Danish Agriculture and Meat Sectors Unite

DENMARK - Danish agriculture organisations Landbrugsraadet (The Danish Agricultural Council) and Dansk Landbrug (Danish Agriculture) will merge with Danish Meat Association (DMA) to create a new organisation representing the industry from ‘farm to fork’.
calendar icon 6 March 2009
clock icon 3 minute read

The main rationale for change is to streamline the operations of the organisations currently representing Danish agriculture and the food industry, and, at the same time deliver a more efficient service for its members.

Peter Gaemelke, Chairman of Dansk Landbrug and President of Landbrugsraadet, explains why this is key: "Food production and agriculture form a major part of the Danish economy, with meat being our number one export. The industry is facing increasing challenges due to tight regulations and national legislation that can make competition in the global market place difficult."

The new organisation will work closely together with both Government and the industry itself to identify solutions to these challenges. Asger Krogsgaard, Chairman of Danske Slagterier and DMA, explains more: "The common challenges the three organisations face mean that determining the ideal operating structure for future success of the industry can best be achieved by a single organisation. Furthermore, the merger will result in increased efficiency and lower total costs for all our members."

The headquarters of the new organisation, which is yet to be named, will be at Axelborg in Copenhagen. The governing body will consist of six persons, representing both farmers and the food industry, with two separate boards to safeguard the individual interests of both groups. These will also be supported by a single board responsible for overseeing strategy, operating procedures and financial operations.

In addition to the farmers, companies and other associations that currently form Dansk Landbrug, DS/DMA and Landbrugsraadet, the new trade body will also welcome as members organisations that will also continue as separate entities. These include Mejeriforeningen (Danish Dairy Board), Dansk Pelsdyravlerforening (Danish Fur Breeders’ Association), Oekologisk Landsforening (Organic Service Centre) and Dansk Gartneri (Danish Horticulture).

Dansk Landbrug’s Managing Director, Carl Aage Dahl, has been confirmed as the Managing Director of the new organisation. The Board of Directors will include Christina Hvid, Managing Director of DMA, and Claus Soegaard-Richter, who is currently on the management team of Landbrugsraadet. Together they will be responsible for developing, organising and running the new trade body.

The new organisation is expected to be fully operational by the summer. In the meantime, Landbrugsraadet, Dansk Landbrug and DMA will continue to work closely together. Freddy Svane, Managing Director of Landbrugsraadet, has stepped down by mutual agreement and Carl Aage Dahl has been appointed temporary Managing Director during the transition period.

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