Danish Action Plan
for Plant-based
Foods

October 2023

2

Handlingsplan for plantebaserede fødevarer

October 2023
Ministry of Food, Agriculture
and Fisheries of Denmark
The Department
Holbergsgade 61057 Copenhagen+45 38 10 60 00
fvm@fvm.dk
ISBN: 978-87-88363-32-6 (digital version)
Layout: Maj Iversen, The Danish
Agriculture Agency
Photographer: Sarah Buthmann
Other photos: Colourbox
The publication can be downloaded from:en.fvm.dk

Kapiteltitel

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

3

Table of contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0

6.0

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9.0

Table of contents

Preface		5Introduction		7
Strengthening plant-based foods		9
A strong plant-based value chain		11
The Plant-based Food Grant		11
Network for plant-based foods		12Help for plant-based start-ups		12
Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all		15
Greener Public Food Agreement		15
The Official Dietary Guidelines — Good for Health and Climate		15
Funds available for switching to organic produce		16
EU school scheme for fruit and vegetables		16
Plants on the syllabus		16
Export and internationalisation efforts		21
General efforts		22
Innovation Centre Denmark		23
Invest in Denmark		23
Analysis and knowledge needs		23
EU Promotion Policy and plant-based foods		23
Production and processing efforts		27
Ingredient strategy		27
Biosolutions		28
Production and processing aid under the EU's CAP (2023-27)		28
A good food base		31
Eco-scheme varied plant production		31
Eco-scheme organic land support		31
Grass as a plant-based protein source		32
Strategy for agricultural plant-genetic resources		32
The development of commercial seaweed production		32
Variety development and mapping		33
Research, innovation and development		35
GUDP		35
Agricultural funds		35
The Innovation Fund and AgriFoodTure		35
National knowledge and business clusters		36
Approved Technological Service Institutes		36
The research-based government service		37
Nutritional research on plant-rich diets for the sick and elderly		37
Interdisciplinary research centres promoting plant-based foods		37
The research reserve		37

4Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

PrefaceDanish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

5

1.0
Preface

Plant-based foods are the future. If we want to
reduce the climate footprint within the agricultural
sector, then we all have to eat more plant-based
foods - as according to the Official Dietary Guidelines. When the agreement on a green transitionof the agricultural sector of 4 October 2021 (theAgricultural Agreement) was signed between theformer government (the Social Democratic Party),
the Liberal Party of Denmark, the Danish People's
Party, the Green Left, the Danish Social Liberal Party,
the Red-Green Alliance, the Conservative People’s
Party, the New Right, the Liberal Alliance and theChristian Democrats, a decision was made to draw
up a Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods.
Denmark — and the rest of the world — has faced several major crises in recent years that haveaffected our health, environment, climate and foodsupply. The population continues to grow on aplanet where climate change is putting pressure
on our society. Food demand is huge, especiallyin times of crisis, as the war in Ukraine has shown
us. There is competition for land use as it must
serve multiple functions: it must provide a clean
aquatic environment, develop renewable energy,
increase nature and biodiversity, provide crops forfood and feed, and deliver a significant reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions. And then there’s theimpact of poor dietary habits on nutrition and health. Increasing the production and consumption ofplant-based foods will help solve these challenges.

PrefaceDenmark is in a unique position to address thechallenges we face regarding climate, environment
and nutrition and has the opportunity to lead a
rapidly growing global market, and thus serve as an
example for the rest of the world. Denmark has theright climate and strong technical, economic andsocial preconditions for agricultural production,
as well as a long history of adapting to changing
circumstances.
The Danish Government wants to strengthen theDanish plant-based food sector. We will achieve thisthrough a number of initiatives that support thevalue chain. This action plan should inspire everyone who works in our food systems and who influences our daily food choices; from the farmer andfood producer to the retailer, the canteen provider
and the export markets — and of course the consumer on their daily trip to the supermarket.
Happy reading!

Jacob Jensen
Minister for Food,
Agriculture and Fisheries

6Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Introduction

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

7

2.0
Introduction

Plant-based foods are to be understood in a broader context. The term plant-based foods covers all
foods derived from plants, as well as edible fungi,
algae and nutritious microorganisms. Plant-based
foods can also be combined with enzymes andother non-animal ingredients as long as they aresuitable for human consumption. In other words:
Plant-based foods include everything from grains
and carrots to plant paté and seaweed.
According to recent projections from the OECD,
FAO and the European Commission, demand forplant-based products is set to rise. This trend isalso evident in Denmark, where sales of plant-based meat alternatives have increased tenfold since2010, sales of plant drinks have quadrupled, andsales of legumes have almost doubled. Danish society must continue to follow this trend— and, more
importantly, help drive it forward.
Both the latest IPCC report from 2023 and the
new Nordic nutrient recommendations highlight plant-based foods as a crucial part of abalanced diet that can counteract climate change.
The 2022 Climate Programme further points outthat a behavioural change towards a more plant-based diet has a highCO2e reduction potential. Thisaction plan attempts to provide part of the answer
as to we in Denmark can do to get there.
The action plan is the result of discussions withstakeholders as well as the existing knowledge
base, including the AgriFoodTure partnershipon research and innovation. In addition, Aalborg
University and the University of Copenhagen havejointly conducted an analysis of the plant-based
food sector in Denmark, including case studies ofstate plant-based measures in selected countries.

Introduction

The University of Copenhagen has also conducteda market projection of the plant-based food sector.
The analyses show that many companies in the sector are currently facing obstacles in areas ranging
from market access and food regulation to the launch of new products. There is a strong desire in the
sector to be able to use Danish crops and ingredients in production, but prices, quality and quantity,
as well as availability of Danish crops and ingredients, means that these are not used to the extent
that is demanded today. The plant-based food sector consists mainly of start-ups, and as such there isno unifying link across the value chain. The market
projection from the University of Copenhagen concludes that the protein-rich plant-based food sector
can expect growth of between four and eleven percent annually until 2030 in Denmark and in local
markets, while fruit and vegetable production will
be steadily increasing. According to AgriFoodTure,
Denmark only needs a small share of the growing
global market, amounting to between one andthree per cent, to would correspond to a market
value of between DKK 4.5 and 13.5 billion and thecreation of up to 27,000 jobs in the sector.
This action plan has a number of other initiatives
planned, also stemming from the Agricultural Agreement. These must be viewed in relation to eachother: Strategy for green proteins for animals andhumans, Strategy for organic farming, Strategy fortechnical reduction potentials, Strategy for green
jobs in agriculture and related sectors, the Danish
Bioeconomy Panel and a Task Force for vertical
agriculture. As a whole, all initiatives serve the common purpose of strengthening the green transitionof the agri-food sector and reducing the sector’s
greenhouse gas emissions.

8

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Strengthening plant-based foods

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

9

3.0
Strengthening plant-based
foods

According to a market projection from the University of Copenhagen, there are 15 plant-based protein
crops that are suitable for cultivation in Denmark.
As such, there is ample opportunity for Denmark tocontribute to the necessary global transition of agriculture to a more plant-based food basis. The Danish Government wants Denmark to actively participate in this transition, and for Danish agricultural
production, agricultural exports and the dietary
habits of the Danish population to inspire the restof the world to a green transformation of the global
food system. Promoting healthy, climate-friendly
and environmentally friendly plant-based foods isparticularly important here.
With this action plan, the government sets out thefollowing objectives for the Danish plant-based
food sector:• The Danish plant-based value chain must be
strengthened and the coherence of the individual value chain links increased.
• We need to sell more plant-based foods. In 2021,
approximately DKK 32 billion worth of plant-based foods were sold in Danish retail. The government aims to boost plant-based food sales.

