Finding common ground

Danish NGOs and businesses have succeeded in finding common grounds and engaging in respectful dialogue and collaboration. This is part of the recipe for a successful and non-polarized move towards political prioritization of the plant-based sector. 

Denmark has one of the largest animal production per capita in the world and is famous for exporting bacon and butter. Denmark also has a high level of domestic consumption of animal products and a very strong meat and dairy farmer organization. But there is still a broad support in parliament and between stakeholders from farm to fork to develop and support the plant-based sector and explore the possibilities and opportunities that exists in this – for many – new production and sector.

A strict focus on “more plants” instead of ”less meat” has been key to the relatively nonpolarized debate and discussions that has led up to the Danish plant-based initiatives

New networks

The Danish Plantbased Business Association was established in 2019. In 2020 they initiated a plant-based network for professionals, with Organic Denmark, the large retailer COOP, environmental organizations and the Vegetarian Society of Denmark. Today the network consists of over 250 members from the whole value chain. In 2024 the Danish Legume Partnership was established. A committed community of 77 memberes, that connects the entire value chain to promote the consumption of legumes and create a greener food culture.

A new collaboration

Organic Denmark and the Vegetarian Society of Denmark established “Centre for a Plant-based & Organic Future” in 2020, serving as an anchor for science based knowledge and practical solutions focusing on a more organic and plant-based food system and the UN Sustainable Goals. The center was positively received by politicians, and the Danish Parliament created a small fund for organic plant-based projects – an early prototype for the Plant-Based Food Grant. 

Producing reports with new partners

Joint reports have also paved the way for understanding and trust between stakeholders. The Danish Agriculture & Food Council attended the plant-based network for professionals and found that the tone of voice and narrative was positive and including. Following they invited the Think Tank Frej and the Vegetarian Society of Denmark to be co-authors on a joint research and development strategy for plant-based foods. The report was published in 2020. 

Tailored advice to industry

Planteværket is the industry community within the Danish Agriculture & Food Council for companies that produce and supply to the growing market for plant-rich food. The community works to strengthen the value chains of the plant-based sector and draw on the experience and network of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, which includes farmers, food companies, and buyers from the retail and foodservice sectors.