Yesterday was in many ways interesting in the history of Matís, but then the last farmers' market was in Hofsós this summer, but the market was a joint project of farmers in Skagafjörður and Matís and the project was financially supported by the Agricultural Productivity Fund. In addition, for the first time, as far as is known, minced meat was sold directly to consumers, as production and trade are completely transparent.
The product of this project was, as stated above, very popular farmers markets as well as the website, www.matarlandslagid.is where blockchain technology is used to ensure the traceability of information from farmers to consumers. The bit chain technology in Matarlandslagið is a collaborative project Advania and Matís.
To see and better understand this bit chain technology, you can click on it The food landscape -> on the top right, click on "FARMERS MARKET"-> click on"Open overview map"-> click on"6. Birkihlíð"On the left side of the page and on the page that appears then you can see a green tab with this information.
When it comes to traceability and transparency, it can clearly be said that this is a revolution in terms of providing information from farmers to consumers.
Heimir, Gulli and Þráinn got Svein Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, in an interview about this in Bít á Bylgjan and it was stated in Sveinn's case that certain changes need to be made to the law so that farmers can create added value, for themselves and the nation as a whole.
Process control of pelagic fish crude oil / Process control of pelagic fish crude oil
The aim of this preliminary project was to analyze different currents in fishmeal and fish oil processing of pelagic species. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the fatty acid composition of liquids at different points in the liquid separator. It is believed that the product of the project can lead to improved production of pelagic fish body oil, as it will be possible to produce fish oil with different proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA). By extracting the fish oil from different liquid streams, fish oil can be obtained with different properties and thus increase the value of fish oil products produced in fishmeal and fish oil factories. Significant variability in the fatty acid composition was measured in the samples, both by fish species and at the sampling site. The samples all had in common that monounsaturated fatty acids were in the majority independent of fish species and sampling site. Polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids followed. There was evidence that the longer polyunsaturated fatty acids degrade as the process progresses. With improved processing processes, it would be possible to start producing high-quality fish oil products for human consumption. It is therefore necessary to go into a much more detailed analysis of the whole process, but the results of this project indicate that there is still a long way to go.
The objective of the project was to identify different streams during production of fishmeal and oil from pelagic fish. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the fatty acid composition of streams collected at different processing steps. It is believed that the results can lead to improved production of pelagic fish oil, since it will be possible to produce fish oil with various proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA). Considerable variability was observed between the collected samples, both by species as well as where in the process the samples were collected. Monounsaturated fatty acids were majority in all the samples, regardless of fish species and sampling location. Moreover, the results indicated that the longer polyunsaturated fatty acids can break down as the process goes further. With improved processing control, it is possible to produce high quality oil products intended for human consumption. A comprehensive analysis on the entire process is however necessary.
Icelandic goat products - Possibilities and specialties
The project "Increased value and uniqueness of goat products" is funded by the Agricultural Productivity Fund and is carried out at Matís in collaboration with the Icelandic Goat Breeding Association. Strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities in goat breeding were analyzed. The Icelandic goat population is small and is in danger of extinction. Therefore, the population needs to increase in order for it to stay afloat. The best advice in this fight is to find as many uses as possible for the goats' products. There are many interesting products, dairy products, meat products, stalks (skins), skins, yarns, etc. The goats themselves offer many opportunities in tourism and the fashion sector can process goat products. Numerous sources on the quality and health of goat's milk and goat meat were examined and the results are summarized in the report. Goat's milk is in many ways different from cow's milk, although the main ingredients are in both types of milk. Goat's milk contains health-promoting substances such as bioactive peptides and conjugated linoleic acid. Goat meat is very lean and has the most protein-rich meat. It contains conjugated linoleic acid like milk. Finally, an overview is given of possible products from goat's milk and goat meat.
The project “Added value and special status of goat products” is supported by the Agricultural Productivity Fund and carried out at Matis in cooperation with the Association of Goat Farmers in Iceland. SWOT analysis of goat farming in Iceland was carried out. The Icelandic goat stock is small, and extinction is a possibility. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of goats in the country. The best solution is to use to stock and increase the production of goat products. Many different products can be produced. The goats and their products are of interest to tourists. The fashion industry can use some of the goat products. A literature review was carried out on quality and wholesomeness of goat milk and goat meat. Results are listed in the report. Goat milk is different from cow milk although the same nutrients are found in both milk types. Goat milk contains health promoting compounds, eg bioactive peptides and conjugated linoleic acid. Goat meat contains little fat and is rich in protein. It contains conjugated linoleic acid as the milk. Finally, the possible goat products from milk and meat are revied.
