Denmark faces challenges in climate neutrality goals as livestock numbers must decrease significantly

To achieve Denmark’s climate neutrality goals, significant progress is still needed across various sectors, with agriculture being a key area. The Climate Council has indicated that livestock numbers must decrease by as much as 60 percent from 2020 levels for the country to meet its targets. However, the CO2 tax included in the green tripartite agreement aimed at transforming agriculture is not expected to accelerate this shift, according to the Climate Council.

In the latest episode of DR’s nature and climate program “Jorden Kalder,” host Thøger Kirk delves into whether a pig farmer can sustain their livelihood by transitioning to lentils. Klaus Pedersen regularly ships 1,000 piglets to Germany, but with a looming CO2 tax, he is beginning a major transformation of his family farm. The pressing question remains: will this new tax motivate more farmers to replace pork with beans?

Some farmers have already started this conversion, abandoning livestock farming for legume cultivation. One such farmer, Mathias Pedersen, has taken over his family’s farm, which has been passed down for seven generations. He expresses hope that, in 20 years, Danes will have embraced pulses, enjoying new varieties developed for the market.

“Jorden Kalder” has been following the Pedersen family in Midtsjælland as they pivot from pig production to farming legumes. Mathias is concerned whether the demand for pulses will keep pace with the ongoing agricultural transition. You can watch “Jorden Kalder” every Monday at 6 PM on DR1, or catch it anytime on DRTV.