Strengthening plant-based foods• Export operations for plant-based foods should
support the sector’s further development. In
2023 and 2024, the branding of the Danishplant-based food sector will be strengthened bymeans of the public-private partnership (PPP)
Food Nation with support from the Danish embassies.
• Danish plant-based produce is to be strengthened through subsidies and development efforts.
• Research and innovation are to be strengthened
through public-private partnerships. The government will set up strategic research collaborations between the State and stakeholders in agriculture, including possibly one or more actors(e.g. companies, private foundations or othercountries). Such collaborations would help support Danish food companies to become leadersin plant-based food production.
The government believes that the plant-based foodsector should be promoted through a combinationof measures on both the supply and demand side.
With the Agricultural Agreement, this action plan
proposes a number of initiatives that focus on one
or more links in the plant-based value chain.

10

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

A strong plant-based value chain

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

11

4.0
A strong plant-basedvalue chainARåvaregrundlag
good food baseProduktionandog
Production
forarbejdning
processing
efforts

Sunde,
plantebaserede
Healthy,plant-based
fødevarer
forallalle
foods forThe plant-based value chain is facing several challenges. The retail sector, where competition for
shelf space is fierce, is perceived as a bottleneckby the majority of plant-based producers and processors. Supply in both retail, food service and food
wholesalers has a certain bearing on the food that
ends up on an individual's plate.
Market penetration can be a challenge — both asa start-up and as a company or farmer looking toconvert part or all of its production of meat- and/or
dairy. It takes time to build enough credit to transform existing production or to start new production, and it requires risk-taking and the availability oflong-term contracts. As such, more networking andconsulting is required to achieve cohesion within
the value chain. According to the analysis from
Aalborg University and the University of Copenhagen, it is the first link in the chain in particular, as in
the link from agriculture to processing that is considered the weakest.
Supporting both existing and new crop cultivation and production is key to the green transition.
Therefore, the government is supporting the Danish plant-based food sector with initiatives aimed
at all parts of the value chain, from farm to fork.

A strong plant-based value chain

Export andEksport og
internationalisationinternationalisering
efforts

Forskning,
Research,innovation
innovation
ogdevelopment
udviklingandThe government’s plan tostrengthen the plant-basedvalue chain
The Plant-based Food Grant
Based on the Agricultural Agreement, the Plant-based Food Grant (The Plant Grant) aims to develop
the plant-based food sector. This purpose applies tothe entire value chain and at least half of the funds
are to be given to organic, plant-based projects.
For the Danish plant-based food sector to becomea true showcase for the rest of the world, foodcompanies, research institutions and organisations require opportunities and resources. The Plant
Grant can provide grants for plant breeding andcultivation, processing, sales promotion, educationand knowledge dissemination. The grants board
develops objectives, strategies and annual actionplans for how best to support the development of
the sector.
Based on the Agricultural Agreement, a total of
DKK 675 million has been allocated for the period of 2023-2030, corresponding to approximately
DKK 84 million annually.

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

12

With the aim of launching initiatives from the agreement, the former Danish Government and coalition parties decided that DKK 25 million of the 2023
grant to the Plant Grant would be given throughthe Fund for Organic Farming through a reserved
fund for organic, plant-based foods.
Network for plant-based foods
There are already several well-established networks
for plant-based foods in Denmark, including Plantebranchen, PlanteVærket, Netværk for Fremtidens
Planteproteiner, Tangnetværket and Planteindustrien (all in Danish).
Therefore, there is ample opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing and consulting for companies throughout the plant-basedvalue chain.
The government is calling for the networks to consider the possibility of creating a joint Plant Hub,similar to that of the Dutch Foodvalley, which is a
hub for companies and knowledge institutions. The
hub networks and collaborates on the common
challenges facing the plant sector: bottlenecks,
regulatory barriers, coherence in the value chain,market entry of start-ups and the development of
tasty, healthy foods. A plant hub such as this one
could help identify the actions needed to address
the above challenges.
Help for plant-based start-ups
Help is available for plant-based start-ups. Innobooster, under the Innovation Fund, invests in knowledge-based development projects in small andmedium-sized Danish companies, as well as entrepreneurial companies. They support three politicallydetermined themes, one of which is green technology development and innovation. Innobooster has
already helped finance companies that have goneon to develop new types of vegan food and edible
seaweed.

How the government will strengthen theentire value chain from farm to fork
• In March 2023, the parties behind theagreement on a green transition of the
agricultural sector set up the Plant-based
Food Grant. DKK 675 million has been allocated for the period of 2023-30, equivalent
to approximately DKK 84 million annually,
which the fund can translate into plant-based projects in all parts of the value chain.
• The government is preparing an entrepreneurship strategy to strengthen Danish
entrepreneurs.
• The government will continue to work closely with the industry through relevant forums such as the Danish Food Partnershipfor Health and Climate.
The government calls on businesses andother operators to:• Apply for funds from the Plant-based Food
Grant.
• Leverage the well-established networks
for plant-based foods that already exist.
Inspiration can be drawn for a Plant Hubfrom Foodvalley in the Netherlands.
• Make use of the public funds and otherinvestment and guidance initiatives targeted start-ups.

EIFO (Danish Export and Investment Fund) helps,
among other things, first-time farmers establish
themselves. Their target audience is healthy businesses that need long-term, risk-free financing
to bring their plans to fruition. Innovation Centre
Denmark also helps Danish start-ups gain access toboth capital and partners and helps them test andadapt their solution and business model in an international context. The current ingredient strategy
within the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration also supports smaller companies and start-ups
that need guidance to get approval for new typesof food. In addition to state funds and government
initiatives, the government is planning an entrepreneurship strategy to strengthen entrepreneurship
throughout Denmark.
A strong plant-based value chain

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

A strong plant-based value chain

13

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Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

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A good food baseProduction andprocessing efforts

Healthy, plant-based
foods for all

Export andinternationalisation
efforts

Research, innovationand development

5.0
Healthy, tasty plant-based
foods for all

Plant-based foods should have a much greater presence on supermarket shelves, dining tables and atrestaurants throughout Denmark. For Danes to eat
more plant-based food, sales of plant-based foodsin professional kitchens and the foodservice sector
should increase significantly, as well as in privatehouseholds.
It takes time to develop a food culture. Our dietary habits are governed by much more than the
conscious choices we each make in everyday life.
Habits and preferences are ingrained, and many ofthem we carry with us from childhood. So changing
people’s dietary habits must also be supported through increased enlightenment and nudging. We
need to learn how to use new plant-based foods,
as well as how to make healthy, tasty and filling
dishes with even more of the plant-based foods
we are already familiar with. Employees in public
and private kitchens must obtain the necessary
professional knowledge and skillset to cook withplant-based ingredients and increase the focus on
healthy and plant-based eating in primary and higher education.

