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The debate on agriculture has intensified recently. The discussion has revolved around antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food, micro-slaughter and risk assessment, to name but a few. But how do Icelanders stand when it comes to building scientific knowledge on the state of food security in Iceland?

In 2014, Matís, in collaboration with BfR in Germany, Matvælastofnun, the Ministry of Industry and Innovation and other parties, embarked on the implementation of the project. Safe Foods. Its main goal was to build research infrastructure so that, among other things, pesticides could be detected in fruit and vegetables in a better way than before. Today, a total of 187 pesticides can be detected with the equipment that Matís has at its disposal.

The purpose of the Food Act is to ensure, as far as possible, the quality, safety and hygiene of food. With the update of the law in 2010, in accordance with European food legislation from 2002, much greater emphasis was placed on risk assessment and information dissemination than before, and scientific data play a key role in this context. Below you can see the main information on pesticide measurements in recent years that has been published in the annual reports of the Food Administration.

For further information, contact Vordís Baldursdóttir and Sveinn Margeirsson at Matís.

Significant progress has been made in the development of storage containers for whole fresh fish in recent decades. The re-launch that took place in the eighties, for example, has made life so much easier for fishermen and has meant that it takes much less time to get the catch down to the train and land it. The most common tanks, however, are so large that there is a risk that their use will have a negative effect on the quality of the catch, if not done correctly. 

It is therefore important to work carefully with icing and alignment in the pots, but it is known that the pressure that forms on the fish at the bottom of the pots affects the appearance, release and weight loss. Recently came out report by Matís where the question is asked what are the main advantages and disadvantages of different transport packaging for whole fresh fish, and then the focus is mainly on container fish, and whether the choice of packaging affects the quality and value of the catch.

The report discusses the export of containerized fish, the value chain of containerized fish, the containers that have been used for the storage and transport of containerized fish, and the issues to consider when processing, storing and transporting whole fresh fish. In addition, the relationship between price and quality of catch sold on auction markets is briefly discussed.

An experiment carried out by exporting containerized fish in four different types of containers is also discussed, where it was to be investigated whether there were differences in quality, weight loss and the value of the catch. However, this experiment did not provide sufficient reliable information to establish whether the type of transport container affected the aforementioned factors. However, the development that has taken place in the production and sale of pots shows that more and more companies are choosing smaller pots, and this should therefore be a good indication that the size of the pots matters. However, the experiment clearly showed that it would be very difficult to re-box the Icelandic fleet. Icelandic sailors have become accustomed to pots and have little interest in returning; in addition, the installation in trains is today designed for pots. In addition, it is common for Icelandic vessels to catch fish that simply do not fit in the boxes that are available, due to their size. However, it is not ruled out that in some cases, boxes could be a good option for exporting whole fresh fish, for example more valuable catches such as sole or "anglerfish tail".

The project was funded by the AVS Fund.

Picture at the top of the page: Jónas R. Viðarsson

Sea King (Neptune despecta) is a kingfisher that resembles a bait king, but is somewhat larger and usually stays at a deeper depth. It is believed that the kingfisher is in large quantities in many parts of the country and that the stock can withstand considerable fishing. The MRI has recorded information about the king of the sea from lobster expeditions for many years, which indicates considerable density in many parts of the country. 

The company Sægarpur in Grundarfjörður began to explore the possibilities of fishing, processing and marketing sea king in 2012 and when Sægarpur went bankrupt in 2013, the company Royal Iceland took over and continued experiments until 2016. Matís assisted the companies with this work, in addition to The AVS fund came to finance. Matís has now published a report outlining the experiments that were carried out and the main results. 

The main results of the mapping of distribution and experimental fishing were rather limited, as information on kingfishers as by-catch in other fisheries is scarce and the species has received little attention in the research of the Marine Research Institute. The experimental expedition led by the project also yielded disappointing results, despite the fact that a seaweed plow was pulled in 29 places where it was thought likely that a sea king was expected.

Since kingfishers can produce tetramine, their processing is mainly concerned with ensuring that the products are safe to consume. The results of processing experiments showed that it is possible to remove the king of the sea's toxic glands and that it is possible to measure whether tetramine is found in products, but this does require a considerable cost. To be effective, you must manually remove the gland and the sac that contains the poison.

