The event, titled “Research in Fruit and Vegetables for Green Transition, Food Supply, and Health – Kick-Off to Strategy”, was not just another academic conference. It was a call to action – a step toward shaping the future of Danish horticulture through new research, innovation, and collaboration.

A Sector at a Crossroads

The Danish fruit and vegetable industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Climate change is disrupting traditional farming methods, while consumers are demanding sustainable, Danish grown produce at an affordable price. Fruits and vegetables are climate-friendly with an unexplored diversity for plant-based food solutions. At the same time, new technologies are emerging that can increase the economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability of the way we grow and consume fruits and vegetables. But a research strategy is missing, while the area of fruit and vegetable production is decreasing – and this is event was all about discussing what we can do about it.

The day began with a warm welcome from Dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University, Eskild Holm Nielsen, who set the stage for the discussions ahead. He emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the fruit and vegetable sector, and the key role that Aarhus University and its Department of Food Science can play in strategizing the future of fruit and vegetable research in Denmark.

_{Eskild Holm Nielsen, Dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

After an introduction to the day’s program by Head of Department of Food Science Anne Louise Dannesboe Nielsen at Aarhus University, the first session, led by Senior Advisor Henning Otte Hansen from the Department of Food and Resource Economics at the University of Copenhagen, provided a reality check. Presenting data on current consumption patterns and productions trends with noticeable gaps and barriers in the Danish fruit and vegetable production and consumption extending to the global scale, he highlighted important areas for potential growth and improvement with an economic perspective.

_{Henning Otte Hansen, Senior Advisor from the Department of Food and Resource Economics from the University of Copenhagen, was the first speaker of the day. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

Producers’ Voices: Real Challenges, Real Solutions

A key contribution to the collective brainstorm was a series of talks from key players in the industry, who shared their perspectives and experiences on the biggest hurdles facing Danish fruit and vegetable production.

Johnny Albertsen, CEO at Økologihaven/Rosborg Foods, described the potential of high-tech food production, including production steps of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture, drawing on examples from their own progressions at Rosborg Foods.

_{Johnny Albertsen, CEO at Økologihaven/Rosborg Foods. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

Dorrit Andersen, CEO of RootConsult, representing Axel Månsson A/S, emphasized the importance of innovation in open-field vegetable production, particularly in organic farming, and highlighted hands-on challenges of high costs and potential of innovative and sustainable methods from their very own fields and collaboration projects with Aarhus University.

_{Dorrit Andersen, CEO of RootConsult, representing Axel Månsson A/S. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

Ole Mosegaard Andersen, Orchard and Packing Manager at Ørskov Fruits, addressed the challenges facing fruit growers, from labor shortages to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, and how it impacts the production.

_{Ole Mosegaard Andersen, Orchard and Packing Manager at Ørskov Fruits. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

Their overall message was clear: The industry needs development. More research, political perspectives and support, and stronger collaboration between science and practice are essential if Danish fruit and vegetable production is to be competitive, sustainable and thrive in the future.

What do Consumers want? And can Research Deliver?

After lunch, the focus shifted to the market. Head of Corporate Affairs Claus Krogh from Lidl Denmark and Director Judith Kyst from Madkulturen explored consumer trends and underlying challenges. Danish consumers increasingly prefer Danish produce, but they also demand convenience, affordability, and diversity. The two presenters contributed with important insights from the market and consumers’ perspectives that can ultimately contribute to how fruit and vegetable research can help meet the consumer expectations.

_{Claus Krogh, Head of Corporate Affairs at Lidl Denmark. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

_{Judith Kyst, Director at Madkulturen. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

Professor Hanne Lakkenborg Kristensen from the Department of Food Science at Aarhus University followed with a presentation of societal needs for green transition of agriculture and the potential in developing fruit and vegetable production for food security, climate-friendly and healthy food, highlighting specific unexplored opportunities for new research. From exploring genetic resources for new tasteful and healthy crop products, resilient plant cultivators to recycling production systems that enhance both yield and climate footprint, science has the potential to help bridge the gap between industry needs and consumer demand.

_{Hanne Lakkenborg Kristensen, Professor at Department of Food Science at Aarhus University. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}

Funding the Future of Horticultural Research

Of course, research requires funding. Representatives Board Member Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl from Plantefonden and Chief Consultant Merete Studnitz from ICROFS discussed their visions for supporting studies that can drive real change in Danish horticulture. With the right investments and strategy, they argued, Denmark has the potential to grow exponentially within future fruit and vegetable research and production.

_{Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, Board member at Plantefonden. Photo: Kimie Kongsøre}