The government’s plan to promote the use of plant-based
foods nationallyGreener Public Food Agreement
In January 2023, Statens- og Kommunernes Indkøbsservices (SKI) announced a new and greener
food agreement. Sustainability has been incorporated in all parts of the agreement, from production
and delivery to procurement and use. The agreement covers a wide range of organic foods, aswell as a larger assortment of legumes and other

Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all

plant-based foods. The agreement also sets a number of requirements for i.e. seasonal products, information about climate impact, sustainability andcertified palm oil. The agreement is out to tenderand is expected to enter into force in March 2024.
In December 2022, the Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration delivered a study on always having
the option to choose a 100 percent plant-based
meal in public kitchens. The study concluded,
among other things, that kitchen professionals require new techniques and training if they are to prepare tasty, nutritious, plant-based meals. The new
SKI agreement includes the provision of a series offree courses for anyone covered by the agreement,
some of which are designed to enhance plant-based food cooking skills for kitchen staff. The Danish
Veterinary and Food Administration can provide
assistance for the courses in nutrition, health andclimate. The current 2021 Budget Guide also statesthat the government’s canteen suppliers must beable to provide, for example, one or more weekly
meat-free days, beef or lamb no more than one day
a week, and dishes with legumes, vegetables andwhole grains daily, if requested locally.
The Official Dietary Guidelines — Good for
Health and Climate
The Official Dietary Guideline were launched in January 2021 and now show us not only healthy eating
habits, but also how we can eat more climate-friendly
foods. A plant-based diet is good for both our healthand climate. We must — in short — turn down meatin favour of legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas. Research also shows that there is a strong correlation between what we need to eat to stay healthy
and prevent disease, and what we need to eat to takecare of the climate and our planet.

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

16

Dietary Advice for Meals for professional
kitchens
Dietary Advice for Meals is dietary advice aimed at professional kitchens and has beendeveloped based on the Official Dietary
Guidelines — Good for Health and Climate.
The advice is designed to make it easier for
kitchens to serve healthy and climate-friendly meals.
The potential is huge. Public kitchens alone
serve approximately 650,000 meals a day,and this obviously doesn’t include meals
cooked in private kitchens. The professional kitchens therefore play a crucial role ininspiring and introducing tasty, healthy andclimate-friendly food to Danes, thus nudging
the population's diets in a more plant-based
direction.

Climate labelling foods and database
Studies show that consumers have a strong
desire to eat food that is climate-friendly, butthat they lack guidance. Meanwhile, industry
and consumer organisations have expressedinterest in a national climate label. So a voluntary Danish state-controlled climate label
for food is currently under development. The
government is also supporting the European
Commission's study of the option to have acommon European sustainability label.

According to calculations by the Climate Council
and the Department of Food and Resource Economics at the University of Copenhagen, if Danes
were to eat according to climate-friendly dietaryguidelines, they would gain more healthy years oflife, the country would see a saving of DKK 12 billion
in health costs and reduce its climate footprint by
31-45 per cent.
The government will continue to expand knowledge and implement the dietary advice through public-private collaborations, communication efforts
and initiatives, for example in professional kitchens.
The government will also look at the need to adjust
the dietary guidelines in light of the New Nordic
Nutrient recommendations, which were launched
in June 2023.
Funds available for switching to organic
produce
DKK 54 million has been allocated in funds for professional kitchens to switch to organic produce,
which will be implemented through the Fund for
Organic Farming in the period 2021-24. The funds
will go towards developing the skills of kitchen
staff and associated employees in sustainable
meal production, dietary advice, food waste andthe use of seasonal goods. The switch to organic
produce in public kitchens where no additional
funds are provided for the procurement of crops
and ingredients, generally results in more plantrich meals, as organic meat and dairy are often
more expensive than organic plant-based foods.
The funds are expected to push food consumption
in the professional kitchens in a more sustainable
and plant-rich direction, with higher organic shares
and a reduced climate impact. The funds contribute to training professional kitchen staff to provide
healthier and more plant-rich dishes.
EU school scheme for fruit and vegetables
The government will promote healthy diets andstrengthen access to plant-based foods in primaryschools by making better use of the Danish allocation on the EU school scheme for fruit and vegetables. There is the potential to increase the amountof fruit and vegetables consumed by Danish pupils
by up to 30 per cent under the grant scheme. The
government will also examine whether there is abasis for providing support for plant drinks under
the EU school scheme for fruit and vegetables.
Plants on the syllabus
With the development of a plant-based sector
comes the need for new skills. Some existing skills

Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

are of course still relevant in the plant-rich kitchen,
while others need to be shared and developed. In
Denmark, we are skilled at developing new plant-based products and bio-based food ingredients, butthere is still work to be done when it comes to learning how to use them.
The analysis conducted by Aalborg University
and the University of Copenhagen shows thatmost companies' needs for skills in product development are already sufficiently covered. For
example, a dairy farmer can use his experience inthe production of plant-based drinks without needing major retraining. This is due, among otherthings, to the fact that companies in the Danishplant-based food sector have been able to gain
experience and develop skills through experiments, participation in projects, etc.
However, it takes continuing education to change the ingrained culture that centres most of its
dishes around animal-based ingredients (such asa piece of meat or fish). And further training isrequired in technical skills within biotechnology,
taste, structure and more advanced fermentation
processes.
Plants in vocational workplace training andeducation
Vocational training is anchored in professional
committees, which are made up of representatives from labour organisations. The committees
must follow developments and trends in the workforce and set up, develop, adapt or close down training courses. As a result of new or changing skills
needs in the labour market, there is an ongoing
trend towards green skills in vocational educationand training. In some food training courses, theneed for new skills is reflected in the increased
focus on plant-based foods. The Ministry of Children and Education is in the process of considering a request from the professional committee
for gastronomic education to make vegetarianchefs a specialized chef’s education. Furthermore,training courses to become a nutritional assistant,dairy farmer or farmer have been continuously
adjusted to include subjects and skill objectives
that support sustainability and plant-based diets.
In 2023, the government also allocated DKK 2
million to the professional committee for gastronomic education to help push chef training in agreener direction.
The labour market education system (AMU) offers publicly-funded courses that allow both unskilled and skilled workers to expand their skills

Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all

17

in line with demand in the Danish labour market. AMU are short courses of usually one to six
weeks. People involved in the labour market develop course content through industry-specificfurther education committees, and the Ministryof Children and Education approves them. Within
the food craft courses, there are currently eight
different courses on plant-based foods, including
fermentation and preparation of legumes andplant-based dishes. There are also AMU courses aimed at kitchen professionals that coverplant-based diets. One such example is the course titled Sustainability in large kitchens. So thanks
to AMU, companies already have good opportunities available to them to boost their employees’skills in the plant-based field.
In April 2022, DKK 0.5 million was pledged tostrengthen AMU courses focusing on plant-based
food to the Further Education Committee for the
Kitchen, Hotel, Bakery, Confectionary and Meat
industry. The Committee subsequently developed
four of the eight new courses in the plant-based
field. The Committee also runs workshops and training for teachers at vocational schools, publishes
leaflets on courses in plant-based foods, including
virtual courses, and organises conferences onplant-based nutrition.
Plants in higher food education
The plant-rich diet is also a theme included in programmes in higher education, including subjects
and modules on plant-rich diets. A number of initiatives have been launched to support this. For
example, the Finance Act 2022 allocated DKK 2
million to develop a diploma training module onplant-based diets for nutrition professionals.
The module has been developed during the course of 2023 for the purpose of supporting the foodprofessions to create tasteful and varied plant-richdiets. There has also been increased focus on increasing teaching skills and knowledge aroundplant-based diets among lecturers within nutrition
education. The experience and results gained fromthese efforts is to be circulated to relevant stakeholders.
In 2021, Absalon University College received DKK
1.08 million under the auspices of the VEU Working Group's development programme for theGreen project for transforming the food industry.
The project aims to develop a practice-oriented
and flexible training programme that matches
labour market demands for a green transition infood businesses and food production. The projectwill be completed in early 2024.

