Activists from Den Grønne Ungdomsbevægelse demonstrated outside the FMC Rønland chemical plant on Harboøre Tange on Monday morning. They protested against the company’s production and export of dimethoate, a pesticide banned for use in Denmark and the EU.
DR reports that the protest took place in front of the factory in western Jutland, which was previously named Cheminova. The demonstration was organized by the Danish Green Youth Movement, Den Grønne Ungdomsbevægelse.
According to DR, the activists objected to the fact that the company produces and exports the plant-protection product dimethoate, which is illegal to use in Denmark and the rest of the EU. The band Octopussy Riot played as part of the action. Drummer Andreas Engholm called it deeply problematic that a product too dangerous to be used here is exported to countries with more lenient rules.
Midt- og Vestjyllands Politi was present in large numbers, but the demonstration ended quickly and without drama or confrontation. Anders Trier, the officer in charge at the scene, told TV MidtVest that the event proceeded quietly and in line with the rules for demonstrations set out in the Danish constitution. Per his account, the day went as police had hoped.
After playing a couple of songs, the demonstrators delivered their message and returned to the bus they had arrived in. As reported by DR, they then drove back to Thylejren, where the Green Youth Movement is staying for the week.
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FMC Rønland responded in writing. The company stated that some of the advanced plant-protection products manufactured in Denmark are not approved for the Danish or European market because there is no need for them here. According to the company, the products are developed to protect crops in other countries and under other climate conditions, where they are fully approved for sale.
Regulatory background
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency states that any plant-protection product must be evaluated and authorised before it can be sold and used in Denmark. That requirement applies regardless of where the product is manufactured.
The agency also notes that mutual recognition can simplify authorisation when a product is already authorised in another EU member state. The product must be the same, and it must be intended for the same uses. Denmark has separately moved to restrict certain pesticides to protect groundwater.
No other outlet was identified as reporting on Monday’s demonstration beyond DR and TV MidtVest. The available sources do not point to a specific deadline, court ruling, or new government decision behind the timing of the protest.
