The Danish Food Sector Sets a Vision for Climate Neutrality by 2050

On March 15, 2019, The Danish Agriculture and Food Council issued a press release announcing a new vision for climate neutrality by 2050.

The main message of the release is that the Danish food sector has set a mission to become climate neutral by 2050, while maintaining – or even increasing – production levels.
The ambition is to show that Denmark can lead the way toward economically and environmentally sustainable food production that both reduces emissions and meets growing global food demand.

The points we note in particular are:

• Net zero by 2050: The sector commits to emitting no more CO₂ than it absorbs – across the entire chain from production to consumption.

• Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand: Denmark aims to continue producing food for a growing global population rather than shifting production to less climate-efficient countries.

• Innovation and technology as key drivers: Achieving the goal will require major investments in research, development, and new technologies – including restoring lowland soils and reducing emissions from livestock.

• A national partnership: Universities, companies, government, farmers, and consumers all have a role to play in reaching the goal.

• Denmark as a pioneer: The vision draws a parallel to the country’s wind energy success story – Denmark must once again invest early and lead the way toward a new “food industry adventure” that benefits both the climate and the economy.

Source: The Danish Agriculture & Food Council – “Vision to be climate neutral in 2050” (2019)