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

18

How the government will boost the consumption of plant-based foods in Denmark• The government will reduce the climate footprint of public procurement, which is expected
to result in an increase in public procurement ofplant-based foods.
• The state and the municipalities have signed a
new procurement agreement for food, which
includes larger requirements for organic andplant-based foods in professional kitchens, andoffers free training courses to improve the skillsof relevant employees.
• The government will continue to circulate the
Official Dietary Guidelines - Good for Health andClimate through public-private collaborations,communication initiatives and initiatives in professional kitchens.
• The government will also adjust the dietaryguidelines in light of the New Nordic Nutrient recommendations, which were launched in June
2023.
• The government will revise the ’Recommendations for the Danish diet in nurseries and child-carefacilities’, which will also include recommendations for a plant-based diet. The recommendations are expected to be published in 2024.
• DKK 54 million has been allocated through theFund for Organic Farming to cover the period2021-24 to support the transition to more organic produce in professional kitchens.
• The government aims to promote healthy dietsand strengthen access to plant-based foods inprimary schools by making better use of the Danish allocation on the EU school scheme for fruitand vegetables.
• In 2023, the government also allocated DKK 2
million for the professional committee for gastronomic education to help push chef training in agreener direction.
• The government continues to support close
communication with stakeholders in the hotel
and hospitality industry, to address challenges
and information requirements, including how tomeet future industry demand.
• The government will continue to support higher education to integrate relevant information
about plant-based foods into education.

The University of Copenhagen has developed a
specialisation in plant-based foods on their English-language Master's programme, the MSc in
Food Science and Technology. The specialisation
will be offered for the first time in September 2023.
The University of Copenhagen has also received
approval to offer a two-year Master's programmein biosolutions in 2024, which for example will combine expertise in food science and biotechnology.
In 2022, the Ministry for Higher Education andScience carried out a survey about how much of
the green transition was covered in upper secondary education. The survey showed that 11 percent of higher education providers have learning
outcomes about agriculture and food production.
As part of the survey, an inspiration catalogue wasprepared with examples of educational programmes that have incorporated the green transition
into their educational content.

The government calls on businesses and otheroperators to:• Apply for funds through the Plant-based Food
Grant to strengthen

Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Healthy, tasty plant-based foods for all

19

20

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Export and internationalisation efforts

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

21
A good food baseProduction andprocessing efforts

Healthy, plant-based
foods for all

Export andinternationalisation
efforts

Research, innovationand development

6.0
Export andinternationalisation
efforts

The increased focus on global plant-based foodproduction brings new opportunities for more innovation and production for export markets, aswell as opportunities to work with international
operators. The area is in rapid development, withdemand shifting from the export of traditional andwell-established plant products such as crisps andbeer to the increasing inclusion of new plant-based
foods, which are marketed as alternatives to animal-based products.
The potential is great, but the competition is fierce.
So work must be done to identify new export opportunities and to stimulate demand in the market,
which in turn would enable Danish companies tomarket the goods.
According to figures from Statistics Denmark,exports of plant-based foods have been growing
for a number of years. From 2010 to 2022, exportsrose from DKK 23.5 billion to DKK 44.5 billion.

The rise corresponds to an increase in the share of
total Danish food exports of 7 percentage points,from 16 percent in 2010 to 23 per cent in 2022
(2022 figures). The largest product groups in theexport of plant-based foods are additives and enzymes (28.3 percent) and beverages (20.5 per cent).
Additives in particular (enzymes, yeast, etc.) has
been a growing area, which has gone from exports
of DKK 6.4 billion in 2010 to DKK 12.6 billion in 2022.
Exports of fruits, nuts and vegetables amounted toapproximately DKK 5.0 billion in 2022, and exportsof oats amounted to DKK 130 million. Legumes
exports in particular have increased significantly
over the past years. From 2017 to 2022, exports oflegumes grew from approximately DKK 122 million
to DKK 510 million, more than a fourfold increase.
The figure below shows the development ofplant-based food exports measured in DKK billion
from 2010 to 2022.

1Export figures are only available in a number of predetermined categories, so reservations are made for any crops and ingredients added
to animal-based products such as lactose. The figures are calculated in fixed prices.

Export and internationalisation efforts

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

22

Note: The calculations
are based on thedefinition of plant-based foods as per theaction plan.

DKK billion

Figure 1
Trends in exports ofplant-based foods
2010-22

Source: Statistics ofDenmark.

Recommendations from the Industry
task force on strengthening the Exportof Plant-based Foods
The task force was set up in 2022 to identify measures that could promote Danishplant-based foods exports. They came up
with recommendations under the following
headings:
1. Expanding the knowledge base on export
potential
2. Continuation of public-private cooperation
on export promotion
3. Insight into regulatory and market barriers
in selected export markets
4. A strengthened branding effort
5. Consolidated professional presence in priority markets
The task force consists of representatives
from the Danish Food and Agriculture Council, DAKOFO, Danish Food and Drink Federation, Danish Vegetarian Association, Food
Nation, Food & Bio Cluster, Danish Brewers’
Association, the Danish Plantbased Business
Association, Organic Denmark, the Ministryof Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Food,
Agriculture and Fisheries.

How the government will
strengthen exports andinternationalisation.
General efforts
The former government's Export Action Plan for theDanish Food Cluster was launched on 9 September 2022. The action plan set out the frameworkfor government initiatives in support of the Danish
food cluster's exports till 2023, including cooperation
with the industry. The action plan highlights the great growth potential of plant-based food, which goes
hand in hand with goals for the green transition.
As such, the Danish Government is supporting
the businesses of the food cluster by creating andmaintaining market access and identifying customers and partners in priority markets. Amongother activities, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture
and Fisheries is supporting companies' access toexports by negotiating new and expanded market
access with third countries and certifying actual
exports. Under the auspices of The Trade Council,
representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
help companies with market-oriented export promotion so that they can export their products andsupport overall export growth.
In the Forum for Exports of the Danish Food Cluster, the Danish Government will continue to focus
on export opportunities for plant-based foods. The
partnership includes representatives from the foodcluster, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under
the auspices of the partnership, a task force on Enhanced Export of Plant-based Foods has been set
up. The task force has come up with a total of nine
recommendations to boost exports of plant-based
foods. Several initiatives have already been launched or are expected to launch throughout 2023.

Export and internationalisation efforts

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

23

Export opportunities for plant-based foods are also
being promoted through Food Nation, which endeavours to increase the knowledge of Denmark's
strengths and conducts branding, visits for foreign
stakeholders, participation in export promotion,
conferences, etc.

options for analysing export capacity for plant-based foods, identifying positions of strength where
current and future production capacity is held up
against domestic demand, including which areas
the industry needs to scale up.

