Producing more with less
Discover pathways toward a resilient, resource-efficient and decarbonised agrifood system in this white paper launched during COP28 in Dubai.
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Discover pathways toward a resilient, resource-efficient and decarbonised agrifood system in this white paper launched during COP28 in Dubai.
Discover the publicationIn November 2024, a historic tripartite agreement was signed in Denmark. It was reached between the government, the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, the Danish Agricultural and Food Council, and several other organisations.
With broad political consensus, the agreement is set to introduce the world’s first climate tax on agriculture and strengthen efforts to enhance biodiversity and nature across Denmark. A key aspect of the agreement involves converting agricultural land into nature. This includes establishing 250,000 hectares of new forest—an area equivalent to the combined size of Lolland, Falster, and Bornholm—and transforming 140,000 hectares of low-lying farmland into natural landscapes. Together, these changes will result in 10 percent of Denmark’s total area being restored to nature.
Also read: Cutting agriculture emissions and restoring nature: Discover Denmark’s historic tripartite agreement
The first steps towards converting agricultural land have already been taken. Across Denmark, 23 local green tripartite groups have been established to collaboratively decide which agricultural land will be repurposed for nature—the most significant transformation of Denmark’s landscape in 100 years.
By delegating the tripartite agreement to the local level, efforts will be anchored in municipalities, which will lead negotiations between the local tripartite groups comprising farmers, landowners, and nature organisations. This approach fosters collaboration among all stakeholders, promoting local ownership and holistic decision-making.
The agreements and plans must be finalised by December 2025, paving the way to achieve the key goals of reducing nitrogen emissions by 13,780 tonnes and converting 140,000 hectares of agricultural land near water bodies into natural areas. The groups may also begin planning the placement of 250,000 hectares of new forest, although this is not a requirement.
On 18 November 2024, Denmark’s government unveiled a historic tripartite agreement. Made with broad political consensus, the agreement is set to introduce the world’s first climate tax on agriculture, while boosting efforts to enhance biodiversity and nature across Denmark.
Discover the green tripartite agreementThe historic agreement has two main goals: reducing CO2 emissions and addressing oxygen depletion in Danish water bodies. One straightforward way to achieve these goals is by planting trees and expanding Denmark’s forests. Trees absorb CO2 through their leaves and take up nitrogen from the soil through their roots. The planned expansion of 250,000 hectares of new forest will also support biodiversity.
Another key action involves restoring drained low-lying agricultural land to its natural state. These areas were drained for farming but contain high levels of nitrogen. When exposed to oxygen due to draining, they release significantly more CO2 into the atmosphere than standard farmland. Restoring these lands by re-flooding them halts CO2 emissions and contributes to environmental balance.
It is the responsibility of the 23 local tripartite groups to decide where the new nature areas will be located.
In the fall of 2024, the Danish government established the Ministry of the Green Tripartite. The ministry is responsible for driving efforts to decarbonise Denmark’s agricultural sector and ensuring the initiatives outlined in the Green Tripartite are fully implemented.
A key element of the agreement is improving biodiversity in Denmark’s water bodies. The current level of nitrogen emissions into the water promotes rapid algae and plant growth, leading to oxygen depletion. It is the responsibility of the local tripartite groups to determine how to reduce nitrogen emissions to meet this goal.
Possible solutions include ending agricultural activities on specific land, planting forests, or installing solar panels to replace farming.
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