FARMERS WILL SOON PAY TAXES BASED ON HOW MUCH THEIR LIVESTOCK FARTS

Matt Case - June 26th, 2024 - 8:58pm PDT 

Denmark to Implement First-Ever Livestock Methane Tax to Combat Climate Change

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  — Denmark is set to become the first country in the world to tax livestock methane emissions in an effort to combat global warming. Starting in 2030, farmers will be required to pay an additional tax based on the amount of methane their cows, sheep, and pigs produce.

The initiative aims to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions significantly. “We will take a big step closer to becoming climate neutral by 2045,” stated Taxation Minister Jeppe Bruus. He highlighted that Denmark would be the first nation to introduce a real CO2 tax on agriculture.

Under the new regulation, Danish farmers will be taxed 300 kroner (approximately $43) per ton of carbon dioxide their livestock emits. This rate will rise to 750 kroner ($108) in 2035. However, due to an income tax deduction of 60%, the effective cost will start at 120 kroner and increase to 300 kroner by 2035.

Denmark is home to approximately 1,480,000 cows, each producing 6 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year. Most of this gas is released through burps, farts, and manure as part of the livestock digestion process, with cows being the biggest contributors of methane emissions.

As a major exporter of dairy and pork, Denmark's new tax aims to reduce its environmental footprint and lead the way in sustainable agricultural practices. The country hopes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels by 2030.