It is expected that the Plant-based Food Grant willfurther support companies to promote plant-based
foods, as set out in the section on page 7 of thisaction plan.

The EU Promotion Policy provides co-financing
for information campaigns and promotion of agricultural products and the methods by which
they are produced. The scheme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector
in the EU by raising awareness of the properties
and quality of EU agricultural products, including
production methods such as organic production,
sustainability measures and plant-based products.
The government therefore calls on the plant-based food sector to select specific priority markets
that would benefit from long-term strategic efforts,
so that the industry can apply for funding fromthe EU's promotion scheme for plant-based foodcampaigns.

Innovation Centre Denmark
Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) currently has
innovation centres in South Korea, India, China, Israel, Germany and the United States. The ICDK isfunded through an annual administrative appropriation in the Finance Act. DKK 38.2 million was
allocated for 2023 and DKK 71.4 million annuallyfor 2024-25. The innovation centres provide Danishknowledge institutions and companies with accessto technology, partners and funding in the countries where the centres are located. They also help
implement Denmark's bilateral cooperation on research, technology and innovation. Meanwhile, theinnovation centres are responsible for repatriationand publicising knowledge and best practices that
help ensure that Denmark is on the forefront of thelatest technological trends and that Danish companies can provide the products and solutions thatare in demand globally.
Several of the innovation centres perform specific activities in the plant-based field: In the US, alternative proteins are being worked on as part ofthe country’s efforts in the field of biosolutions. In
Israel, discussions are underway with AgriFoodTureon climate and environmentally friendly food production, and in South Korea, a collaboration has
been established between Danish and Korean researchers on the development and possible usesof seaweed.
Invest in Denmark
Invest in Denmark is an organisation that attracts
foreign companies and investments in plant-based
foods for the purpose of bringing new knowledge,
innovation and technology to Denmark. Foreigncompanies can help ensure that Denmark becomes a leader in the development of future sustainable technologies and plant-based products, thus
contributing to the Danish economy and exports.
Analysis and knowledge needs
In order to expand the knowledge required toexport plant-based foods, the task force recommends conducting several analyses. By working
with the industry, the government will explore theExport and internationalisation efforts

EU Promotion Policy and plant-based foods

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

24

How the government will strengthen Danishplant-based exports• The government will continue to focus on export
opportunities for plant-based foods through Forum for Exports of the Danish Food Cluster.
• The government will promote and brand the Danish food cluster, including the plant-based foodand agricultural sector through Food Nation.
• In 2023 DKK 38.2 million has been allocated toInnovation Centre Denmark which is promoting
research and development in plant-based foods
through international collaborations in e.g. theUS, Israel and South Korea. The grant is set toincrease to DKK 71.4 million annually in 2024-25.
• The government will continue to focus on attracting foreign companies and investments in theplant-based food and agriculture sector throughthe national investment promotion organisation
Invest in Denmark.
Analyses and knowledge needs
The government will explore the possibility of conducting the following analyses together with thebusiness community:• An analysis of the export capacity of plant-based
foods, including strong positions and scaling potential in Denmark.
• Brief and operational market analyses on the potential for exports of plant-based foods to local
markets.
The government is calling on businesses to:• Make use of Trade Council's export programmes
targeting small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Prioritise and select specific markets in orderto strengthen export and internationalisation
efforts through longer-term and more strategic
pathways. Here, the Trade Council will be able toassist with identifying and providing access torelevant key decision-makers and local partners.
• To use Innovation Centre Denmark's local presence and network for research and innovation
collaborations.
• To apply for funds for info campaigns and thepromotion of plant-based foods in the EU promotion scheme.
• To apply for funds for international promotion
activities through the Plant-based Food Grant.

Export and internationalisation efforts

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Export and internationalisation efforts

25

26

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Production and processing efforts

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

27
A good food baseProduction andprocessing efforts

Healthy, plant-based
foods for all

Export andinternationalisation
efforts

Research, innovationand development

7.0
Production andprocessing efforts

Production and processing are a large and important part of producing tasty, healthy and nutritious
plant-based foods. The analysis by the Universities
of Aalborg and Copenhagen points to the needfor more storage facilities for farmers and food-safety-approved facilities for processing crops andingredients (drying, peeling, grinding and dry fractionation). This applies to both pilot and full-scale
facilities, and could seriously accelerate the production process in the value chain.
But the need for production and processing facilities is not the only challenge. Getting approval for
new food types is also proving problematic. The
term novel food is used to refer to new foods thathave not been put on the market in the EU before
15 May 1997 and which therefore need EU approval.
For example, chia seeds have been through a novel food approval process. In order to increase theproduction and processing of plant-based foods, it
is vital that we have a responsive authorisation system without compromising food safety.
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) offers a number of options that support the switch
to plant-based foods. The principles of the support options have been agreed in the Agricultural
Agreement.

Production and processing efforts

The government’s plan tostrengthen Danish production
and processing efforts
Ingredient strategy
Ingredients are an essential part of developing
plant-based foods with a better taste, texture andother desirable properties (e.g. that a plant-based
cheese product can be cut, grated, melted etc.). The
Danish ingredients industry is also actively working
to develop new alternative plant-based crops andingredients for food production. This could be, forexample, the development of various plant-based
proteins, including by fermentation of microalgae orside streams from food production.
The ingredients sector is currently supported by astrategy aimed at ensuring growth for the development and innovation of more sustainable food ingredients. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration provides support and guidance for companies onnovel food regulations. As well as developing ingredients for plant-based food production, the ingredients
strategy is also about increasing collaboration with
the industry, strengthening guidance on key legislation in the field, minimising regulatory barriers to innovation and developing more sustainable ingredients.
The strategy has targeted smaller companies andstart-ups in particular.

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

28

Forum for the Ingredients of the Future
In order to gain insight into the key problems facing the industry, further and closer
communication with industry associations,companies and research institutions is essential. With this in mind, in 2019 the previous
government set up a discussion forum — Forum for Ingredients of the Future (FFI). The
themes addressed at the forum’s meetings
provide the government with the necessary insight into where we can best intervenein terms of reducing barriers to innovation,
advocating for regulatory changes in the EU
and allowing for the development of newcrops and ingredients.
It is particularly the production and processing side that needs to both speed and scaleup, but also the taste, nutritional value andtexture of the plant-based foods requires
attention.

Lighthouse Zealand
Biosolutions have great potential to ensure
more sustainable, green foods. Approximately DKK 98 million has been allocatedfor 2022-25 for the public-private businessconsortium Lighthouse Zealand that is created to help solve global and local climate
and environmental challenges while at thesame time stimulating growth and creatingjobs in Zealand and the islands.

Lighthouse Zealand will e.g. support the transition to developing plant-based foods andincrease sales on export markets. Lighthouse Zealand has launched a number of initiatives to help companies convert to more sustainable ingredients or products and moreenergy-saving processes. One example isthe establishment of the Baltic Plant Solution
test facility on Lolland, where companies cantest, adjust and refine food production of newplant-based crops, such as faba beans.

