Enhedslisten (The Unity List) proposes to remove agricultural subsidies for the use of fertilizer in certain areas. The party has suggested that farmers should lose their agricultural subsidies if they use fertilizer and pesticides in selected zones. The proposal is part of the party’s strategy to combine drinking water protection with economic support for farmers. Pelle Dragsted, the political leader of Enhedslisten, expresses concern that the current practice finances nitrogen pollution of fjords and marine environments. Dragsted points out that it seems absurd that taxpayer-funded agricultural subsidies contribute to environmental damage. Agricultural subsidies are currently paid based on the size of the area, a system known as per hectare support. Enhedslisten wants to use per hectare support to promote a better water environment by designating specific nature and water parks where the use of fertilizer and pesticides will result in loss of support. Farmers who choose instead to plant forests or restore natural areas will be able to keep their support. Dragsted emphasizes that the goal is to use per hectare support as a tool to regulate agricultural behavior and create incentives for sustainable practices that do not harm fjords and seas.
The proposal for protected drinking water zones is not new for Enhedslisten. The party made similar proposals before the 2022 election alongside the Social Democrats. However, after the formation of the government by the Social Democrats with Venstre (Liberal Party) and Moderates, the focus on this area has decreased, claims Dragsted, which has prompted the party to reintroduce their proposal. Dragsted criticizes the current government’s environmental and agricultural policy and believes that it is heavily influenced by industrial agriculture, which does not align with Enhedslisten’s approach.