Category: News

Matís has had a long and successful collaboration with Skaginn 3X in the development of new equipment for fisheries and aquaculture. Such collaboration is very important for research and development companies such as Matís, so that the company's experts can better analyze the needs of the business community.

Matís 'collaboration with Skaginn 3X is extremely important for Matís' employees and gives the projects purpose, in addition to supporting the company's goals of increasing value creation in Icelandic food production. 

There are many projects that have been carried out in collaboration with these companies and have yielded significant results in improving the quality and value of the fishing industry and aquaculture, for the benefit of all Icelanders.

See also:

Over 20 Years of Research Innovation and Value Creation

The scientific journal Climatic Change recently published an article describing a systematic approach and guidance on how the fisheries and aquaculture industries can adapt their activities to the effects of climate change. Matís' employees, Ragnhildur Friðriksdóttir and Jónas R. Viðarsson, undertook the work behind the methodology described in the article, which took place within the project. ClimeFish which ended last year.

The ClimeFish co-operation project, funded by the European Research Program (Horizon 2020), was completed last year, but the results and products of the project continue to appear in scientific journals around the world. One of these was published recently in the scientific journal Climatic Change, a journal specializing in research and descriptions of climate change, its causes, consequences and interactions. The article in question discusses the importance of the fisheries sector considering measures to adapt its activities to the changing environment due to climate change and the challenges and opportunities inherent in such changes. Guidelines are provided for a three-phase process that aims to 1) assess the main risks and opportunities facing the business based on future scenarios, 2) identify adaptation needs, adaptability and appropriate adaptation measures, and 3) set up and finance an adaptation plan. This methodology was tested and proven in seven European case studies in aquaculture and fisheries in the ClimeFish project, but it was Matís who led the work, as well as the development and implementation of the methodology.

Climate change has already affected various aspects of the activities of fisheries and aquaculture companies, and research indicates that such changes will increase in the near future. Although such changes will vary in nature and scope depending on the region, activities and position in the value chain, it is clear that they will be able to have a significant impact on the activities of fisheries and aquaculture companies, both negatively and positively. Examples of such changes in the fisheries sector include the transfer of important stocks, such as changes in stock size, distribution area or cargo pattern, dangerous and demanding conditions at sea, increased fluctuations in market prices, as well as increased complexity and tensions between coastal states and fleets. . All of these are examples of effects that are already noticeable here in the Northwest Atlantic and include both challenges and opportunities, but can affect areas and communities differently. Examples of the effects of climate change on aquaculture are, for example, a decline or new opportunities in production, damage to infrastructure due to severe weather, fluctuations in market prices, production losses due to diseases, toxic algae and parasites, reduced access to fresh water and feed and reduced productivity due to changes in aquaculture.

While the vast majority of European countries have presented adaptation plans for climate change, this work is nearing completion in Iceland and there is little or no overview of possible climate-related damage or adaptation needs within the Icelandic fisheries sector in the coming years or decades. Matís hopes to raise funds to utilize the methodology developed within the ClimeFish project and transfer it to the Icelandic fisheries and aquaculture industry. This would make it possible to assess the need for adaptation and lay the foundation for an adaptation plan for one of the most important industries in Iceland. Such work would yield important results for the industries in question and Icelandic society, among other things through mapping the impact of climate change on the Icelandic fisheries and aquaculture based on future scenarios, assessment of the main risks and opportunities based on environmental, economic and social factors, assessment of the vulnerability of the industry and the various activities within it, as well as information on accessible and effective adaptation measures against the most sensitive aspects of the activity. Ragnhildur will lead a seminar on the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the fisheries sector at the Fisheries Conference, which will be held on 11-12 November this year. She has recruited important men and women from industry, Icelandic administration and science and is therefore a good opportunity to learn about the need for adaptation to climate change within the Icelandic fisheries sector and start the discussion for real in this country.

Here you can find the article in question in the magazine Climate Change.

Jónas R. Viðarsson, Director of Value Creation at Matís, gave a talk at the Knowledge Center in the Westman Islands on 25 February, entitled "Challenges and the success of Icelanders in further processing and processing of marine products for export from Iceland". 