The results of a basic market survey conducted indicate that it is possible to sell kingfisher products, especially in well-paying markets in Asia. However, since the king of the ocean is not well known in Asian markets and there is always a risk of tetramine poisoning, marketing of the products is very difficult. It is therefore clear that considerably more research is needed in the entire value chain before it is possible to state anything about whether and to what extent there are opportunities in fishing and processing kingfishers in this country.

The report can be accessed at Matís website.

9.-10. last November An idea competition, a so-called hackathon, on value creation in the value chain of sheep was held for the first time. The competition was called Lambaþon, but in Lambaþon the competitors have 24 hours to put together ideas, which they then get three minutes to present to the jury after these 24 hours.

A total of 27 people signed up for the game, some got off the train but then five powerful teams presented their ideas to the jury. It should also be noted that a large number of ideas were received by e-mail lambathon@matis.is and we hope that those creators will be able to attend next year. 

This time the jury worked according to the following values: 

• How much does the value creation of the farmer who implements the idea increase? How much does it cost consumers? 
• Does the idea include constructive proposals for the working environment of farmers? 
• Does the idea have a positive environmental impact? 
• Does the idea involve the development of new products or services? Marketing Ideas! 
• Does the idea beat the heart of the team with the idea? The chemistry, the energy and the presentation! 

The jury consisted of Guðjón Þorkelsson, who was its chairman, Arnar Bjarnason, Bryndís Geirsdóttir, Gunnfríður Hreiðarsdóttir and Ragnheiður Héðinsdóttir.

Lambthon was run by Matís, Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands, Bifröst University, Landgræðslan, Ráðgjafarmiðstöð landbúnaðarins, Matvælastofnun, Landssamtök sauðfjárbænda, Samtök ungra bændar, Háskóli Íslands and Icelandic Lamb. 

Introducing the sheep

The idea that won the first Lambaþon was "introduce the sheep" The members of the group were Arnþór Ævarsson, Magnea Jónasdóttir and Kári Gunnarsson. 

The prelude to the winning idea was that Arnþór set up a photo exhibition with portraits of sheep at Magnea in Dalakaffi by Reykjadalur in Ölfus. Magnea and Arnþór actually own their own sheep in a small livestock herd, which was the subject of the exhibition, on a farm in Ölfus where Magnea lives with her husband. The tourists thought the show was magnificent and some people could not believe that the sheep were real, some had never seen a sheep on their travels around Iceland or had never seen a sheep in their lives. 

The photo exhibition and the reception made it clear to them that this could be a much bigger idea nationwide, as the sheep is used as a resource for the benefit of sheep farmers. "Introducing the sheep" is about promoting sheep as an attraction for tourists and giving tourists the opportunity to learn about and experience the sheep in an easy way, such as by observing or participating in various activities in the countryside or at events related to sheep. . 

They further developed the idea during Lambaþon and made a proposal for a web system under the working title "Sheepadvisor" which was to some extent similar to the Tripadvisor web system that most people are familiar with. The idea was also expressed that it would be possible to connect this to the web system www.matarlandslagid.is. The food landscape is a database that Matís has developed and can offer countless possibilities but is not fully developed yet. Farmers could connect to the distribution map of the food landscape and enter information about products and / or services themselves. In the idea of the Sheepadvisor web system, tourists could get an overview nationally and book sheep-related tourism, accommodation and more as well as current events. Examples of this could be sightseeing tours or walks on pastures and experiencing lambing, running, grazing, and of course dishes. Farmers could further link this to other things they could have on offer, such as refreshments, accommodation or sales of woolen products, meat products, handicrafts or other. Similarities were also noted among sheep farmers in New Zealand. In this way, those sheep farmers who are interested in tourism could decide their working hours in the tourism industry and decide for themselves what is on offer and when, depending on what suits each farm. The web system could also offer a reward system with review and rating options in the style of Tripadvisor. 

The sheep is so much more than just meat and fleece sweaters, it is a big part of our culture and towards foreign tourists there are examples of the introduction of the sheep being the highlight of the Iceland trip. The cheek is therefore equal to the country's natural pearls and is a resource that should be utilized and made Iceland's brand internationally. Lambaþon's winning team is convinced that educating and increasing the tourist experience of the Icelandic sheep will increase the demand for all products and services related to the Icelandic sheep, improve the welfare of sheep farmers and increase value in the entire value chain of sheep.

