The agreement, widely commented on in the media on Tuesday, is described as “historic” and “a model for other EU countries to follow”. So far, only the industry has borne a similar burden. It is emphasized that farmers are increasingly aware of the negative impact of climate change on food production.
At the same time, climate activists from the Danish branch of the organization Greenpeace they describe the agreement as too unambitious and criticize, among others, too late introduction of the tax into force.
New CO2 tax rates for farmers
As agreed by the parties, Danish farmers from 2030 they will pay 120 crowns (approx. PLN 69) per tonne of CO2 emitted, and from 2035 – 300 crowns (approx. PLN 172). There are reliefs and exceptions, e.g. farmers with farm animals will pay for 40%. emissions. The fee is designed to encourage the use of more climate-friendly technologies, fertilizers and feed.
Money for the transformation of agricultural land and afforestation
A fund will also be established to provide subsidies for: transformation 140 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the lowlands in naturally valuable meadows and wetlands. The government also wants to plant 250,000 trees on existing agricultural land. hectares of forests by 2045. This area can be compared to the third largest Danish island, Funen, with the city of Odense.
According to government estimates, in 2030 agriculture will be responsible for half of Denmark’s climate burden, and reducing it is necessary to achieve EU goals.
The agreement, which was signed by farmers’, food producers’ and environmental protection organizations with the government of the Social Democrats, the Liberal Party and the Moderates, is to be approved by the Danish parliament in the fall. New tax on agriculture The far-right Danish Democrats group, which fears the loss of 1,000 jobs and food price increases, is opposed.
Expert suggestions
Experts proposed this in a report commissioned by the government published in February three alternative CO2 tax rates in agriculture: 125 kroner, 375 kroner or 750 kroner. As estimated, if the most expensive variant of the climate fee were implemented, the price of beef would increase by 10 percent, pork by 2 percent, and milk by 5 percent.
Daniel Zyśk (PAP)