The time it takes from the moment an application
is submitted until a product is approved as a novel food must be reduced without compromising
human health and the environment. In supportof this strategy, the Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration provides companies with specificguidance aimed at facilitating the understandingof the overall legislation on novel food, including
authorisation procedures. Meanwhile, efforts arebeing made throughout the EU to raise awareness of the inappropriately long approval processes and to promote faster approval processes fornovel foods.
Biosolutions
Biosolutions is an interdisciplinary field based on
research into understanding and utilising biological systems. Biosolutions include enzymes,
proteins and bacteria that are manufactured on
an industrial scale. In Denmark, biosolutions are
particularly widespread in advanced foods, where we already have strong positions in bio-based
ingredients and fermentation technology — suchas for producing plant-based yogurt and cheese.
Biosolutions have the potential to improve thetaste, quality, nutrition of plant-based foods, andextend their shelf life. Biosolutions also have thepotential to lower both climate and environmental
impact of food production. It is a growing area thathas gained increased awareness. As such it has
the potential to really drive the global green transition forward. Therefore, the government wants todevelop the area further, and will do so under the
auspices of Lighthouse Zealand, a business consortium for biosolutions. For example, the government
will push for innovation-friendly regulation, bothnationally and in the EU, to strengthen the sector’s
development but without compromising nature,
the environment, health and food safety.
Production and processing aid under the EU's
CAP (2023-27)
The EU's CAP consists of direct agricultural subsidies, market organisations and rural support. Basedon the Agricultural Agreement, four support options have been introduced to support an increased
plant-based agri-food production.
The common market scheme is part of the EU's
CAP where producers in the fruit and vegetablesector (fruit, vegetables, nuts and mushrooms) canapply for support. Support is offered for operational programmes aimed at e.g. increasing the commercial value of products, improving quality andpromoting integrated production or other environ-

Production and processing efforts

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

mentally friendly production methods, which are
expected to contribute to an increase in plant-based agri-food production. A total of DKK 285 million
has been allocated for the period 2023-27.
The agri-environment-climate measures are designed to contribute to the reduction of environmental and climate impacts of primary agricultural
production. The support is granted for physicalinvestments. The Agricultural Agreement, includes
the expectation that integrated aid will be sought
to support e.g. technology for producing and processing plant-based foods. To this end, the scheme
is expected to strengthen the plant-based crops
and ingredients. DKK 560 million has been allocated for 2023-2027 for the agri-environment-climate
measures where operators in horticulture, plantcultivation and fruit and vegetable production canapply for support for agri-environment-climate investments.

29

How the government will strengthen
Denmark’s production and processing ofplant-based foods• Through the ingredients strategy, the development and innovation of more sustainable foods is strengthened.
• The government will continue dialogue theindustry about ingredients, devoting particular attention to the production and processing side of the plant-based value chain.
• DKK 97.8 million has been allocated for2022-25 for the public-private businessconsoritum Lighthouse Zealand, which
contributes to the refining of plant-based
food ingredients on a large scale.
• The government will push for innovation-friendly regulation in Denmark and the EUwith respect for nature, the environment,
health and food safety.
• Through the EU's CAP (for the period 202327) substantial resources have been allocated for plant-based food production andprocessing:− DKK 285 million has been allocated to the
CMO, which includes support for producers
in the fruit, vegetables, nuts and mushrooms sectors.
− DKK 560 million has been allocated to agri-environment climate measures, which
can also support plant-based production
and processing technology.
• The government will push to promote
plant-based foods internationally, includingin the EU.
The government is calling on businesses to:• Apply for support for operational programmes under the EU’s fruit and vegetable
market management scheme.

Production and processing efforts

30

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

A good food baseDanish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

31
A good food baseProduction andprocessing efforts

Healthy, plant-based
foods for all

Export andinternationalisation
efforts

Research, innovationand development

8.0
A good food baseDenmark is an agricultural country. The agricultural area comprises cultivated fields, fallow andgrassland and accounts for about 60 per cent ofDenmark's total land area. Today, about 18 per centof Danish farmland is used for growing plant-based
foods.
Danish operators want Danish companies that
produce and sell plant-based products to predominantly obtain their crops from Danish farmers. So if
we are to boost Danish plant-based food production and exports, we need look at a transformationof Danish farmland.
Transforming Danish farmland to support plant-based food production means tackling a number of
obstacles. It is essential we have sufficient nutrient
sources to grow more plant-based foods. In particular, organic plant production involves substitution with alternative sources approved under the
EU organic regulation. This issue will be addressedin greater detail in the government's Strategy for
Organic Farming.
Furthermore, through targeted breeding and refining, we need to find the most climate-friendly
food varieties that are best suited to Danish conditions and that have optimised yield, taste, nutritional
value and functionality. Practically all plants grownin the fields today are the result of long, targeted
breeding processes. The government sees exciting potential in new genomic techniques such as
so-called targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis. The
challenge is to come up with legislation that allows
us to promote new genomic techniques for plantsthat benefit the climate and society without exposing nature, humans and animals to health andenvironmental risks. The government welcomedthat the European Commission put forward two
proposals for a new plant regulation in July 2023: 1)

A good food base

Proposal for revised regulation on production andmarketing of seeds and propagating material andforest propagating material (PRM and FRM) and 2)
Proposal for new regulation for plants produced bycertain new genomic techniques (NGT).

The government’s plan tostrengthen the Danish foodbase
In the period 2023-27, a greater proportion of funds
for agriculture will be earmarked for eco-schemesthat benefit the climate, environment and biodiversity on agricultural land. The eco-schemes arevoluntary and allow farmers to receive additional
subsidies for an area if they implement a green initiative. In Denmark, there are a number of subsidy
schemes and other initiatives available to promote
plant-based food production.
Eco-scheme varied plant production
We need to produce more plant-based crops andingredients. The former government and the coalition parties behind the Agricultural Agreement
have allocated a total of DKK 578.5 million for the
eco-schemes for varied crop production under theDanish CAP plan for 2023-27. The eco-schemes
support farms that use increased crop diversification and grow a minimum of specific rotation crops
such as fruit and berries, vegetables, oilseeds (excluding winter and spring rapeseed), leguminous
seeds of large-seeded species of the pea family,
root vegetables, flax and hemp and potatoes. This
supports both environmental impact and a larger
and crop diversification.
Eco-scheme organic land support
The former government and the coalition parties
behind the Agricultural Agreement have alloca-

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

32

Plant-based protein crops for growth inDenmark
According to the market analysis from the
University of Copenhagen, there are fifteen
protein crops that have optimal growing
conditions in Denmark. These are chickpeas,
peas, beans, lentils, a variety of nuts, mushrooms, quinoa, faba beans, buckwheat, amaranth, hemp, soy, lupine, rapeseed and grass
protein.

Plant genetics as a Nordic collaboration
NordGen is the joint Nordic gene bank funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, andworks alongside the national efforts onplant-genetic resources. NordGen manages
the conservation and sustainable use of
Nordic genetic resources, including responsibility for the seed gene bank, which the five
Nordic countries would otherwise be obliged
to handle themselves.

