Denmark’s countryside blooms as farmers embrace new subsidy schemes for planting flowers and wild grasses

The Danish countryside is currently blooming with buckwheat, sunflowers, and blue-purple honeywort, thanks to new subsidy schemes which have encouraged farmers to plant more flowers and wild grasses. This year, these plantings have covered approximately 500 square kilometers, roughly the total area of the island of Falster.

Torben Karlshøj, a farmer from Thy, is among those who have taken advantage of the subsidies, known as pollinator fallow schemes. He explains that the improved subsidy has made it financially viable for him to participate. This year, farmers can receive more than 6,000 kroner per hectare in support for pollinator fallow. However, he emphasizes that farming can’t only be about growing flowers, there needs to be a balance in costs and benefits.

Critics like Thyge Nygaard, senior agriculture policy advisor, argue that these flower mixtures do not enhance biodiversity. He suggests that the funds could be used in a more effective way, saying “the only ones who benefit from this are those who sell the seeds.”

These criticisms are echoed by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation and the Fjordland Farmers’ Association, who argue that other schemes supporting biodiversity are more effective, even if they offer fewer financial incentives.

The subsidies come from the EU’s agricultural support, which is administered through the Danish Agriculture Agency. This year, farmers can apply for extra supplements for areas with pollinator fallow.

Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, is pleased that farmers have embraced the pollinator fallow scheme. He acknowledges criticisms about the high subsidy amount and is open to adjusting it in the future.