Denmark’s plant-based roadmap sees massive success

What is the ‘Plant Fund’ part of these proposals?

Included in these plans was the ‘Plant Fund’, a government-led grant initiative dedicated to plant-based development and promotion. It’s hoped that the ideas presented in Denmark’s political agricultural agreement could be realised through this fund.

The program made $195 million USD available to farmers and companies with innovative ideas. Cash is given to selected organisations, alongside a yearly fund of $11.7 million USD to help support a transition into plant-based foods.

A newly created Plant Foundation held its first round of applications that concluded at the end of August. It was massively oversubscribed. Marie-Louise Boisen Lendal, head of the foundation, said it received 101 applications – and that 97 were eligible for funding.

This is good news for Denmark, and could help make its dreams of being a plant-based world leader a reality. Other countries, particularly in the EU, have been urged to follow suit. Currently, the agriculture industry receives far more monetary funding and government attention – this will need to change as the climate crisis escalates.

We’ll have to see how these funds will spur meaningful institutional change. For now, it’s a good sign that the future for veganism and plant-based lifestyles is bright, despite this year’s slump in vegan product sales.

Applicants will hear back by November as to whether they’ve been selected for grant access.