Land-based seaweed cultivationin Denmark
In April 2022, Aarhus University submitted
an advisory note to the Danish Fisheries
Agency concerning land-based seaweed
cultivation. The aim was to provide clarity
about Danish seaweed production and sales
in 2022, as well as future prospects. The notehighlighted the favourable environment in
Denmark for the development of seaweed
production and listed which barriers need to
be overcome in order to scale up sustainable
seaweed production.

ted a total of DKK 3.6 billion for the organic land
grant scheme from 2023-30. The organic land support is an eco-scheme that aims to help maintainand expand organic land in order to achieve thegovernment's goal of doubling it by 2030. This also
supports organic, plant-based agriculture.
Grass as a plant-based protein source
The government and the coalition parties behind
the Agricultural Agreement have allocated DKK
260 million for green biorefining, which covers
methods for exploiting protein from Danish pasture and clover fields (green biomass). In the shortterm, efforts can promote the development of sustainable feed and thereby reduce dependence on
soya imports. This will be given significant focus
in the Strategy for Green Proteins for Animals andHumans. In the longer term, supporting the technology could also promote the development of green
proteins for food.
Strategy for agricultural plant-genetic
resources
The government has allocated DKK 1 million annually and launched a new strategy for agricultural
plant genetic resources, which shall apply from2023-27. The strategy must ensure the long-termand binding work on the conservation of plant-genetic resources. The aim is to be able to use a diverse plant genetic material to develop and adapt foodand food ingredients.
The development of commercial seaweed
production
The demand for more sustainable and plant-richfoods does not just apply to vegetables and legumes. Researchers at e.g. The Technical Universityof Denmark and Aarhus University have highlighted great potential in plant-based marine foods
such as seaweed and algae. Seaweed has a low
climate footprint and can be grown both in sea-based and land-based facilities, where conditions in
the latter are more controlled and thus have theopportunity for a wider scale of production. In the
Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme
2021-27 (EHFAF), in addition to the Strategy for a
Sustainable Aquaculture Sector 2021-27, a total of
DKK 5.1 million has been allocated for 2021-23 todevelop Danish commercial seaweed production,
so that seaweed can become part of a Danishplant-based and sustainable food base.
The government is therefore delighted that on 15
November 2022, the European Commission adopted the paper “Towards a strong and sustainable algae sector in the EU”. The paper proposes 23 measures to create opportunities for the algae industry

A good food baseDanish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

to grow into a robust and sustainable sector. The
government hopes that the measures envisaged
will generate innovation and new opportunities forthe sector, while meeting the growing demand in
the EU for e.g. alternatives/supplements to existing(animal) protein sources.
Variety development and mapping
Developing both new crops and varieties within
known crops is absolutely essential to increase
plant-based food production. New varieties are to
be tested and developed for use in food and Danish growing conditions, including crops with ahigh protein content. It is relevant to develop varieties for conventional and organic cultivation using
both traditional and new genomic techniques. This
topic will also form part of the government's Strategy for Green Proteins for Animals and Humans.

33

Funds for varietal development projects
Funding for varietal development and growing
is available through the Plant-based Food Grant,
several of the Danish agricultural funds, as wellas the Nordic public-private partnership forpre-plant breeding (PPP). GUDP also supports
several projects dealing with varietal development (e.g. potatoes and spinach) and projects
developing varieties for subsequent processing
before consumption (e.g. peas and beans forprotein supplements).

How the government will strengthen Denmark’s food base Under the Danish CAP plan
• A total of DKK 578.5 million has been allocated forthe diversified crop production eco-scheme from2023-27. The aim is to support a more diversified
crop production.
• A total of DKK 3.6 billion has been allocatedfor 2023-30 for the organic land support ecoscheme.
• DKK 260 million has been allocated for green
biorefining, which in the long term can support the development of green proteins for
food.
Additional measures• In 2021-23, a total of DKK 5.1 million was allocated to developing Danish commercial
seaweed production to strengthen Danishplant-based aquaculture.
• A strategy for agricultural plant genetic resources has been launched from 2023-27 toensure the conservation of plant genetic resources. The government has allocated DKK
1 million annually for the work.
• In 2023, DKK 2.5 million was allocated for thejoint Nordic Public-Private Partnership concerning the pre-breeding of plants for plant-based foods.
• The government will continue to support varietal development and mapping of plant crops forthe purpose of optimising yield, texture, taste
and nutritional value of plant-based crops andingredients.
• The government wants to revise EU legislation for
the use of new genomic techniques on plants.
The government is calling on businesses to:• Apply for funds for varietal development andplant breeding through relevant funds andpartnerships, e.g. PPP.

A good food base

34

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Research, innovation and development

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

35
A good food baseProduction andprocessing efforts

Healthy, plant-based
foods for all

Export andinternationalisation
efforts

Research, innovationand development

9.0
Research, innovationand development
Turning Denmark into a world leader in plant-based foods will require ambitious research into theplant-based value chain, and to translate such research into concrete solutions in Danish companies. A strengthened plant-based research, innovation and development sector in Denmark will bothfill relevant knowledge gaps and contribute to thecreation of jobs.

foods, GUDP supports a wide range of projects
that, among other things, develop new methods
for processing legumes in Denmark and recyclingside streams to reduce food waste. Projects include developing new technologies and methods to
produce plant-based foods and food ingredients,
such as faba beans, hemp, oyster mushrooms andseaweed.

We need more information on how to optimise
taste, nutritional value and texture of plant-based
foods. We need to increase cooperation with thebest research and innovation environments in theworld, including the EU's Horizon Europe partnerships. We need to learn more about how to bestuse plant-based marine resources. We need to understand patterns of behaviour and consumption
when switching to a more plant-based diet. We
need to do even more research into the circular
economy and the use of side streams for plant-based food production.

Agricultural funds

We need to strengthen our overall research andinvestment efforts in the green transition of agriculture, including research and investment in plant-based food production. This also includes inspirationfrom other countries' positions of strength when it
comes to plant-based foods.

The government’s plan to support research, innovation anddevelopment
GUDP
Green Development and Demonstration Programme (GUDP) is a programme under the Ministry ofFood, Agriculture and Fisheries. Its aim is to support
innovative projects that promote green and economically sustainable development throughout
the food and non-food sectors. Within plant-based

Research, innovation and development

The agricultural funds consist of a total of 13 funds,
six of which support projects related to crop production. The funds Promilleafgiftsfonden for landbrug, Promilleafgiftsfonden for frugtavlen og gartneribruget and the Fund for Organic Farming all
have fixed appropriations under the Finance Act,
while the Potato Tax Fund, the Sugar Beet Tax Fundand the Production Tax Fund for Fruit and Horticultural Products are financed via collected taxes. The
funds support research, advice, disease prevention
and marketing promotion with the aim of contributing to the sectors’ development and improving
Danish competitiveness. The Fund for Organic Farming has funds allocated exclusively for organic
plant-based foods.
The Innovation Fund and AgriFoodTure
The Innovation Fund aims to provide grants for research, knowledge-based innovation and entrepreneurship to strengthen research areas and develop
technology and innovative solutions for the benefitof growth and employment throughout Denmark.
In April 2022, the Innovation Fund granted DKK 201
million to the research and innovation partnership
AgriFoodTure in the field of climate- and environmentally friendly agriculture and food production,
which is one of four green missions. In 2022 and2023, an additional DKK 295 million and DKK 300.3
million were allocated respectively to the four
missions, which are to be implemented throughthe Innovation Fund.

