ABSTRACT
Denmark has the largest animal production per capita in the world and is famous for exporting bacon and butter, whilst also having a high level of domestic consumption of animal products. The pork and dairy industries have influential lobbies. Yet, the country has adopted new dietary guidelines involving significant meat reduction, calling for people to eat plant-rich diets. In October 2021, the Danish Government and Parliament agreed on reforms to Danish agriculture. A groundbreaking part of the agreement was to create a National Action Plan for Plant-based Foods with significant funding. This chapter explains how these developments were achieved by bringing together politicians, farmers, businesses and NGOs under a constructive umbrella. The author shares key principles of the policy work undertaken and the critical strategic collaborations involved. The actions adopted in Denmark give hope to all those advocating for food system change towards healthy and sustainable diets. If a transition can happen in Denmark, it can happen anywhere.