Catching, processing and marketing of Neptune whelk
Kingfisher (Neptunea despecta) is a kingfisher that resembles a kingfisher, 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. In 2012, Sægarpur ehf. in Grundarfjörður a grant from the AVS research fund in the Fisheries sector to investigate the possibilities of fishing, processing and exporting kingfishers. This was a so-called small project or preliminary project. The project was divided into work components that involved distribution mapping and experimental fishing, processing experiments, chemical measurements and market research. On the other hand, Sægarpur ehf. became bankrupt during the project period and it can be said that the project has to some extent resurfaced as a result. However, since a large part of the project was completed when Sægarpur went bankrupt, the authors now consider it right and obligatory to publicly report on the progress and main results of the project. In addition, the experiments carried out by the company Royal Iceland hf. has been involved in connection with fishing and processing of sea king, but Royal Iceland bought the assets of Sægarp's bankruptcy estate in 2014 and has since then, among other things, fished and processed bait king. 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 very little results. 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 (the poison) is found in products, but this does require a considerable cost. The results of a basic market survey indicate that it is possible to sell kingfisher products, especially in well-paying markets in Asia. But since the king of the ocean is not known in Asian markets and there is always a risk of tetramine poisoning, marketing of the products is very difficult. It is clear that there is a need for significantly more research in the entire value chain before it is possible to state whether and how much opportunity there is in fishing and processing kingfishers in this country.
Neptune whelk (Neptunea despecta) is a gastropod that looks a lot like the common whelk, but is though considerably larger and is usually found in deeper water. Neptune whelk is believed to be in significant volume in Icelandic waters, but concreate knowledge on stock size and distribution is however lacking. In 2012 the company Sægarpur ltd., Which was during that time catching, processing and exporting common whelk, received funding from AVS research fund to do some initial investigation on the applicability of catching, processing and marketing Neptune whelk. Sægarpur did however run into bankruptcy before the project ended. The project has therefore been somewhat dormant since 2013. The company Royal Iceland ltd. did though buy the bankrupt estate of Sægarpur and has to a point continued with exploring opportunities in catching and processing Neptune whelk. The authors of this report do now want to make public the progress and main results of the project, even though the project owner (Sægarpur) is no longer in operation. The project was broken into three parts ie mapping of distribution, processing experiments and initial market research. The main results of the mapping exercise showed that very little knowledge is available on distribution of Neptune whelk in Icelandic waters and data on Neptune whelk by-catches is almost noneexistent. The Marine Research Institute has as well awarded very little attention to the species in its research. The project organized a research cruse, where a fishing vessel operating a sea cucumber dredge tried fishing for Neptune whelk in 29 different locations; but with very little success. The results of the processing experiments showed that it is possible to remove the poison glands from the Neptune whelk, bot mechanically and manually. It also showed that the products can be measured for the presence of tetramine (poison). Both the processing and the measurements do however require significant efforts and cost. The initial marketing research indicated that there are likely markets for Neptune whelk products. These markets are primarily in Asia and some of them are high-paying markets. The efforts of Royal Iceland in marketing the Neptune whelk have though shown that this is a difficult product to market, especially because the Neptune whelk is unknown on the Asian markets and there is always a possibility of a tetramine poisoning. It is clear that much more research is necessary throughout the entire value chain before it is possible to say with level of certainty if and how much opportunities are in catching and processing of Neptune whelk in Iceland.
The workshop will be held in the celebration hall of the University of Iceland 1-2. October
The Faculty of Food and Nutrition at the University of Iceland, in collaboration with Matís and the Marine Research Institute, is holding a workshop on the utilization of food and mesopelagic species in the Celebration Hall of the University of Iceland from 1-2. October. The workshop is intended to review the state of knowledge on redfish, halibut and Mediterranean fish for future use.
The main emphasis will be on the challenges that come with the possible utilization of redfish, halibut and Mediterranean fish and how to meet those challenges.
Representatives from the scientific community and industry will attend together with representatives of research funds and it will be presented how the funds can be involved in solving these challenges in collaboration with them.
Sales of products directly from the farm are growing. This is accompanied by an increase in tourists, a change in consumption patterns and the willingness of farmers to respond to increased consumer demands for local food. For this reason, it is proposed that rules be adapted so that farmers will be able to slaughter, process and sell products directly from consumers to their own livestock.
