Organic Food in Denmark

Organic farming is an agricultural production system designed to take the best possible care of the environment, while ensuring that the agricultural system operates as natural as possible

What is organic?

These are the principles of organic production:

Careful monitoring of the soil fertility, what farmers put in and take out of the soil, and how their activities affect its consumption.
Adopting a wide and varied crop rotation to beak weed and pest cycles, and allow soil recovery time while supplying useful nutrients.
Nutrients are provided by legumes (via biological nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere) as well as effective recycling of organic material such as crop resides and livestock manures.
The primary use of preventive natural methods or mechanical methods to control weeds, diseases and pests.
Non-use of chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers in order to protect the environment as a whole, including lakes, rivers, drinking water etc.
Planting of hedges and meadows to prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss.

Photo: Anders Kavin

Why organic?

Organic production provides food without synthetic flavorings, colorants and sweeteners
Only a limited number of mostly natural additives is allowed in the processing of organic products
Generally Modifies Organisms (GMOs) are prohibited in organic farming and further processing of organic products
Organic farming contributes to a high level of biodiversity and the preservation of species and natural habits
Organic farming enhances soil life and natural soil fertility
As chemical pesticides are prohibited, organic farming contributes to the protection of the environment and drinking water
Organic farming promotes animal welfare and provides good conditions for natural behavior. All organic animals have access to outdoor areas
Use of antibiotics and other drugs is severely restricted. Organic animals are raised without any use of hormones
Organic labelling guarantees that all enterprises in the organic sectors are regularly inspected by authorities

Why Denmark?

Long history

The Danish state has strongly supported organic agriculture – in part by earmarking funds in the state budget for marketing and supporting the transformation to organic farming.

In addition to that, the implementation of the red “Ø” certification label that shows that a product is state-certified organic has played a significant role in establishing an organic awareness among Danish consumers.

In spite of the financial crisis and the slowdown in consumption in general the organic market share has increased 3,5% in 2009 to 12,1% in 2019, and Denmark expects that the organic market share will continue to increase.

Leading country

Denmark is one of the countries in the world with the highest organic market share, i.e. consumption per capita. These years Denmark is on top of other countries where sales of organic products make up for the largest part of the overall sales – 12,1% in 2019 according to the latest statistics.

Read more about organic food in Europe: “Organic at a glance”.

Meets EU organic regulations

In the EU member states organic farming has been promoted by “Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/ 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products’ since January 1, 2009.

The rules include mandatory use of the EU organic logo on pre-packed organic products production in any of the EU member states which meet the necessary standards.

Photography by
Pernille Greve for Bo Bedre