In his presentation, Jónas discussed developments in fish processing in Iceland and sought to answer the question of whether Icelandic companies can approach consumers to a greater extent than hitherto or whether they are doomed to be primarily raw material producers for foreign parties. Jónas took some examples of prices of exported products from Iceland and then finished products out of the store. He reviewed the amount of raw or unprocessed fish exported from Iceland in 2020. Jónas also took some examples of Icelanders' export experiments on finished seafood and considered various reasons that could possibly explain why full processing in Iceland is not greater than she is. He considers various factors as possible reasons why full processing is not greater in this country. In addition, examples were taken of production units abroad that are owned by Icelanders, as the factories are in most cases close to the markets.

At the end of his talk, Jónas briefly discussed some well-chosen fisheries-related research and innovation projects that Matís has been involved in, related to further processing or full processing. Both projects that have been successful, as well as some that have not been successful. Jónas discussed the importance of reviewing both projects that had been successful and projects that had not been successful.

A recording of the talk and the slides can be found on the website of the Knowledge Center in the Westman Islands here.  

At the moment, you can find a variety of discussions and lively discussions about goat breeding on various news and social media. The trigger for this was a comment with a rejection that was received by the applicant in the Food Fund, but he was the only applicant among the goat breeders in Iceland. The review has received considerable attention because of it is considered to be a sign of prejudice and ignorance of commentators on the state of goat breeding in this country today.  

The Icelandic Goat Breeding Association has been in operation for 30 years, but the association's role is to promote the protection and breeding of the Icelandic goat population and look for ways to improve the utilization and increase the value of goat products. The Icelandic goat population is considered to be in danger of extinction as there are only almost 1500 animals. Riða, which came up in Skagafjörður last autumn, took its toll on the stock, in addition to which sheep disease prevention lines also apply to goats. There has been considerable inbreeding in the stock, but this poses a risk to the future of the stock. It is therefore important to increase the number of stocks and one of the key prerequisites for this is to develop as many goat products as possible. materials for goat farmers and the general public. The key conclusion is that the products of Icelandic goats are well suited for a variety of foods that are healthy and have a variety of uniqueness. At Matís, leaflets on this subject were compiled, e.g. a leaflet on the quality of goat products in all kinds of foods. Reports on goat products have also been published, for example on nutritional value of goat products and the uniqueness of Icelandic goat products with an emphasis on the countless possibilities for product development and production.

When it comes to goat products, there are many interesting products. Dairy products, meat products, steaks (yeasts), skins and yarns are among them and some products have gained popularity around the world. For example, goat cheese is considered a special delicacy in many countries and has also become widespread in Iceland, in Italy goat milk ice cream is popular and in Poland sweets are made from goat milk. The goats themselves provide so many opportunities in tourism as they are known for their pranks and special looks. The fashion sector can also process goat products, both clothing and items.

It is clear that the products of Icelandic goats are well suited for food as well as for various value creation. There is every reason to continue research, ideas and development work on a variety of products, both in the near and distant future.

Recently, a rather unconventional cookbook was published by the Nordic Council of Ministers, in which Matís was involved. In the book entitled Cookbook for system change - Nordic innovation methods for sustainable food systems discusses the important systemic changes that need to take place to facilitate innovation in food systems so that we can address the societal challenges facing the world. 

The book contains instructions and some ingredients such as a traditional cookbook, such as a template for the development of interventions, instructions on how to take the first steps and parables about interdisciplinary projects. These ingredients can then be used to create custom recipes for changes and improvements.

The cookbook is mainly intended for innovative institutions in each country. Its content strongly encourages targeted decisions in the innovation environment to strengthen the food systems of all areas that benefit people, communities and the planet as a whole. The book also sheds light on how individuals, entrepreneurs and grassroots researchers can influence the system as a whole. 

The book can be found in Pdf. form here: Cookbook for systems change - Nordic innovation strategies for sustainable food systems

Transportation has begun at Matís' office in East Iceland. The four employees who work there are currently moving to a new building that has been named Múlinn samvinnuhús, but it was taken into use at the end of the year. 

This is a 900 square meter building by Nesbakki in Neskaupsstaður. The building, which partly housed the retail space, has been overhauled and an extension that accommodates a variety of commercial activities. The building is divided into an office cluster that will be used by many companies and institutions, in addition to which specialized laboratories and open spaces are under the same roof.

Matís will use a specialized laboratory for microbiological and chemical measurements as well as office space.

Múlinn samvinnuhús is owned by Samvinnufélag útgerðarmanna Neskaupstaður or SÚN and in addition to Matís are some of the companies that have secured facilities in the house Advania, Austurbrú, Deloitte, Hafrannsóknastofnun, Náttúrustofa Austurlands, Nox health, Origo, Rannsóknarstofa fyrir örveru- og línamjóllingar, Stapi Trackwell.

