68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, citizens who will need access to healthy and wholesome food. Against this complex backdrop, Denmark is positioning itself with Agro Food Park (AFP), an international hub for innovation and knowledge sharing within the agricultural and food sector, as well as the associated technology sector. The Agro Food Park’s business organisation focuses on Danish agricultural and food companies and cooperates with external companies, universities and government authorities to facilitate the exchange of interdisciplinary knowledge and innovative solutions.
Agro Food Park was opened on 9 September 2009 and is located within the larger Business Park Skejby in Skejby, a northern suburb of the city of Aarhus.
One of its main objectives is to ensure that Danish agricultural and food companies in the East Jutland region and throughout the country can compete internationally. The main themes are technology and knowledge exchange, consultancy and innovation based on sustainability, cultural and social values, as well as sustainable and healthy food production for companies, regardless of their size.
The campus currently has more than 85 companies with around 1,300 employees. AFP aims to create economic value within the urban and agricultural infrastructure. It plans to expand the park over the years in multiple phases, following a Master Plan designed by William McDonough + Partners to foster cooperation between researchers and businesses, as well as its ability to jump-start agricultural production in densely urban environments, ensuring long-term food security.
