Europe

Study: Denmark mink farm ban saving €142 million annually

September 17, 2025	
thefurbearers

A picture of two mink in cages

Mink (Neovison vison) are kept in small, wire-bottomed cages on fur farms in Canada. Photo by WeAnimals

New research shows that ammonia emissions from Danish mink farms caused millions in health and environmental costs annually – adding more evidence to the movement to end fur farming in Canada.

The study, Assessing the Impact of Ammonia Emissions from Mink Farming in Denmark on Human Health and Critical Load Exceedance, was published in the journal Atmosphere in August 2025. Until a ban of mink fur farming was announced in 2020 due to public health risks, Denmark was the largest producer of fur in the world. Screengrab from the study

A screenshot of the study, Assessing the Impact of Ammonia Emissions from Mink Farming in Denmark on Human Health and Critical Load Exceedance, from the journal Atmosphere.

The study authors used a combination of historic data, air pollution modelling, and impact assessment to evaluate the effects of ammonia emissions from Denmark’s mink farms. Ammonia is released from animal waste and contributes to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) in the air, which causes respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Ammonia also leads to high levels of nitrogen in ecosystems, which can lead to ecological damages and eutrophication of bodies of water.

Key findings from the study show:

Ammonia emissions from mink fur farms are substantial locally, but can be measured across wider regions, too.
The nitrogen from fur farms can harm sensitive habitats and negatively impact biodiversity.
The reduced health impacts of closing the mink sector down correspond to an annual benefit of €142 million ($231.6 million CAD).
The socio-economic benefits of reduced NH₃ emissions from a closed mink sector could offset the government’s compensation to farmers over a roughly 20-year period.

The study shows that mink fur farming has a significant and demonstrable impact on public health, the environment, and the economy. There are hidden costs to the public and ecosystem within fur farming – and that must be addressed.

Adding to this is recent news from the European Food Safety Authority and European veterinarian groups that fur farming cannot be justified within a modern, sustainable society.

The Fur-Bearers is calling on the federal government to implement a phase-out of fur farming in Canada to protect people, wildlife and the environment. Learn more about fur farming and how you can take action at www.FurFarming.ca.