Perspectives on Business and Economics.Vol41

47 MARTINDALE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE million tons of GHGs. With a 22% contribution, this is the third greatest source of GHG emissions in the nation, behind the energy and transportation sectors (Batini et al., 2020). There are distinct areas within the agricultural sector, however, that produce more GHGs than others. For example, cattle farming makes up a total of 41.8% of the GHG emissions (32.4% from direct emissions and 9.4% from related fertilizer storage and handling). Pig farming contributes 16.7% of the emissions (13.4% from direct emissions and 3.3% from related fertilizer storage and handling), while poultry results in 1.9% of the total GHG emissions (1.2% direct emissions and 0.7% from fertilizer storage and handling). Finally, the other 39.7% of GHGs come directly from growing crops on arable lands (Prag & Henriksen, 2020). The GHGs coming from farming are mostly methane, with some carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Achieving carbon neutrality in agriculture is neither simple nor certain, because it depends on the effective development and application of several technical innovations and policy initiatives. In recent years, the government has implemented a range of policies and initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices, thereby positioning the industry to continue to thrive in the years ahead. Various forms of co-regulation involving the government, corporations, and nongovernmental organizations address the climate change issues in Denmark’s agricultural system. The main goal is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that reduce GHG emissions while ensuring food security and economic viability. Some strategies include establishing aggressive emission reduction goals, creating cutting-edge technology and management techniques, and assisting farmers with implementing these practices. Many laws applied at the national level are based on EU directives. One such environmental law is the Climate Action Plan for Agriculture. This act, introduced in 1991, tightened regulations on the application of manure to fields. A second, more refined action plan to enhance manure management and lessen nitrous oxide leakage into the soil and water was put into place in 2001. As a result of these acts, between 1990 and 2010, Denmark’s GHG emissions decreased by 19.4% in the agricultural sector (Cooper et al., 2013). Such sustainable farming policies ensure a significant decrease in GHG emissions in the long run. Additionally, in 2013, the Danish government introduced the Green Growth Plan, which comprises policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-friendly farming practices. The plan was updated in 2020 with additional targets and measures to further reduce GHG emissions from the agricultural sector. One of the key goals of the plan is to decrease emissions from livestock production. The plan includes various actions, such as improving feed efficiency, decreasing the use of fertilizers, and increasing the use of biogas from manure. Moreover, the plan advocates for sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry, which involves the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes to absorb carbon. Aside from promoting the use of cover crops to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss and increase carbon sequestration in the soil, the Green Growth Plan prioritizes research and development, with the purpose of identifying new technologies and practices designed to decrease GHG emissions from the agricultural sector. The plan also highlights the need for collaboration between farmers, policy makers, and researchers to develop effective climate solutions for the agricultural sector. By addressing emissions from livestock production and promoting sustainable land use practices, the plan helps decrease GHG emissions from the agricultural sector and support a more sustainable and resilient farming system (Cooper et al., 2013). Alongside such existing national policies, it is crucial to consider additional GHG reduction strategies, including transitioning from animal-based to plant-based food production, taking advantage of the digital revolution, utilizing biogas, and legislating carbon taxation. Denmark can use such strategies to further reduce its agricultural emissions and contribute to the global efforts to mitigate climate change. Strategies for reducing GHG emissions To reduce GHG emissions in Danish agriculture, several strategies can be effective. One is transitioning to a plant-based diet (PBD), which has been shown to significantly reduce emissions compared to animal-based diets. Advanced farming technology can also help farmers optimize crop production and minimize waste, thus reducing emissions. The use of biogas from cattle farms can further reduce emissions by converting animal waste into a resource for energy production. Finally, imposing a carbon tax on different segments of the agricultural sector can incentivize sustainable practices and encourage emissions reduction. These solutions address various aspects of the agricultural sector and emphasize the importance of adopting multiple approaches to reduce GHG emissions. Plant-based food production The production of pork and dairy products comes at a considerable environmental cost. According to re-

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