Enabling farmers to slaughter, process and sell directly to consumers will contribute to increased innovation in the country's rural areas and maintain important skills for Icelanders' food security. Therefore, Matís proposes to give up again and place opportunities for value creation in the hands of farmers.
Domestic slaughter is permitted on legal farms, as products from such slaughter are only intended for use on the farm itself. Any distribution or sale is prohibited. It is well known that these rules are circumvented. Taking into account arrangements in Germany and in other countries, rules should be adapted, e.g. home slaughter, where the distribution and sale of products takes place is possible. Such a slaughterhouse could be called abattoir.
We all want to eat safe and wholesome food without worry
and risk assessment is a prerequisite for this. In addition, it ensures risk assessment
manufacturers the flexibility needed to pursue sustainable innovation.
In micro-slaughterhouses, sheep farmers can use their potential for increased value creation and a viable operating environment, for the benefit of themselves and the nation as a whole. It is important to remember, however, that all such changes can not take place without implementation risk assessment, provided that food safety must always be maintained.
The Science and Technology Policy Council invites everyone to take part in shaping Iceland's science policy | The Science and Technology Policy Council holds open consultations with Icelandic society on the definition of the most pressing societal challenges facing Iceland.
Everyone is invited to take part in the consultation by answering a few questions on the website www.samfelagslegaraskoranir.is.
The Science and Technology Policy Council also invites all interested parties to visit their booth Rannís Science Week 2018 which will be held in Laugardalshöllin on Friday 28 September 2018, at 16: 30-22: 00, complete the survey and talk to representatives of the local Science and Technology Policy Council.
The last farmers' market in Hofsós will take place next. Sunday, September 30, but in total there have been four markets this summer. The market takes place in Pakkhúsið from 12-15.
About the Hofsós farmers' market
The aim is to make the area's primary production accessible to locals and at the same time to promote tourists' access to the cultural history and traditions of the area, of which food culture and crafts are an important part. The market focuses on traditional Skagafjörður products. The market is a venue where unpackaged trade in local products takes place, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable methods, all in line with the UN's global goals for the sustainability of communities as well as the emphasis on Slow Food.
There will be a variety of delicacies offered directly from the farm; Lamb meat of newly slaughtered, beef, goat meat, smoked meat, minced meat, vegetables, summer flowers, cut roses, sigin fish, dried fish, shark, corn hen eggs, duck eggs, chicken eggs, honey, ointments, creams and more.
In addition, visitors will get a taste of how the blockchain can ensure secure information from farmers to consumers.
The project is a pilot project on behalf of Matís, in collaboration with farmers and producers in Skagafjörður and the National Museum of Iceland, but the Warehouse belongs to the National Museum's Museum.
Further information about Bændamarkaður Hofsós and opening hours is available on the market's Facebook page ( Hofsós Farmers' Market ) and on Matís' Facebook page ( MatisIceland ).
There is a need for careful work in the development of the economy. Although Icelanders have succeeded in making great value from the renewable resources of the sea, some of them better than others, this is no guarantee for Icelanders to excel in this field permanently. There were clear signs of this last year. It is therefore important to increase progress with research and development in connection with the fisheries sector rather than pulling ashore.
Icelanders caught more from the sea in 2017, despite a long strike by fishermen, than they did in 2016. In 2017, the volume of exported seafood amounted to 52% of the total landed catch, the year before the corresponding proportion was 54%. 2016 was probably the best year for the Icelandic fisheries sector in terms of value creation in exports for each kg landed. In 2016, 1.3 XDR export value was obtained for each kg landed. In 2017, seafood exports returned 1.13 XDR per kg of landed catch, a decrease of 13%. A similar development could be seen in 17% reduction catch value in Icelandic krónur between 2016 and 2017. We caught about a quarter more pelagic species in 2017 than in 2016, but the catch value of pelagic species was lower in Icelandic krónur in 2017 than 2016. Cod catch was 5% lower in 2017 than 2016, cod catch value decreased by 16% between years.
Export value, utilization and total catch
Last fall was pointed out the fact that since 2010, volatility has been more characteristic of value creation in the fisheries sector in Iceland than an increase that could be seen in a more decisive way since its establishment. AVS Fisheries Research Fund, 2003, and Technology Development Fund Science and Technology Policy Council, 2004, until 2010 as can be seen in the picture above. The support of these key funds for innovation projects has contributed to the development of the value chain of Icelandic seafood, and new methods and solutions based on knowledge have been introduced into the day-to-day operations of fisheries companies. Market conditions and catch composition also have a major impact on value formation in fishing and processing of seafood.
