A Danish fruit farmer has removed all his trees after four decades of cultivation. Lars Skou Hansen closed his fruit plantation on Lolland island due to poor sales and economic challenges.
He inherited Guldborgland Fruit Plantation from his father and operated it for 42 years. The business focused on apples, pears, and sweet corn.
Danish-produced fruits now represent only 10% of total fruit sales in Denmark. Vegetables fare slightly better at 25% domestic production.
Food organization Madkulturen calls this a final warning to save Danish fruit and vegetable production. They proposed 16 recommendations to improve conditions for local producers.
The suggestions include reducing VAT on Danish produce, increasing food education in schools, and creating stronger national narratives about local ingredients.
Madkulturen director Judith Kyst said political action and better framework conditions are needed. Two out of three consumers say they want to buy Danish, yet many choose imported products.
At a supermarket in Kalundborg, manager Peter Egebæk tries to promote local produce through visible placement and agreements with local growers. He can sometimes offer Danish vegetables at lower prices during peak season.
Consumers tell a different story. Many say price determines their choices.
'I want to buy Danish, but I'm on a state pension. The economy decides,' said Dorte Lynch from Kalundborg.
Another customer expressed confusion about pricing. 'It's strange that something transported by ship or plane can be cheaper than something produced right here,' noted Maibrith Nielsen.
The former fruit farmer points to strict environmental requirements, high costs, and foreign competition as key challenges. He believes Danish growers cannot produce apples at consumer-expected prices under current conditions.
While supporting Madkulturen's recommendations, Hansen remains pessimistic about the future of Danish fruit farming. 'I can't imagine how we could save it in time,' he stated.
Food Minister Jacob Jensen acknowledged the industry faces major challenges. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Danish fruit and vegetable production for both supply security and quality.
The government recently allocated approximately 165 million kroner to support about 150 horticultural businesses. This funding addresses both new COâ‚‚ taxes and existing financial pressures.
The situation represents a dramatic shift from 1963 when nearly all vegetables sold in Denmark were domestically produced. About half of all fruit came from Danish farms at that time.
The disappearance of local fruit production reflects broader economic pressures affecting European agriculture. Consumers increasingly face choices between supporting local producers and managing household budgets.