Strategy for Green Proteins for Animals and Humans.

The Danish Strategy for Green Proteins for Animals and Humans outlines Denmark's comprehensive plan to boost the domestic production of sustainable protein sources to reduce reliance on imported soy and support climate-friendly agriculture. Set against a backdrop of global supply chain disruptions and increasing environmental concerns, the strategy envisions Denmark significantly increasing its output of high-quality green proteins by 2030. The government’s approach is built on three main pillars: green biorefining (especially grass proteins), legumes and other protein-rich crops, and new alternative proteins like insects and fermentation-based products. The aim is to strengthen food security, support the plant-based transition, and create new economic opportunities in the agrifood sector.
The Strategy builds on detailed analyses by the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University, which identify key protein sources with the greatest potential: grass from green biorefining, legumes such as peas and faba beans, and novel sources including insects and precision-fermented proteins. These alternatives generally offer a lower climate footprint compared to conventional sources like imported soy and animal products. However, significant barriers remain—consumer acceptance, high production costs, and restrictive regulations are highlighted as major challenges. The Strategy proposes a suite of initiatives to address these, including public funding for research and development, supportive regulatory frameworks, and enhanced international collaboration and export promotion.
Denmark’s green protein Strategy is also closely tied to broader EU policies, particularly the Farm to Fork Strategy and bioeconomy efforts. It promotes the cascading use of biomass, efficient land use, and sustainable innovation. The document stresses that proteins should be prioritized for food use when possible and encourages the use of side streams and residuals from agriculture for protein extraction. Overall, the Strategy represents a forward-looking attempt to transform the Danish protein landscape through collaboration between government, academia, and industry, underpinned by a strong commitment to climate action, food system resilience, and economic sustainability.