The government wants to double organic farming - however, the industry cannot see the ambitions in the budget proposal.

It is difficult to see the government's ambitions for organic farming when reading its budget proposal for 2027.

Both the Organic Association and the Organic Section of the Agriculture & Food Council agree.

"The government has many ambitions for a better and greener agriculture with much more organic farming. That requires investment. Unfortunately, we cannot see that investment in the current budget proposal they have just presented," says Rasmus Prehn, CEO of the Organic Association.

He also emphasizes that he has no doubt that the government recognizes the potential of organic farming in terms of water environment, clean drinking water, and animal welfare.

Money has also been allocated to continue the Organic Eating Label, which several times before has been on uncertain ground. In 2023, politicians first found the funds to continue the label just before Christmas – long after an agreement on the budget had actually been made.

"Unfortunately, there is currently only funding for 2027. It is absolutely necessary that the Organic Eating Label receives a fixed annual priority, as the label is a strong tool to bring the green transition fully into professional kitchens," says Rasmus Prehn, who adds:

"We expect that the permanent funding for the label and many other organic initiatives will be included when the government starts working on the announced food strategy. But it is unfortunate that they are delaying these efforts. They know what is needed, and that the doubling goal must be achieved within three years. There is no reason for this delay. We do not have time for that."

Kirsten Lund Jensen, organic chief for the Organic Section of the Agriculture & Food Council, agrees:

"The Organic Eating Label is an important driver in the sustainable transformation of public kitchens. But a one-year grant is not enough. Therefore, it is crucial that long-term funding becomes part of the upcoming national food strategy."

Organic Fund becomes smaller

Rasmus Prehn also notes that the special grant of 10.2 million DKK to the Organic Agriculture Fund (FØL), which was agreed upon between the then SVM government, SF, Liberal Alliance, Conservatives, and the Radical Left in 2024, will be discontinued, and that no funds have been allocated for an export-promoting effort.

"We are disappointed because we currently need those funds to increase awareness of the benefits of organic farming so that sales in supermarkets can grow and exports continue to rise. We have a government that wants organic farming, that wants to double the organic area and market – this is clearly stated in the government’s foundation. It would also be very good if that was clearly reflected in their budget proposal for 2027."

Kirsten Lund Jensen also views with concern that the funding for FØL is set to decrease. Besides the discontinuation of the special grant, 11.2 million DKK are redirected to the continued operation of the Innovation Center for Organic Agriculture – which was decided in advance under the previous SVM government. As a result, 21.4 million DKK are cut from the funds for FØL, reducing the amount from over 65 million DKK this year to 44 million DKK in 2027.

"It is incomprehensible that the effort is being reduced when there is a need for a strengthened political effort to achieve the goal of doubling the area, consumption, and export by 2030," she says, continuing:

"Considering that more than 600 million DKK extra is added to the state treasury each year in the form of VAT on the higher price of organic foods, it should be possible to find the money to maintain the level from 2026."