Today, February 11, is International Women's Science Day. It is therefore appropriate to shed light on one powerful scientist and introduce a new director of public health and food safety at Matís, Dr. Ásta Heiðrún E. Pétursdóttir.

Ásta Heiðrún graduated as a chemist from the University of Iceland in 2008 and then began a master's degree in collaboration with Matís and the University of Iceland, but the project consisted of researching different chemical forms of arsenic in fishmeal.

Ásta Heiðrún began her doctoral studies at the University of Aberdeen in the autumn of 2010 and graduated in early 2014. Ásta quickly showed talent in the field of research and information dissemination. She has received various grants to attend conferences and events around the world. Ásta's research during her doctoral studies became a collection of 6 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters that were published during her studies and 3 articles that were published following her doctoral dissertation. Ásta's research was primarily concerned with developing methods for the analysis of different chemical forms of arsenic. 

In recent years, Ásta has, for example, led a European research project aimed at examining the methane emissions of cows after algae feeding, and she is also in charge of strengthening safety in Matís' working environment.

Ásta is a powerful scientist and very advanced in the field of chemical analysis, but her work has not only had an academic impact but also on regulations and their implementation, in addition to which the research results have been disseminated to a very wide group and thus reached scientists, stakeholders and the public. Ásta's interest in research is constantly shifting to the field of climate change, which is one of the biggest challenges facing the world.

The 33rd volume of the journal Icelandic Agricultural Sciences for the year 2020 was published recently and can be found in electronic form at ias.is. 

The journal, formerly called Búvísindi, is published at least annually and the articles published there are in English. This time, eight articles were published on a variety of topics, all related to life sciences, as well as an editorial, where the importance of having a scientific journal like this open and accessible to the public so that it is possible to utilize information collected through research. The articles are as follows:

• Parasites in chickens in Iceland then and now
• Effect of fat admixture in dairy cows' feed on the utilization and chemical content of milk
• Sheep breeding organization in Iceland with emphasis on maternal characteristics
• Use of a seedbed for revegetation in moorland. Isotope measurements and the effect of geothermal gas on measured soil respiration in warm areas in the South
• Relationship between bacterial communities and soil properties on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
• Impact of environmental factors on annual growth (annual latitudes)Betula pubescens) and pine (Sorbus aucuparia) in the East
• Impact of different grazing weights on young larch forest

Icelandic Agricultural Sciences is the only journal in the field of life sciences in Iceland that meets the requirements for international peer-reviewed scientific journals according to ISI (e.Institute of Scientific Information) standards. The editor-in-chief is Björn Þorsteinsson, professor at the Agricultural University of Iceland, who is responsible for the publication Agricultural University of Iceland, Forestry Research Station at Mógilsá, Marine Research Institute, Marine and Water Research and Consulting Institute, University of Iceland Laboratory of Pathology at Keldur, Matís ohf, Land reclamation and Agricultural Advisory Center. 

There is an advertisement for a student in a master's project

Matís is leading a new project on improved quality, shelf life and less waste in the value chain of Icelandic vegetables, which is funded by the Food Fund for one year.

Opportunities exist for a larger domestic market share and vegetable exports. The quality of the vegetables harvested by farmers can be better preserved by reforming the entire value chain to consumers, but this requires a concerted effort. The opportunities are also there, special growing conditions in Iceland and a cool climate offer to maintain the high quality of the crop.

We are looking for a master's student in the project, which focuses on research into the shelf life of vegetables. The project can be 60 or 90 credits.

The project will be limited to one or a few types of vegetables and can focus on simulation experiments to predict shelf life in order to maximize quality and reduce waste. Proposals should be made for improvements in the value chain of vegetables.

The project can start now as early as February 2021. The scope of the project will be defined according to the number of credits (60 or 90 credits).

A grant of ISK 1 million is available, which is performance-related.

Supervisors:

Ólafur Reykdal, Matís (olafurr@matis.is, phone number 4225098)

Dr Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Matís and the University of Iceland (kolbrun@matis.is, phone number 4225079)

Professor Guðjón Þorkelsson, University of Iceland (gudjont@hi.is, phone number 4225040)

For more information, please contact:

Ólafur Reykdal

Email: olafurr@matis.is

Phone number: 4225098