Fjárborg in sheepfolds

In 2007, Hlédís Sveinsdóttir founded the project kindur.is, where consumers were offered to buy their own or foster child. The legal environment has changed since then and that is why doors are now opening for farmers to further increase value creation. The idea is that anyone can buy a sheep, keep it in foster care with a farmer and thus become a "remote farmer". The person owns the sheep according to law, but pays the farmer a fee for keeping the sheep on a monthly basis.

Farmers in Fjárborg can offer the various services for the owners of the sheep, such as meat soup day, genealogy information, photos of the sheep regularly, an open day for lambing, tanning of sheep, slaughtering and much more.

Fjárborg in sheepfolds was an idea that Hlédís Sveinsdóttir, Sólveig Bjarnar Reynisdóttir and Elín Guðnadóttir worked on.

Prize money - managed grazing in the forest is for everyone's benefit

The forest lamb enjoys the shelter 

of a forest that is growing today 

The grass as well as the birch bites 

farming for the benefit of all

Project idea for money that utilizes browsing in the forest floor, which can be more nutritious and more per unit area than in pastures. A forest, over the first years of growing up, utilizes microbial flora (and possibly some nutrition as well) which is generated in the form of organic waste (lamb tail) and money keeps down competitive vegetation. Light grazing pressure can strengthen the root system of bottom vegetation and soil erosion is negligible (Does not apply to overgrazing). Money benefits from the chewing of bottom vegetation, the fall weight of lambs is greater, which gives extra money in sales. If the forest is uplifted (which is almost a condition) then the handling of the forest is exemplary and beautiful for outdoor activities. The money goes to the forest, everyone knows that. If it were allowed to walk in the woods then the gathering of the mountain is unnecessary. Money that improves land quality should impress the buyer. Longer slaughter time means new slaughter over a longer period. A forest binds carbon and converts poor land into rich. Groundwater is purified and there is a more even flow over the year, less risk of disasters. Well-groomed forests are an attraction for humans, no less than sheep. 

Hlynur Gauti Sigurðsson, Sæmundur ISK Þorvaldsson, Sighvatur Jón Þórarinsson and Guðríður Baldvinsdóttir worked on the idea.

The green lamb

The Green Lamb is a certification issued by a recognized regulatory body.  

The certification ensures: 

• Healthy and healthy product. 
• Sustainability on the farms where the animals are raised. 
• Good welfare of the animals. 

• Carbon neutral lamb. 
• Degradable packaging. 
• Minimum antibiotic use. 
• Based on the concept of an exemplary cow farm 

The certification is not only for money but also for all products that meet the Green Lamb's standards may receive the stamp, despite not producing lamb. For example, vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots and potatoes. Pig farms (eg farms that produce their own feed). Chicken farms that use Icelandic ingredients for feeding. Horsemanship for breeding (eg blood farms).  

The Green Lamb was led by Sóley Erna Sigurgeirsdóttir, Steinþór Logi Arnarsson, Sunna Þórarinsdóttir and Ísak Jökulsson. 

Woolpa

The project vision for the Icelandic sheep consisted, among other things, of encouraging innovation in the field and interdisciplinary collaboration between farmers and designers. When wool is given more respect, it becomes more valuable. By looking at the possibilities of Icelandic wool and its advantages rather than disadvantages, there are countless possibilities available because the wool is hard, warm, insulating, water-repellent and it breathes. A group of design graduates from the Iceland Academy of the Arts presented ideas for clothing, accessories and shoes that were all made exclusively from Icelandic wool that was dry felted. 

Woolpa was run by Margrét Arna Vilhjálmsdóttir, Kristín Soffía Þorsteinsdóttir, Bjarmi Fannar Irmuson, Þórður Jörundarson and Ari Jónsson.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has introduced a new scientific opinion on the dangers to humans and animals of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food and feed. Dangers may arise from these substances in food according to Art. the opinion and EFSA proposes a sevenfold reduction of the reference values on the basis of new research, a news item of which is published today on the website of the Food Administration (www.mats.is).

