Denmark Launches New Multi-Year, Multi-Million Research Policy to Power the Future of Food
For agriculture and food systems, one initiative stands out. A dedicated programme on plant breeding and future cultivation practices will receive DKK 70 million in 2026, followed by DKK 50 million annually from 2027 to 2029.
This is not a short-term signal. It is a long-term commitment to transforming how food is grown, developed and brought to market.
From policy to practice: Denmark connects green ambition with action
The funding reflects clear political recognition that robust and resilient plant varieties, and sustainable cultivation methods are essential to solve multiple challenges at once:
- Phasing out of key pesticides
- Adapting to climate change and extreme weather
- Protecting biodiversity
- Ensuring competitive, future-ready agriculture in Denmark and Europe.
Globally, food systems face mounting pressure. Climate volatility, resource constraints, rising demand for plant-based products and increasing focus on food sovereignty are reshaping the market landscape.
Denmark’s response is proactive. By integrating advanced plant breeding with future-oriented cultivation practices, the country is building resilience into the very foundation of its food system.
This aligns closely with Denmark’s 2024 Agreement on a Green Denmark, the Strategy for Green Proteins and the national Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods. Together, these frameworks set a clear direction: accelerate the shift towards lower-emission, higher-value and more plant-rich production across the entire value chain, from crop development and processing to export.
For international companies, this policy coherence matters. It reduces uncertainty, strengthens long-term planning and creates a stable environment for innovation.
Why Denmark is fertile ground for agritech and food innovation
For companies, research institutions, and international partners, the new programme signals that Denmark is gearing up for a wave of agricultural innovation.
Denmark offers a unique convergence of strengths:
- Long-term stability and strategic direction
Plant breeding is a long-haul endeavour. Multi-year funding provides predictable resources that enable breeders, agronomists and technology providers to plan, collaborate and scale over time.
- A strong research and innovation ecosystem
Denmark’s universities, test facilities and public-private partnerships are globally recognised within food science, bio-solutions and sustainable agriculture. Collaboration across industry, academia and government is not the exception. It is the norm.
- Policy alignment with market demand
Denmark’s green ambitions are embedded in legislation and national strategies. That means innovation in plant breeding and cultivation is directly linked to climate targets, biodiversity goals and export competitiveness.
- A gateway to Europe
Located in the heart of Northern Europe, Denmark provides seamless access to the EU Single Market of 450 million consumers. For agritech and food companies looking to scale sustainable solutions across Europe, Denmark offers a credible launchpad and reference market.
A living laboratory for the future of food
In Denmark, the transition to greener food systems is already underway. Climate-smart varieties, nitrogen-efficient crops, digital breeding platforms and export-oriented plant-based production are no longer concepts on paper. They are part of a growing ecosystem.
For international companies working with breeding technologies, precision agriculture, biological inputs, alternative proteins or integrated food value chains, Denmark offers more than funding. It offers partnership, predictability and a policy environment that rewards sustainable innovation.
Quite simply, Denmark is cultivating the future of food.