Denmark’s minister for nature and animal welfare, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, says a new fertilizer law cutting nitrogen discharges will be passed this year, despite criticism from the farming sector.
The proposed gødskningslov is designed to reduce nitrogen emissions sharply. According to DR, the plan has drawn considerable criticism, including calls from agriculture to delay adoption. Rabjerg Madsen, of the Social Democrats, says the law will be adopted now rather than later.
The minister argues that Denmark has overdrawn its account with the aquatic environment for many years. He points to widespread oxygen depletion as the consequence. That, he says, is why serious nitrogen reductions must begin next year.
Rabjerg Madsen spent Friday morning in a meeting with the 23 local green tripartite bodies, where the challenges were discussed. Several regional farming associations have put their work with the tripartite on hold. The minister says he remains in close dialogue with the agricultural sector.
Compensation set at 1.23 billion kroner
Under the new model for nitrogen regulation, 1.23 billion kroner is set aside for compensation. The stated purpose is to reduce losses for farmers affected by the rules. The figure was reported by DR.
According to the ministry, the new regulatory model will remove two thirds of the discharges that must be eliminated to restore healthy life below the sea surface. The remaining reductions are not covered by this model. DR reports that the law is intended to deliver a marked drop in nitrogen loads.
Vegetable producers appear set to be hit particularly hard by the new legislation, DR reports. On that point, the minister has signaled willingness to examine whether the rules can be structured differently. He did not present a specific alternative.
Regulation scheduled for 2027
Rabjerg Madsen says the green tripartite has agreed that nitrogen will be regulated in 2027. The same agreement commits to reducing nutrient loads to Denmark’s fjords and inner waters. That agreement is the basis for his cooperation with the farming sector, he says.
Asked by DR whether the pressure on agriculture has gone too far, the minister repeated that dialogue with the sector is necessary and ongoing. He did not indicate any change to the timetable. The law is due to be adopted during 2026.
The green tripartite is the negotiating framework bringing together government, agriculture, industry, and environmental organizations. Its local branches cover catchment areas across the country. Their work now includes the challenges raised at Friday’s meeting.