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

36

AgriFoodTure is a broad partnership between 41
universities, knowledge and innovation institutions,as well as companies and business organisations
who all want Denmark to achieve a world-leading
position in the green transition of the agrifood sector. The investment in the partnership will contribute to Denmark meeting its climate target of a 70
per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030,
and climate neutrality by 2045.
In 2022, AgriFoodTure launched 11 projects, several of which are dedicated to plant-based foodproduction. The REPLANTED project deals withthe development of processes and cultures for the
production of plant-based dairy alternatives basedon peas, oats and potatoes. The AqriFood project
concerns the development of relevant varieties ofoats, peas and faba beans for plant-based food production. The latter project runs in three phases, ofwhich the first phase addresses how we develop
high-quality and high-yield crops. Relevant varieties
are therefore selected and cultivated with the aimof providing farmers with access to the most suitable varieties to meet the demands of plant-based
food producers.

PlantPro
PlantPro is a research project funded by the
Innovation Fund. Its purpose is to examine
how we drive consumer behaviour towards
more sustainable, plant-rich diets, less foodwaste and greater acceptance of sustainable
technologies. The result is expected to be acatalogue of market and consumption insights, as well as recommendations for specific policies, including the expected effecton consumer behaviour. DKK 13.1 million has
been allocated for the project, which runs
from 2021-24.

National knowledge and business clusters
DKK 160 million has been allocated annually in the
period 2021-24 to national knowledge and businessclusters to strengthen the power of innovation in
Denmark's strongest and most promising businessand technology areas. Cluster efforts are rooted
in private cluster organisations that, based on theneeds of companies, promote innovation throughpartnerships between relevant operators, including
research and knowledge institutions. Food & Bio
Cluster Denmark is the nationwide cluster withinfood and bio-resources, which also has a strong
focus on plant-based foods.
Approved Technological Service Institutes
Approved Technological Service Institutes (GTS)
are private non-profit institutions whose purpose isto build and circulate technological skills to Danishbusiness. Approximately DKK 1.3 billion has been
allocated for the period of 2023-26 for the institutes
to implement initiatives in the areas of sustainable
food, an industrial bio-economy, and climate andenvironmentally efficient agriculture. For example,
the activity descriptions for 2023 have set targets
for building skills in plant-based protein sources,
the development of biotechnological processes forfood production and the establishment of a laboratory for plant breeding.

Research, innovation and development

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

The research-based government service
The research-based government service is acollective term for a range of services (analyses, advice and response programmes) provided by universities for ministries, government agencies andother public administrations. For the service agreements with Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Copenhagen,a total of DKK 280.7 million has been allocated forthe period 2022-25, part of which is expected to go
to government services concerning plant-based
foods. For example, there is already an agreement
on research-based advice for a transitionto increased Danish plant production and the mapping of
consumer behaviour and preferences in support ofthe dietary guidelines.
Nutritional research on plant-rich diets for the
sick and elderly
A relatively high proportion of meals from public
kitchens are served in hospitals and care homes.
This means specialised dietary requirements sothat the meals are sufficiently healthy and nutritious and meets specific nutritional needs. Studies
show that animal protein is better for building muscle mass than vegetable protein. We must therefore investigate how and to what extent the protein
requirements of those with small appetites can be
met with a higher proportion of plant-based protein
rather than animal protein. This also applies to thedevelopment of plant-based nutritional drinks andfortification products. Negotiations on the researchreserve for 2024 will examine whether funding canbe allocated for nutrition studies to uncover the importance of a more plant-based diet for citizens in
hospitals and care homes.
Interdisciplinary research centres promoting
plant-based foods
Knowledge sharing and coordination between
research efforts is essential to promoting theplant-based agenda in Denmark. In June 2022, Aarhus University and the University of Copenhagenannounced the establishment of the Pioneer Center for Landscape Research in Sustainable Agricultural Futures (LAND-Craft), which aims to develop
basic research-based solutions for the green transition of the agricultural sector. The research centre is co-funded by the Danish National Research
Foundation and a number of private researchfunds and is expected to have a positive impact on
research on how to transition to more plant-based
agriculture. In 2021, the University of Copenhagen
also set up the Green Solutions Centre with the aim

Research, innovation and development

37

of collaborating on research-based green solutions
across the university's faculties. One of the centre’s
focus areas is to facilitate a shift to a more plant-based food system.
There is also the newly established research collaboration Plant2Food, which is an open platform
within plant-based food development. Aarhus University, the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, Wageningen University& Research in the Netherlands and Food & Bio Cluster Denmark are part of the platform, which has
been supported by DKK 200 million over the next
five years by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
The research reserve
With the Agreement on the distribution of the research reserve, etc. approximately DKK 321 million
will be allocated in 2023 for broader thematic publications in the fields of green research, technology
development and innovation in seven areas. Several of these are expected to support plant-based
food development: agriculture and food production, the environment and the circular economy, as
well as sustainable behaviour and societal impacts.
The three aforementioned areas include researchand development of bio-based ingredients andfermentation technology, plant growth and the development of new sustainable plant-based foods
and ingredients. The government will also launchmeasures to identify environmental and climate impacts of crops in 2024, and these will be crucial forplant-based food production in Denmark, including
the production of peas, faba beans and potatoes.

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How the government will boost plant-based food research anddevelopment• The government wants to work towards setting up public-private
development and research collaborations between the state andrelevant stakeholders within plant-based food- and agricultural production.
• The government will continue to support plant-based food projects
through e.g. the Plant Grant and GUDP.
• The government continues to support the AgriFoodTure researchand innovation partnership, which in 2022 launched several projects addressing plant-based foods. DKK 201 million has previously
been allocated to the partnership.
• With agreements on the allocation of the research reserve, etc., thegovernment has further allocated DKK 295 million in 2022 and DKK
300.3 million in 2023 for distribution between four green missions,
including climate and environment-friendly agriculture and foodproduction, which also includes AgriFoodTure.
• DKK 160 million has been allocated annually for the period 202124 for the national knowledge and business clusters, including theFood & Bio Cluster, which is also dedicated to plant-based foods.
• The government has allocated DKK 1.3 billion for the period 2023-26
towards Approved Technological Service Institutes, which will e.g.
strengthen technological skills to develop plant-based foods.
• The Innovation Fund has allocated DKK 13.1 million to the research
project PlantPro, which researches how we drive plant-based consumer behaviour forward. The project is expected to be publishedin 2024.
• The government will work towards launching analyses regarding
the shift to increased plant production, mapping of consumer behaviour and preferences in support of the dietary guidelines, andnutrition research for the sick and elderly. The analyses can be
carried out either within the research-based authority service or through the research reserve.
• The government will continue to focus on research in low-trophic
aquaculture with a view to strengthening commercial cultivation ofseaweed for human consumption.
• The government has allocated approximately DKK 321 million in
2023 for green research, technology development and innovationin seven areas. These areas are expected to support e.g. the development of plant-based foods and related technologies.
The government calls on businesses and other operators to:• Engage in interdisciplinary research programmes with a plant-based focus, such as Land-CRAFT under Aarhus and Copenhagen
Universities and the newly started collaboration project Plant2Food.
• To be part of the European research and innovation programme Horizon

Research, innovation and development

Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods

Research, innovation and development

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Handlingsplan for plantebaserede fødevarer

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Ministry of Food, Agriculture
and Fisheries of Denmark
Holbergsgade 61057 Copenhagenwww.en.fvm.dk
Kapiteltitel