Denmark to ban mink farming in government U-turn

Denmark will end mink farming by August 2029 after the government reversed course on plans to seek an exemption from an EU-wide ban on the practice.

Government abandons exemption plans

The decision means Denmark will no longer pursue an exception that could have allowed mink farming to continue beyond the EU-wide restriction. Instead, the government has accepted a timetable for the industry to end in the country.

The August 2029 deadline provides a clear endpoint for mink farming in Denmark. It also marks a change in government policy, following the earlier intention to pursue an exemption from the European Union ban.

Impact on the mink farming industry

For Danish mink farmers and businesses connected to the activity, the decision confirms that the sector will not continue indefinitely under an exemption. Mink farming is now scheduled to end across Denmark by August 2029.

The government’s decision aligns Denmark’s future policy with the EU-wide ban rather than seeking a separate national exception. No further details on the government’s plans or the effect on individual businesses were provided.

What happens next

The central date for the sector is August 2029, when mink farming is due to end in Denmark. Until then, the industry faces a defined transition period under the government’s revised position.

By dropping its exemption plans, Denmark has settled the direction of its mink farming policy: the practice will come to an end rather than continue under a special arrangement.