Denmark wants to create a state-controlled climate label

It will be the first country in the world to do so

On 16 April, the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries announced that it wants to create a state-controlled climate label. With the development of such a label, the government aims to help citizens make greener choices when shopping. What is more, it aims to promote more climate-friendly food production.

To develop this climate label, the ministry has appointed a working group and set aside DKK 9 million (over EUR 1.2 million). Using these funds, the group will carry out research and put together a proposal for the ideal label by December. 

75% of shoppers do not understand the climate footprint of food

According to the Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries Rasmus Prehn, Danish citizens want to make more climate-friendly choices when shopping for food. However, they do not know how to do so as there is no information that can steer them in the right direction.

In other words, while shoppers can see labels that indicate whether a product is organic, vegan, or animal-friendly, there are no labels that indicate whether it is good for the climate. As such, it is not surprising that the findings of a recent survey revealed that 3 out of 4 customers struggle to understand the climate footprint of food. 

“Denmark must have a state-controlled climate label. It must be one unified brand that consumers can trust, so we can avoid a multitude of brands that are just confusing. Now, we gather the most important actors and start the work.

Before Christmas, they must come up with their best proposal on what a Danish climate label can look like so that we can become the first country in the world to have a state-controlled climate label. We are at the forefront of the global scene, showing the way forward in the green transition,” shared Minister Prehn.