Bruus told the New York Times that the tax is aimed at changing farmers’ habits. Denmark has about five times as many cattle and pigs as people. Agriculture is the country’s largest source of greenhouse gases.
Globally, direct emissions from agriculture account for about 10-12% of total greenhouse gas emissions. If indirect emissions, such as those from deforestation, are included, the percentage more than doubles.
The newly approved legislation has been discussed and prepared for years, and has achieved broad consensus. Various actors, including environmental organizations, trade unions and phone number list agricultural associations, participated in the discussion. In the end, the tax also received support from the Social Democracy, the Conservatives, the Liberal Alliance and the Social Liberals.
However, there was criticism, mainly from far-right parties, some environmental organizations and some farmers' associations. Arla Foods, the world's seventh largest dairy producer, also supported the measure. Not for the pleasure of paying a tax, but because the compromise is seen as a step that dairy farmers can get behind. Arla CEO Peder Tuborgh told the New York Times: "Farmers know that by protecting their environmental impact, they will also protect their reputation, allowing them to continue producing."
Some farmers are going even further. Svend Brodersen, an organic farmer, has converted part of his farmland into fruit orchards to absorb CO₂. He has also introduced feed additives for his cows, aiming to reduce their methane emissions.