EU & International

SGAV links Denmark’s work on agriculture, nature, and water to EU policy and international cooperation. We implement EU rules, contribute to negotiations, and build partnerships that advance sustainable land use and a healthy aquatic environment.

Agency for Green Land Use and Aquatic Environment (SGAV)

The Danish Agency for Green Land Use and Aquatic Environment (SGAV) is a public authority under the Ministry of Green Transition, established on 25 September 2024. SGAV’s mandate is to promote sustainable land use and secure a healthy aquatic environment in Denmark by implementing both national and EU-regulated measures. The agency was created by merging key responsibilities from the Danish Agricultural Agency and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring stronger synergies between agriculture and environmental policy.

The Green Tripartite Agreement

At the core of SGAV’s work is the Green Tripartite Agreement – an accord that brings together stakeholders who traditionally represent different interests: farmers’ organisations, the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, the Confederation of Danish Industry, and local municipalities, among others. This agreement is the first of its kind to be concluded in Denmark between these parties and sets the framework for joint efforts within agriculture, climate, and biodiversity.

Bringing stakeholders to the table

This short video presents the range of stakeholders who came together to conclude the Green Tripartite Agreement.


The agreement at a glance: four core elements

Explainer covering four core elements of the agreement: (1) carbon-equivalent (CO2e) tax, (2) aquatic environment and nitrogen, (3) Denmark’s Green Land Fund, and (4) growth, jobs and new technology—overview of objectives, instruments, and implementation.


What does SGAV do?

  • Promotes sustainability: Strengthening biodiversity, improving water quality, and creating resilient landscapes.
  • Administers subsidies: Managing schemes that support the green transition for municipalities and private landowners.
  • Develops restructuring plans: Providing guidance and offering the IT platform MARS (Multifunctional Land Registration System), which consolidates information on nitrogen reduction, lowland soil restoration, afforestation, and nature protection. MARS consists of four modules: Screening, Planning, Application, and Status.
  • Supports voluntary action: Most restructuring measures are implemented voluntarily by landowners and farmers, supported by subsidy schemes.
  • Strengthens IT solutions: Developing high-quality digital tools essential for effective land use and water management.

EU and international role

Beyond its national responsibilities, SGAV actively contributes to shaping EU regulations and directives in agriculture and the environment. The agency participates in expert and Council working groups, committees, and the preparatory work of higher-level EU bodies such as the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA), Coreper, and the Council of Ministers.

In addition to its national responsibilities, SGAV plays an active role in shaping EU regulations and directives related to agriculture and the environment. The agency participates in expert groups, Council working parties, committees, and the preparatory work of higher-level EU bodies such as the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA), Coreper, and the Council of Ministers.

SGAV also works to promote Danish interests and support progressive agricultural and environmental policies in international fora. This includes participation in conventions and organisations such as Ramsar (COP15), IPBES, the Bern and Bonn Conventions, CITES, AEWA, and IUCN.

Organisation

SGAV was established on 25 September 2024 under the Ministry of Green Transition.
The organisation charts are updated as of 1 July 2025 – please scroll down the tabs below to view the full structure.

Organization chart of Agency for Green Transition and Aquatic Environment