EFSA proposes lowering the limit value for the acceptable intake of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs to 2 pg * TEQ ** per kg body weight per week, while the current value is 14 pg TEQ per kg body weight per week. An acceptable weekly intake is the amount of substances we can ingest weekly, for life, without causing health damage.

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Matís has just started a project in collaboration with Sæbýli with a grant from the Technology Development Fund, where work will be done to build a foundation for scaling up sea urchin farming in Iceland. The world market has grown enormously over the last 10 years and all indications are that growth will continue. 

Sæbýli has now built a facility in Eyrabakki for continued breeding and Þorlákshöfn for breeding and fertilization. Production into the market is now in the early stages, but the farm has a production capacity of 70 tons / year into the world market, which counts at least. 150 thousand tons. Sæbýli's long-term goal is to build up an aquaculture industry in Iceland with production of over 1000 tonnes / year by building up standard production units in other parts of Iceland. In order for this to happen, certain technical barriers to upscaling need to be resolved and, based on that, "state-of-the-art"Standard production house.

Furthermore, data will be collected in this project to demonstrate the health and wholesomeness of the products as well as data on the environmental impact of the production. Communication with Icelandic consumers, restaurants and stakeholders will be established, as well as marketing measures abroad.

This weekend, the first Lambathon took place, a 24-hour competition for the best idea to increase value creation in the sheep value chain.

A total of 6 teams competed in the competition, which was a knife fight. The winning idea was "Introducing the sheep", But it aims to promote sheep as an attraction for tourists and give tourists the opportunity to easily experience various jobs in the country's farms related to sheep. The winning team consisted of Arnþór Ævarsson, Magnea Jónasdóttir and Kári Gunnarsson and they received 200 thousand in prizes. The jury consisted of Guðjón Þorkelsson, who was its chairman, Arnar Bjarnason, Bryndís Geirsdóttir, Gunnfríður Hreiðarsdóttir and Ragnheiður Héðinsdóttir.

The winning team has also taken the concept work a step further, as the English working title "Sheepadvisor" was mentioned as a possible way to get closer to foreign visitors to the country and nation with the information that needs to be presented to foreign tourists, whether it is which are made from sheep products, where products made from Icelandic wool are sold, what events are on the agenda such as sheep breeding or whatever else is deemed necessary.

The contestants were characterized by a great wealth of ideas and there were many ideas for continued development and co-operation at the end of the competition.

The event was organized by Matís, Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands, Bifröst University, Landgræðslan, Ráðgjafamiðstöð landbúnaðarins, Matvælastofnun, Landssamtök sauðfjárbænda, Samtök ungra bænda, Háskóli Íslands and Icelandic Lamb.

The Nordic Council of Ministers has published a successful publication on the Icelandic Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2019. The title of the presidency is "Good Roads" and is taken from Hávamál and testifies that it is always short, opposite, to a good friend.

Nordic co-operation is one of the most extensive regional co-operations in the world. The countries involved in this co-operation are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden as well as Åland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
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Margildi and Matís, together with foreign partners, are currently working on a short-term collaborative project where market conditions for Margildi's fish oil in Asia are being investigated with the help of the AVS Fund. The aim of the project is to study and work on a market for Margildi's products in Asia, and the Vietnam market will be used as an experimental market where the fish oil will be marketed by a health chain in that country. Consumer requirements, traditions and regulations will be mapped, as well as the willingness to pay will be assessed by local parties. 

Margildi is a start-up company that has developed a new and unique processing method, so-called rapid cold cleaning, which makes it possible to fully clean fish oil for human consumption from the pelagic species capelin, herring and mackerel. Margildi's products already (http://fiskolia.com/) was presented to a focus group in the city of Nha Trang and the response was positive and useful information was obtained that will be useful in ongoing marketing work. There is some tradition of consuming omega-3 products in Vietnam, but so far the consumption has mostly been in the form of capsules. The Vietnamese have been pleasantly surprised by how tasty the fish oil from Margildur is and it has been well received by those who have tried to consume it for a certain period of time.

Representatives of Margildi and Matís will next month visit potential partners in Vietnam to work on further marketing issues, but parties from China have also shown great interest in the company's products.

Further information about the project can be obtained from Snorri Hreggviðsson at Margildur and Valur N. Gunnlaugsson at Matís.