An alternative path – Permaculture visions as a response to Denmark’s industrial agriculture

In Denmark food production is dominantly influenced by industrial agriculture, which has been increasingly scrutinized for its negative environmental impacts making it evident that alternative food systems must be explored. This could, for example, be permaculture which guides people to live in harmony with nature. This thesis investigates what eight Danish permaculture practitioners wish to change about industrial agriculture, and how they envision opposing this through their future gardens. To ensure that the visions are desirable and viable Erik Olin Wright’s theory of Real Utopias is utilized. Through the research it is found that industrial agriculture is prioritized in Danmark limiting alternative food systems like permaculture. The permaculture practitioners envision opposing this by spreading knowledge, prioritizing well-being over profit-generation, creating local communities, increasing their food production, and expanding their land. This presents permaculture as a possible local alternative to industrial agriculture.