Danish strawberry growers report rising pesticide concerns

Danish strawberry growers say customers are increasingly asking whether their berries have been sprayed with pesticides, according to a report by public broadcaster DR.

Kent Bang Lindholm, owner of Bækgården in southwest Funen, said his customers are now willing to travel farther and pay more for unsprayed strawberries. Some have told him they would not buy strawberries at all this year if they were not pesticide-free.

Martin Knudsen, who runs the conventional farm Kærsgaard in northern Funen, confirmed the trend, noting that pesticide use has become a national talking point, especially during the recent election campaign. He uses pesticides during the flowering stage to prevent disease and rot but said all regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency are followed to ensure no harmful residues remain.

Birgitte Fogtmann, owner of Frøken Grønt in Lunderskov, also reported growing curiosity. She does not spray her berries, despite the higher risk of crop loss from fungi, pests, or weeds. “I think it’s absolutely worth it,” she said.

Consumer Helle Hansen from Tommerup said she now thinks carefully about whether strawberries have been sprayed, influenced by media coverage of pesticide levels in both Danish and imported berries.

The Consumer Council and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration advise washing strawberries thoroughly under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove up to a third of pesticide residues. They stress that pesticide residues do not pose a food safety risk.