Quality - safety - uniqueness
Matís works on projects that strengthen Icelandic food production by measuring nutrients, contaminants and microorganisms in products. Also with research on the effects of production systems on taste quality and consumer attitudes.
Nutrients
Í the Icelandic database on the nutritional value of food includes information on the nutritional value of products from Icelandic agriculture. Information is maintained in collaboration with agricultural associations and product centers. The information is useful for:
- Preparation of promotional material
- Calculation of nutritional value
- Consumer surveys when calculating the proportion of different food categories and products in the consumption of nutrients and energy of consumers in Iceland
Examples of recent projects:
Security
Measurements of pathogenic micro-organisms are performed to obtain information on whether products are safe for consumption or to trace the origin of foodborne infections in order to prevent them in the future.
Example: https://matis.is/upplysingar-fyrir-nyja-matvaelaframleidendur/matvaelaoryggi-radgjof/
A clean and unpolluted environment is often taken as an example of the uniqueness of Icelandic food. Such assertions can be confirmed by measurements of contaminants.
Example: https://matis.is/skyrsla/serstada-matvaela-fra-islenskum-landbunadi-naeringarefni-og-adskotaefni/
Production system and special properties of Icelandic food
There are opportunities for further research when it comes to the effects of production systems on the properties and uniqueness of Icelandic food, in addition to which there are market opportunities in the uniqueness. The production systems include a special livestock institution, the location of the land, the climate and the grazing landscape.
Matís is interested in collaborating with farmers, processing plants and other parties on research in this field.
Examples of research that has already been done:
https://www.matis.is/media/utgafa/krokur/Fraedathing-2010-Bragd-og-beitarhagar.pdf
https://matis.is/wp-content/uploads/skyrslur/20-09_Hvannalomb.pdf
Consumer attitudes
The future of agriculture in Iceland lies in consumers' trust in it. Correct and transparent information from neutral parties is very important here. Difficult issues concerning livestock welfare, the environment and production methods need to be addressed, but there are many opportunities for further research and dissemination of their results. Matís has, in collaboration with farmers and RML, LBHÍ and product centers, conducted research on the welfare of pigs and slaughter lambs, but it can be better if it is enough.
It is predicted that in the coming decades the emphasis on animal products will decrease and the emphasis on plant products will increase. New methods and methods will also be used in addition to more traditional agriculture, for example with algae, insects and with the cultivation of carcasses and Matís has led a major European project related to it. The reactions and attitudes of consumers to these issues can be studied further than Matís has been involved in a project on the attitudes of the next generation of consumers towards food production.
Do you have any ideas for further research in this regard? Be in touch.
Opportunities for small producers and entrepreneurs
Many small food producers have received training, advice and access to Matís food factories when they were taking their first steps. The advice is on quality manuals and operating licenses, properties of raw material processing methods, shelf life and safety, as well as mandatory nutrition labeling.
Courses - online study materials can be found here.
Manuals
Information about Matís food factory
Information on chemical measurements, their results are the basis for a nutrition declaration.
Training in innovation
The results of research and other projects must be used to strengthen Icelandic agriculture. Matís can assist entrepreneurs with information, advice and training innovation.
For the past three years, Matís has participated in and managed courses in Europe under the auspices of EIT Food on the training of entrepreneurs with an emphasis on, for example, aquaculture, future proteins and food allergens.
Example: https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/inspire
Matís staff is also completing an international webinar on the utilization of food by-products and reduced food waste.
We want to use our experience and relationships with similar courses in Iceland for the benefit of Icelandic agriculture and consumers.
Genetic analysis - A powerful tool for origin analysis and breeding
Matís offers genetic analysis in cattle, sheep and horses.
Genetic analysis - A powerful tool for origin analysis and breeding
Matís offers genetic analysis in cattle, sheep and horses. Genetic analysis is becoming an essential tool in livestock breeding, but it can also be used for food origin analysis. Matís offers a variety of genetic analyzes that can support food production, breeding and breeding.
We encourage everyone who is interested to get in touch.
Parental analysis
Matís offers parental analyzes in horses, cattle, sheep and dogs. Parental analysis is an important tool in breeding. The latest method in Matís' toolbox is parental analyzes in sheep, see:
For further information, please contact Steinunn Magnúsdóttir (steinunn@matis.is) and Sæmundur Sveinsson (saemundurs@matis.is, Phone: 858-5130)
Origin and species analyzes in food
Matís offers species analyzes in food, such as meat, fish and vegetables. Every year, 50 - 100 samples are species analyzed at Matís' laboratory in genetics. Most of these analyzes are carried out at the request of food exporters who need to confirm the brand vis-à-vis foreign buyers. These methods work well in clean and low-processed foods, such as fresh and frozen meats as well as frozen fish fillets and salted fish. Contact: Steinunn Magnúsdóttir
Matís is developing a methodology for classifying raw materials in processed foods. This is especially true for foods that contain many ingredients, such as meat and fish balls, minced meat and fish marrow. See:
This methodology is under development but the results are promising. Contact: Sæmundur Sveinsson
Genetic analysis and breeding in Icelandic livestock and farmed species
Matís offers a variety of genetic analyzes that are used in the breeding work of livestock and livestock species. The largest selection and development of methods is for sheep. Matís offers analyzes of abrasion and fog genes. Furthermore, methods are being developed for the analysis of the lye gene (fertility gene in sheep) and the analysis of genetic variability that causes yellow fat in sheep. Finally, a research project is underway to find the genetic defect that causes bowel crises in lambs. These projects are carried out in close collaboration with the University of Iceland Laboratory of Pathology at Keldur and the Agricultural Advisory Center.
Further information is provided by Sæmundur Sveinsson.
Matís is a powerful partner in research and innovation projects
Matís has an extensive network of powerful partners in Iceland and abroad. Matís is involved in a number of projects that have been funded by the Food Fund and almost all of which are carried out in collaboration with domestic stakeholders.