The Danish government has unveiled its first-ever national action plan, aimed at guiding the country towards a more plant-based food system. This plan, published by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, is aligned with a 2021 political agricultural agreement and outlines strategies to bolster and promote the plant-based sector within Denmark. The government envisions Denmark’s production and consumption of plant-based foods to serve as an inspiration to the rest of the world.
Denmark’s Vision for a Plant-Based Food System
•Providing training to chefs in both public and private kitchens to prepare more plant-based meals.
•Incorporating a stronger focus on plant-based diets in primary schools.
•Enhancing plant-based skills within the education system.
•Initiatives to boost the export of Danish-made plant-based foods through embassies.
•Increasing research and development funding in this sector.
•Historical Investment in Plant-Based Foods
This initiative follows Denmark’s significant investment of 1 billion kroner (approximately €168 million) in plant-based foods, announced two years ago. Most of this funding was allocated to the creation of the Fund for Plant-Based Foods, which focuses on research into various organic crops and their applications in developing nutritious and delicious plant-based foods.
The first round of applications for this fund saw a substantial response from startups, universities, and other organizations. These applicants requested more than three times the allocated budget of 58 million kroner (approximately €7.78 million), signifying the growing potential and interest in plant-based foods among European researchers and businesses.
International Significance of the Plan
Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, the Secretary General of the Vegetarian Society of Denmark, commented on the groundbreaking nature of Denmark’s action plan, highlighting that it is the first of its kind, which adds to its international significance. He noted that many dedicated entities in the plant-based sector are committed to the plan’s success, but further investments across the entire value chain are crucial.
Acacia Smith, Senior Policy Manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, praised Denmark’s leadership in publishing an action plan for transitioning towards more sustainable plant-based foods. She called on other European governments to follow Denmark’s lead, emphasizing that Europe is the world’s largest market for plant-based meat. Adapting to this growing industry can enhance food security, create green jobs, and future-proof economies.
Denmark’s innovative plan sets a noteworthy example of how governments can promote plant-based food systems for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
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