Danish political parties have reached an agreement to allocate DKK 43 billion (€5.76bn) into land use transformation projects.
The Green Tripartite Plan includes establishing 250,000 hectares of new forest and converting 140,000 hectares of low-lying farmland into natural areas. Work will be undertaken to improve biodiversity, create a range of new natural habitats, and reduce nitrogen pollution in Danish waters.
At the same time, €1.34 billion is earmarked for investment in cutting edge, climate-friendly agricultural technology and sustainable food production practices to maintain the competitiveness of the sector.
Denmark will also become the first country in the world to implement a CO2e tax on livestock emissions. It is hoped the tax will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 million tonnes by 2030.
“I would not hesitate to call this a historic achievement,” said Jeppe Bruus Christensen, Denmark’s Minister for the Green Tripartite. “Danish nature will be changed in a way not seen since the drainage of wetlands in 1864.
“Agriculture must and will transition, and now there is clarity on direction and investments,” said Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard. “This is green action that works.”
