Danish Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods

The plan aims to promote a sustainable transition towards more plant-based production and consumption in Denmark to lower the climate footprint and based on the Danish Official Dietary Guidelines. Methods: It includes all the actors in our food system who affects our food choices every day; from the farmer and food manufacturer to the retail chains, the local cafeteria and the global export markets – even the consumer on their daily trip to the grocery store. There is financial support for actors across the food chain, Education and training for chefs and staff in public/private kitchen, Marketing and information campaigns to normalize plant-based choices, Collaboration between government, business, academia and civil society.

The policy was introduced to support Denmark`s climate goals, reduce emissions from food, and promote healthier sustainable diets. Developed by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries in collaboration with farmers, the food industry, researchers, NGOs, and public institutions. The plan was first released by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark as a part of a political agricultural agreement in 2021, while including environmental organisations, food lobbies and farmers unions. The plan also includes initiatives to increase exports of Danish-made plant-based foods through embassies and highlights an ambition to increase research and development funding. The first round of this fund received 101 applications from startups, universities and other organisations, requesting more than three times the allocated budget of 58 million kroner (€7.78 million) – a clear sign of the field’s potential among European researchers and businesses. The grand was adopted as law on February 23, 2023, by all political parties in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). In 2023, the Grant was allocated 675 million DKK from 2023 to 2030. The plan aligns with both the Danish dietary guidelines and the New Nordic Nutrition Recommendation released in June 2023.

It is owned and monitored by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Progress is tracked through funded projects, public kitchens and market uptake. The Plant-Based Food Grants secretariat supports monitoring.

It is implemented by funding programs, training for chefs in public kitchen, research and innovation support, and campaigns. Results: more plant based meal in public institution, funded projects across the value chain, stronger public-private collaboration. Challenges: concern from livestock sector, cultural acceptance debates.

https://en.fvm.dk/news-and-contact/focus-on/action-plan-on-plant-based-foods