Denmark seeks sustainable solutions as domestic fruit and vegetable output falls

Domestic production of fruit and vegetables in Denmark has declined sharply, now supplying only about 26 % of vegetables and 9 % of fruit on the Danish market, down from 92 % and 54 % respectively sixty years ago. Imports from Spain, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands now dominate supermarket shelves.

Research at Aarhus University’s Department of Food Science highlights new cultivation methods—such as inter‑cropping, cover crops, precise fertilisation and nutrient‑recycling—that could sustain high yields while reducing nitrogen runoff and protecting water quality. These approaches are seen as an alternative to the stricter nitrogen regulation slated for 2027, which will limit nitrate leaching from vegetable farms.

Retailers report that Danish consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally grown produce, emphasizing quality and freshness, while growers face pressure to remain competitive. The debate centres on how to balance higher domestic production with environmental protection without sacrificing market share.