Companies that fish, process, transport and sell fish products as well as companies that service the above companies, among other things through equipment development, have in collaboration with Matís worked with the support of the AVS Fund, the Fisheries Project Fund and / or the Technology Development Fund on projects that have contributed to added value.
FAO Fish Price Index and export value kg in catch in XDR
Compared with the Food Price Index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (e. FAO Fish Price Index) there are indications of a difference between the development of value creation in the Icelandic fisheries sector and the development of fish prices according to Art. FAO and for further clarification, a line is also drawn below which shows the development of the export value of the Faroese fisheries based on landed catch.
Landings and export value in XDR per kg of landings
If we look at the volume of catch and the export value in SDR (XDR), it is clear that large catch is not a check for high value for each kg landed. It can also be seen that since the aim is to increase the value of seafood by utilizing research and development with the establishment of the AVS Fisheries Research Fund in 2003 and the Technology Development Fund in 2004, rather than striving to increase the amount of seafood, more export value per kg which is extracted from the sea.
In 2011, the highest budget allocation was granted by the ACP budget. In the same year, cuts began in funding for food research at constant prices from the state budget. In the current year's budget, AVS's budget is less than 44% of the highest, in 2011. The budget proposal for next year (2019) proposes 12% cuts in food research funding (basis of the Ministry of Industry and Innovation's service agreement with Matís), a 9% reduction in contributions from the Treasury to AVS, a fisheries research fund and a 55% reduction in the total expenses of the Fisheries Project Fund. Í news on the Fiskifréttir website said about the reduction in the income of the Fisheries Project Fund that the Marine Research Institute planned a 340 million ISK reduction in its revenue estimate. The budget proposal provides for a 323 million ISK reduction in the expenses of the Fisheries Project Fund. In the submitted budget proposal, cuts in funding for food research (Matís) 12% are announced. Matís' income from AVS grants for research projects has amounted to about 27% from contributions to food research. Matís' income from grants from the Fisheries Project Fund has amounted to 12% from its contribution to food research. It is therefore not guaranteed that we can expect a similar number of innovations in connection with the Icelandic fishing industry in the near future, which will no doubt affect the promotion of the Icelandic Ocean Cluster.
Utilization of cod 2017
In 2017, Icelanders used about 72% of cod catch for the production of products that were exported or consumed here at home, according to Statistics. Icelanders' utilization of cod in 2017 was in line with utilization in 2013, but somewhat lower than in the year 2015 when the comparable ratio was about 77%.
Catch and value of cod 1981 and 2017
For fun, a picture can be shown that showed what value Icelanders created by fishing and processing cod in 1981 and then again last year. In 2017, the Icelandic cod catch generated an export value of around 565 million in XDR, significantly more value than in 1981, although the cod catch in 2017 was about 55% of the cod catch in 1981. Each kg caught in 1981 returned about 0.54 XDR in export value than in 2017. returned each earned kg, based on statistics 2.23 XDR in export values. It is hoped that Icelanders will be able to create even more value from fisheries that thrive in the waters around the country in the future.
In this context, it may be mentioned that tomorrow, Wednesday 26 September 2018, the Fisheries Day will take place in Harpa, between 08:00 and 10:00, in collaboration with Deloitte, the Association of Fisheries Companies and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers.
Praiseworthy bacterial cells that fall from the atmosphere participate as the first settlers in communities that form on the earth's surface. Environments that contain low bacterial densities, such as the volcanic areas in Iceland, are mainly exposed to airborne bacteria. Atmosphere is the main route of distribution of bacteria but about 1016 bacteria enter the atmosphere from the earth's surface every second.
The success of the distribution depends on: (i) the ability of bacteria to survive and multiply in transport in the atmosphere, and (ii) their ability to compete with existing bacterial communities for inputs.
The diversity of microorganisms in the atmosphere over Iceland has not yet been studied. In addition, it is not known whether the physiological and metabolic status of bacteria in distribution affects their ability to study land in a new environment.
The goals of research that is currently underway at Matís, and is funded by Rannís, is firstly to define the diversity and origins of microbial communities in the atmosphere and to study the relationship of diversity with volcanic areas. Second, the physiological and metabolic status of airborne bacteria will be examined, affecting their ability to land in specific volcanic areas.
The results of the research will contribute to a better understanding of the laws that affect the pattern of microbial distribution and increase our understanding of their distribution on Earth.
