New Danish Growth Team to Accelerate Green Innovation in Agri-Food and Biosolutions
The establishment of the Growth Team comes at a pivotal moment: Denmark is the first country in the world to introduce CO₂ taxes on agricultural emissions, and land use reforms are underway to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. At the same time, global demand for climate-friendly food and efficient agri-tech solutions is growing rapidly.
A Launchpad for Growth in Biosolutions
The Growth Team underlines Denmark’s ambition to lead in biosolutions - a fast-growing sector that combines biology and technology to create sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products. This includes everything from precision fermentation for food and feed to green chemicals for industry. The sector already employs more than 6,800 people and generates over DKK 35 billion annually of which 77% is export-driven.
By bringing together leaders from across industry, research institutions and civil society, the Growth Team will develop concrete policy recommendations that:
Business-Led, Policy-Driven
The Growth Team is chaired by Kristian Hundebøll, former CEO of DLG and Chair of Intercoop Europe. Other members include top executives from Arla Foods, Novonesis, Danish Crown, Carlsberg, and several pioneering food-tech and biotech startups.
This initiative supports the 'Agreement on a Green Denmark', which outlines Denmark’s pathway to a low-emission, high-efficiency food sector. According to the Minister for Green Tripartite, Jeppe Bruus, the Growth Team will play a central role in developing the next national growth plan for agriculture, food and biosolutions – turning sustainability challenges into export opportunities.
Denmark – An International Hub for Green Agri-Food Tech
With its strong public-private partnerships, world-class R&D ecosystem, and progressive regulatory environment, Denmark offers a robust foundation for international companies and investors seeking to develop or scale solutions in biosolutions, agri-biotech, and sustainable food production.At Invest in Denmark, we stand ready to support international companies exploring opportunities in this dynamic sector. Our team can assist with business case development, regulatory navigation, and connections to key stakeholders.
The Danish Growth Team Model
Growth Teams are temporary advisory groups established by the Danish government to provide strategic recommendations on how to strengthen growth, innovation, and competitiveness within a specific sector or industry. The concept is part of Denmark’s proactive industrial and innovation policy framework.
The primary purpose of a growth team is to identify growth barriers and structural challenges in a given sector and based on these, propose actionable recommendations to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and job creation. The recommendations often influence new action plans, investment programs, or regulatory reforms.
A growth team typically includes industry leaders, researchers and experts from academia, relevant organizations or clusters as well as public sector officials. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the recommendations are well-informed and practically relevant.
The growth team model is a hallmark of Denmark’s collaborative policy approach. It reflects the government’s commitment to:
- Evidence-based policy
- Public-private dialogue
- Long-term competitiveness and sustainability goals