Danish food production sets vision to be climate neutral in 2050

 Copenhagen, Denmark, 15 March 2019 – THE DANISH AGRICULTURE AND FOOD COUNCIL

The Danish food industry is launching a vision to be climate neutral by 2050, while sustaining or even increasing food production. In a partnership with Denmark and in agreement with the UN’s sustainable development goals, Denmark must lead the way, when there is a need for more food and a reduction in carbon footprint.

The Danish food industry sets vision of net zero emissions by 2050. This means we cannot emit more greenhouse gases, than we absorb. In a close partnership with the rest of Denmark and in agreement with the UN’s sustainable development goals, we will show the world, an economic and sustainable way to a climate neutral food production.
This is the vision adopted by the board of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, representing Danish farmers and food production corporations.

“Increase in population, food demand and climate change has created an immense challenge. If we are going to be able to feed the world’s growing population while solving the climate challenges, there is a need for innovative solutions and new technology”, says Anne Lawaetz Arhnung, CEO of The Danish Agriculture and Food Council.
In 2050, there will be approximately 10 billion people worldwide, and the demand for both animal and vegetable food products will heavily increase.
 
According to the CEO, neither the climate nor the Danes will gain from decreasing Danish food production and handing over the increasing food demand to countries that are less climate efficient.
“Therefore, we are taking a historical step, that will secure Danish solutions to global challenges: Our industry must be climate neutral by 2050. All the way from production to consumption”, says Anne Lawaetz Arhnung. 
 
Partnership with Denmark
Anne Arhnung says, the vision has to be realized in a partnership with the Danish society, investing heavily in research and development.

“This is not going to be easy. Fortunately, Denmark has the qualifications to lead the way, as our food manufacturers are among the best and most climate efficient in the world. We also know parts of the journey that lies ahead. We know there is potential in setting aside organic lowland soils, as it will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases as well as new technology can help reduce emission from pigpens and cowsheds.”

“But there are also things we do not know. We have to discover new ways and solutions for future challenges. Those solutions we cannot create by ourselves. Everyone has to contribute – Universities with knowledge – Corporations with new products – The government with resources – Farmers with practical knowhow – and then consumers have to support Danish climate efficient products”, says Anne Arhnung, who believes we can create another Danish food production adventure, if we make the necessary investments now.

“In Denmark, we created a wind energy adventure, because we were not afraid to be first movers and invest in tomorrow’s solutions – before everyone else. If we work together to find climate solutions for the food industry, we have the ability to create a new adventure, where Denmark yet again will be the pioneer for something that does not only benefit ourselves, but also the rest of the world”, Anne Arhnung concludes.

To view original article on The Danish Agriculture & Food Council :
https://agricultureandfood.dk/news-and-press/news/2019/vision-to-be-climate-neutral-in-2050#