Organic Denmark, the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, the Green Transition Denmark, the Vegetarian Society of Denmark, the Danish Plant-Based Business Association (Plantebranchen), Animal Protection Denmark, World Animal Protection, the Danish Beekeepers Association, and BirdLife Denmark have jointly submitted a set of recommendations on how future agricultural subsidies could be structured.
The recommendations are based on a vision of an agricultural policy that supports a sustainable, holistic and agroecological food system — one that respects planetary boundaries and encourages responsible production and consumption from farm to fork.
A key point in the recommendations is a gradual reduction in direct income support, which currently accounts for the largest share of the EU’s agricultural budget. Instead, funding should increasingly be directed towards public goods such as climate action, clean drinking water, a healthy aquatic environment, enhanced biodiversity, and improved animal welfare. The organisations propose that, by 2034 at the latest, direct income support should make up no more than 50% of the overall agricultural budget.
Michael Kjerkegaard, Chair of Organic Denmark, welcomes the shared focus on rethinking agricultural subsidies:
“Farm subsidies have a major influence on how agriculture is organised. If farming is to help address the broader societal challenges we face — and if we are to make full use of the potential of organic production — then the way subsidies are structured needs to change,” says Michael Kjerkegaard.
Maria Reumert Gjerding, President of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, also sees potential in using the EU Presidency to influence agricultural policy at the European level:
“With the Green Denmark Agreement, we’ve already decided which areas should be taken out of production for the benefit of nature, the environment and the climate. But by also adjusting agricultural subsidies, we can provide stronger support for a transition that helps secure the future of Danish agriculture.”
The organisations also highlight that animal welfare should be included as an explicit objective in the EU’s agricultural support framework. Britta Riis, CEO of Animal Protection Denmark, states:
“Denmark is among the countries with the highest number of farmed animals. That gives us both a particular role and responsibility. In the past year, we’ve seen examples of serious welfare issues in industrial animal farming. As presidency holder, Denmark should work to promote a more sustainable approach to EU agricultural subsidies — one that provides specific support for farmers who prioritise animal welfare, climate and biodiversity.”
According to Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, Secretary General of the Vegetarian Society of Denmark, a sustainable food system within planetary boundaries also involves placing greater emphasis on food for people over feed for animals:
“EU agricultural policy should support healthy and sustainable food systems. That includes shaping subsidies so that plant-based production becomes a viable business opportunity.”
Bjarke Møller, Director of the Green Transition Denmark, adds:
“EU subsidies should increasingly reward farmers who shift away from conventional livestock production towards more plant-based foods, organic farming, and regenerative practices. Agricultural policy should support those who take practical steps that benefit climate, environment and biodiversity.”
The joint recommendations also include proposals such as:
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Supporting alternative food value chains — including plant-based products — with the same stability and predictability that livestock production has historically received
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Making coupled support for livestock and the promotion of meat and dairy products conditional on meeting high animal welfare standards
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Maintaining the option to target funding at permanent extensification schemes that benefit nature and biodiversity.
Agricultural subsidies are among the most influential policy tools shaping Europe’s food system. With the upcoming EU Presidency, Denmark has an opportunity to help set a greener course.