Denmark has opted to establish a fresh wage standard for foreign herders and farm supervisors seeking employment in the agricultural industry within the country.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has announced that the new salary level for foreign herdsmen and farm managers is in accordance with the Agricultural Agreement between 3F and GLS-A. Effective March 1, 2024, the updated collective agreement will apply to all applications submitted on or after April 12, 2024. SIRI emphasizes that during the processing of residence and work permit applications for herdsmen and farm managers, the agency ensures that the offered salary aligns with Danish standards. If not, the agency will consider the salary inconsistent with Danish norms.

According to the newly reached agreement, herdsmen must be offered the following minimum salaries to qualify for a residence and work permit:

- Starting from March 1, 2024: at least DKK 31,607.62 (€4,236.82) per month.

- Effective June 1, 2024: at least DKK 32,189.39 (€4,314.80) per month.

Whether these monthly salaries for herdsmen include or exclude pension contributions, they will be deemed to align with Danish standards.

For positions not covered by the Agricultural or Interdisciplinary Agreements, overtime and additional rates will apply for working beyond regular hours or during specific periods.

According to the agreement, workers who exceed regular working hours must receive DKK 209.82 (€28.13) per hour for the first two hours and DKK 287.75 (€38.57) per hour for subsequent hours, including public holidays and Sundays.

For specific time frames, workers are entitled to additional compensation: DKK 23.66 (€3.17) per hour before 5 a.m., DKK 144.45 (€19.36) per day after 12 p.m. on Saturdays, and DKK 305.96 (€41.01) per day on public holidays and Sundays.

SIRI stressed that for farm managers, whose responsibilities are more extensive, their salary will be deemed in line with Danish standards as long as it surpasses the salary of herdsmen.

If there is any uncertainty regarding whether a farm manager's salary meets Danish standards, the issue will be forwarded to the Regional Labour Market Council for further assessment.