The Danish government has unveiled the world’s first action plan for plant-based foods, aiming to promote healthy and climate-friendly diets while establishing Denmark as a global leader in plant-based food production. In collaboration with stakeholders, the plan seeks to support the entire plant-based value chain and drive the necessary transition towards sustainable food choices. By embracing plant-based foods, Denmark also hopes to boost food exports and secure a prominent position in the industry. The action plan covers a wide range of initiatives, including funding and subsidy schemes, startup support, education development, investment attraction, and the strengthening of plant-based exports.
The action plan’s definition of plant-based foods encompasses all foods derived from plants, as well as edible fungi, algae, and beneficial microorganisms. The plan has been hailed by the Good Food Institute Europe as an important precedent, stressing the need for other European governments to follow Denmark’s lead and tap into the growing market for plant-based meat. However, while the plan has received international recognition, the Vegetarian Society of Denmark expressed concerns about the lack of clearly defined goals, inadequate funding, and missing policies for public kitchens and education programs. The society emphasizes the importance of investing significantly more in the plant-based sector to fulfill the ambitious goals set by the government.
The plan also indicates that consumer demand for plant-based meat may be declining. Despite this, the need for increased funding and a targeted effort in Denmark alone is highlighted, with experts recommending an annual investment of DKK 600 million (€80 million) to adequately support the plant-based food industry. The Vegetarian Society of Denmark reports that the first application round for the Plant Fund, a fund dedicated to supporting plant-based food initiatives, was massively oversubscribed, demonstrating the urgent need for greater funding in the sector.
