphasizing the importance of plant-based diets. Primary schools will be a focal point for promoting vegan diets and integrating comprehensive plant-based education system-wide.

Jasmijn de Boo, the CEO of ProVeg International, lauds Denmark’s Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods as a significant milestone in the fight against climate change. The plan’s potential to promote plant-based food adoption in the public sector and bolster the agricultural industry to meet the surging demand for alternative proteins is a key highlight. De Boo expects this to inspire other EU nations, like Denmark.

Denmark’s 40-page document, which details initiatives aimed at promoting the production and consumption of plant-based foods, was developed over a two-year period and has garnered praise from numerous vegan organizations.

The plan to invest in plant-based research and development (R&D) in Denmark is drawing criticism from Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, the Secretary-General of the Vegetarian Society of Denmark. Dragsdahl expresses concerns about insufficient funding for this sector, despite it being a major focus of the overall investment. They argue that Denmark’s leading investment in plant-based R&D is severely underfunded, shedding light on the sector’s financial shortfall.

This issue has come to the forefront through a collaborative report involving Greenpeace, Animal Protection Denmark, and Green Transition Denmark, which highlights the financial shortfall within the plant-based R&D sector.

Dragsdahl’s call for action is clear as they hope for politicians to establish concrete targets in the near future. They also express their willingness to contribute their expertise to ensure the success of these objectives. In essence, their criticism underscores the urgent need for more substantial financial support and a strategic approach to boost plant-based R&D in Denmark.

Denmark has set a pioneering example by introducing the first extensive action plan aimed at promoting a sustainable shift towards plant-based foods, both among its citizens and within its economy. As Europe holds the position of being the primary market for plant-based meat products, it is well-positioned to lead the way in this burgeoning industry, fostering the creation of eco-friendly jobs while enhancing food security and generate eco-friendly jobs.  Acacia Smith from Good Food Institute Europe urges other European governments to follow Denmark’s plant-based leadership.