The burps, farts, and excretions of animals like cows and sheep all release greenhouse gases. In 2022, New Zealand took the lead globally in introducing a "cow fart tax," attracting global attention. However, due to farmer dissatisfaction, the tax was rescinded in June 2024. Instead, Denmark, a major pork and dairy exporter, reached an agreement at the end of June to impose a tax on livestock carbon emissions starting in 2030. This translates to approximately NT$3,100 per dairy cow per year. This more comprehensive agreement, in addition to the cow fart tax, also includes plans for rewilding wetlands and soil, reforestation, and the establishment of a fund. With bipartisan support, it is expected to pass parliamentary scrutiny, making Denmark the first country in the world to impose an agricultural carbon tax. Each cow will pay NT$3,000, with a slight impact on prices. Denmark has set a climate goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 70% by 2030. Agriculture is Denmark's largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, making carbon reduction a major challenge. After five months of negotiations, the government, farmers' groups, and conservation groups finally reached a historic agreement. Reuters reported the results of the negotiations. Starting in 2030, agricultural carbon emissions will be charged 300 kroner (approximately NT$1,400) per metric ton; this will increase to 750 kroner (NT$3,500) in 2035. However, the government will provide a 60% tax exemption, so the actual carbon fees collected in 2030 and 2035 will be 120 kroner and 300 kroner respectively. There will also be additional subsidies to assist farmers in their green transformation. CNN quoted an analysis by the Danish green think tank Concito, assuming that a dairy cow emits an average of 5.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
