Amy Fraser19 November 2024 | 9:32

Denmark imposes world's first tax on cow farts

This decision follows extensive negotiations involving the country's major political parties, farmers, industry representatives, trade unions, and environmental organisations.

Denmark imposes world's first tax on cow farts

Image by Ralph from Pixabay.

Lester Kiewit interviews Adam Gilchrist about this and other trending world news.

Listen below (skip to 5:04).

Denmark has officially decided to roll out the world’s first tax on agricultural emissions, including the not-so-sweet-smelling flatulence from livestock.

This decision follows extensive negotiations involving the country's major political parties, farmers, industry representatives, trade unions, and environmental organisations. 

"Denmark is particularly known for its cows and its dairy produce."
- Adam Gilchrist

The Green Tripartite agreement, first teased in June, is finally ready to take the stage.

Starting in 2030, farmers will be required to cough up a levy of 300 kroner (about R491.63) per tonne of methane produced by their livestock. Yes, that means every fart counts, and by 2035 the levy will rise to 750 kroner (around R1,228.29).

The agreement also aims to reduce nitrogen pollution to help restore coastal and fjord ecosystems.

Furthermore, there will also be a concerted effort to enhance biodiversity throughout the country.

"They feel they have to do something and it's a way of making farmers more accountable; making us all more accountable."
- Adam Gilchrist

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.