Denmark wants to switch to sustainable soy

Denmark's Ministry of Agriculture aims that by 2021 about 20% of the country's soy imports must come from deforestation-free sources. The following year, that percentage should increase to 40%.

In the medium term, Denmark wants to switch completely to soy that is produced sustainably and without deforestation. Therefore, by 2021 already 20% of imports should come from deforestation-free sources. The following year, that percentage should increase to 40%. According to the Danish Ministry of Agriculture, imported soy must be certified by the European Association of Compound Feed Manufacturers (FEFAC) to guarantee origin and quality.

At the same time, the Danish agricultural sector wants to reduce its dependence on soy imports by using alternatives, such as extracting protein from seaweed. Denmark buys only 1,5% of the globally traded soy (with a volume of about 1 million tons per year). That is why the country wants to work on a European solution. The FEFAC also strives for this.

Finland previously took a similar step
Finland put earlier a small step to stop importing soy. This country wants to get rid of soy imports for animal feed within a few years (but no later than 2025). According to the Finnish Minister of Agriculture, these imports can be completely replaced by expanding the production of broad beans in the country. One reason for moving away from soy imports is the fact that Finland wants to be carbon neutral from 2035. The import of soybeans from Brazil contributes negatively to this target.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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