Factsheet for measure
DK-2024-47/3588
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Updated
– measures in Denmark
The Green Tripartite
Den Grønne Trepart
Background information
The Green Tripartite Agreement was established to address the urgent need for sustainable land use and agricultural practices in Denmark. The agreement aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance biodiversity, and improve water quality. It is a response to the growing environmental challenges and the necessity for a fair transition that supports both the environment and the communities dependent on agriculture.
The agreement was negotiated by a broad coalition in the Danish Parliament, including the government, the Liberal Alliance, the Socialist People’s Party, the Conservative People’s Party, and the Danish Social Liberal Party. It builds on previous environmental initiatives and introduces new measures such as a CO2 tax on agriculture, the conversion of 140,000 hectares of low-lying land to nature, and the planting of 250,000 hectares of new forest12. The agreement also establishes local green tripartite bodies to ensure that the transition is managed in a way that is fair and inclusive, providing support for affected farmers and communities.
The legal framework for the Green Tripartite Agreement is rooted in the political framework agreement concluded on June 24, 2024. This agreement sets the legislative foundation for the measures outlined, including the CO2 tax and land conversion initiatives.
Content of measure
The Green Tripartite Agreement in Denmark aims to address sustainable land use and agricultural practices. The measure covers a broad range of initiatives, including a CO2 tax on agriculture, the conversion of 140,000 hectares of low-lying land to nature, and the planting of 250,000 hectares of new forest. Eligibility criteria for support under this agreement include farmers and landowners directly affected by these changes, particularly those whose land is designated for conversion or reforestation.
The scale of support provided is substantial. The agreement allocates significant financial resources to ensure a fair transition. In total, the government has earmarked billions of Danish kroner for this initiative. Each affected farmer or landowner can receive compensation for lost income and financial assistance for adopting new, sustainable farming practices. On a per-case basis, the support can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand Danish kroner, depending on the extent of the impact and the specific needs of the individual or community.
This comprehensive support framework ensures that the transition to sustainable practices is both equitable and effective, minimizing the economic burden on those most affected.
Updates
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
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26 August 2025
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Although the Tripartite Agreement overall is working towards its goals, in the summer of 2025, 62 administrative positions in The Danish Ministry of Environment were decommisioned by the Danish Government.
The Danish Forest Association (Skovforeningen) criticizes the government's decision to cut 62 positions, especially in areas responsible for Environmental Impact Assessments (VVM). These assessments are vital for Denmark’s upcoming land-use transition, including converting farmland into forests and nature. The cuts come at a time when environmental oversight is needed. The association warns that this move risks undermining both the pace and quality of green reforms.
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Use of measure
The Green Tripartite Agreement in Denmark is expected to impact a significant number of stakeholders, particularly within the agricultural sector. The eligibility for receiving payments includes farmers and landowners whose land is designated for conversion to nature or reforestation, as well as those affected by the new CO2 tax on agriculture.
While exact numbers are still being finalized, it is estimated that thousands of farmers and landowners will be eligible for compensation and support. The uptake of these measures will be closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more data becomes available. Initial projections suggest that the financial support will be substantial, with billions of Danish kroner allocated to ensure a fair transition. Each eligible case could receive compensation ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand Danish kroner, depending on the specific circumstances and the extent of the impact.
The effectiveness of these measures will be evaluated over time, with the number of realized beneficiaries and the overall impact on the agricultural sector being key indicators. This ongoing assessment will help refine and adjust the support mechanisms to ensure they meet the needs of those affected and contribute to the broader goals of sustainability and environmental protection.
Contents
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Income protection
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Other topics
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Social protection, incl. pension
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Training and employability
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Social partners jointly
Trade unions
Employers' organisations
Company / Companies
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)
Local / regional government
Public support service providers
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National funds
Other
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
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Form
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Social partners jointly
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
Social partners played a crucial role in the Green Tripartite Agreement. Their involvement was both requested by the institutional setting and demanded by the social partner organizations. Key organizations involved included Landbrug & Fødevarer, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening, Fødevareforbundet NNF, Dansk Metal, Dansk Industri, and Kommunernes Landsforening. These partners contributed by providing expertise, negotiating terms, and ensuring that the measures were practical and fair. They are also involved in the implementation and monitoring phases, helping to oversee the transition and support affected stakeholders. Notably, organizations like Dansk Folkeparti, Danmarksdemokraterne, Alternativet, and Enhedslisten were not part of the agreement.
Views and reactions
Social partners have generally been supportive of the Green Tripartite Agreement. Organizations like Landbrug & Fødevarer and Danmarks Naturfredningsforening have expressed their agreement, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and environmental protection. However, there are some concerns about the feasibility and implementation of certain measures, such as the CO2 tax and the scale of land conversion. While the overall reaction is positive, with many seeing it as a necessary step towards sustainability, there are calls for careful monitoring and adjustments to ensure the goals are met effectively.
Sectors and occupations
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This case is sector-specific (only private sector)
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Economic area
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Sector (NACE level 2)
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A - Agriculture, Forestry And Fishing
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A1 Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities
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This case is occupation-specific
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Occupation (ISCO level 2)
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Agricultural, forestry and fishery labourers
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Sources
