Denmark’s Green Tripartite Agreement: A New Model for Ireland's Agriculture and Climate Policy?

In 2024, Denmark reached a landmark Green Tripartite Agreement, introducing the world’s first agricultural climate tax as part of a comprehensive package of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, restore nature, improve biodiversity, and tackle nitrogen pollution. This pioneering policy framework is poised to transform Danish agriculture and rural landscapes over the coming decades. This webinar features insights from Johannes Flatz of CONCITO and Erik Jørgensen of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, who will outline the negotiation process behind the Agreement and assess its implications for the Danish agri-food sector, climate policy, and rural development. From an Irish perspective, Dr. Maria Snell of Macra na Feirme and Ailbhe Gerrard of Talamh Beo and Brookfield Farm will consider the opportunities and challenges for Ireland in delivering on climate and biodiversity targets within the farming community, exploring how elements of the Danish model might be adapted to the current policy landscape in Ireland. Bringing together Danish and Irish viewpoints, this discussion examines the design, implementation, and adaptation of ambitious agricultural climate measures across contrasting European settings, and the potential role such agreements can play in aligning environmental objectives with rural prosperity. Speaker bios: Johannes Flatz is a Climate Analyst in CONCITOs programme on food and consumption. Johannes works as a climate analyst with a focus on analysis of European agricultural policies. Johannes is particularly focused on the analysis of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the regulation of carbon emissions from the agricultural sector. Johannes has a master’s degree in environmental economics from the University of Copenhagen. Erik Jørgensen is the Chief Consultant at the Climate & Energy, Danish Agriculture & Food Council. Maria Snell is a Senior Policy Executive at Macra na Feirme, Ireland’s national organisation representing young farmers and rural youth. She holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the UK, where she worked on projects focused water quality, habitat management, and ecological health in agricultural catchments. Maria returned home to join Macra, where she works to ensure the voices of rural youth are represented in shaping sustainable agricultural, rural development and environmental policy. Ailbhe Gerrard is a farmer, beekeeper, and agricultural educator, and the founder of Brookfield Farm in Co. Tipperary. She is also a leading member of Talamh Beo, the Irish branch of La Via Campesina, and has been recognised for her innovative agroecological farming practices and advocacy for community-led food systems.