Denmark’s CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) Strategic Plan aligns with the EU’s Green Deal and aims to ensure a smart, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector. The Plan combines direct payments, rural development measures, and market-specific interventions, all designed to foster long-term food security, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality in rural areas. Danish agriculture is a significant net exporter, especially in pigmeat and dairy, with about 35,000 farms averaging 75 hectares. The Plan reflects Denmark’s tailored strategy, shaped through stakeholder consultation and updated in response to changing EU and domestic priorities. The broader aim is to enhance resilience to challenges such as climate change and geopolitical disruptions, by fostering sustainability, reducing synthetic fertiliser dependency, and boosting renewable energy production. Economically, Denmark is reforming its support systems to be fairer and simpler. The CAP introduces harmonised area-based payments and redistributes income support from large to smaller farms, bolstering equity. Coupled support will help vulnerable sectors like dairy and starch potatoes maintain production. Denmark’s strong cooperative sector underpins farm incomes and market access, while ensuring stable supply chains. Financial support will also address income volatility and sustainability. For instance, smaller farms benefit from comparatively higher per-hectare support, and EUR 203 million is allocated to farms facing structural challenges. Environmentally, the Plan is ambitious, targeting a 55–65% reduction in agricultural GHG emissions by 2030. Denmark will incentivise farmers to diversify plant production and reduce reliance on imported animal feed by producing more edible crops and plant proteins. Nearly 20% of direct payments are earmarked for eco-schemes promoting climate- and nature-friendly practices. Organic farming is set to double, supported across 403,000 hectares, while afforestation projects are also funded. Over a third of Denmark’s agricultural land will commit to improving soil health, and 76% of Natura 2000 protected areas will enhance biodiversity conservation. Investments in local bio-refineries will further reduce environmental impact. Socially, the CAP promotes generational renewal, rural vitality, and sustainable diets. High farm entry costs hinder young farmers, so the plan includes start-up grants of EUR 50,000–100,000 for about 1,880 new entrants. Animal welfare and reduced antibiotic use remain a priority, with Denmark ranking sixth lowest in EU antimicrobial use. The LEADER programme supports local development via 27 Local Action Groups, dedicating EUR 46 million to job creation and rural infrastructure. Around 2,500 rural jobs will be supported, and projects will encourage plant-based production and organic meals in public kitchens. The strong emphasis on innovation and digitalisation is reflected in broadband expansion, advisory services, and EUR 12 million earmarked for high-tech green agriculture.
Danemark · 2021-12-22