News

Lagarlíf - a conference on fire and cultivation

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

Icelandic aquaculture is booming and the export value of the sector last year was over ISK 30 billion, and about ISK 11.5 billion in the first quarter of this year, or about 9% of total Icelandic exports. It is clear that there is great growth in aquaculture, which has already become one of the mainstays of exports, and it can be expected within a few years that the sector will yield similar values as cod does today. But behind this success are many well-paid jobs and significant derivative value creation. Aquaculture is important for many service companies that are now flourishing like never before. In addition, it can be added that aquaculture has developed in places where there had been stagnation and decline for decades, and that rural development in the Westfjords and Eastfjords has been completely reversed. Uterine culture is considered as the future solution for the food economy of the world and a great opportunity for the continued development of the industry.

In such circumstances, it is exciting to run a conference of aquaculture and breeding "Beach equipment" which will hopefully flourish and prosper with the growing success of the industry. It is precisely in such circumstances that the conference has gone through a renewal of life, now five years old, and the owners and board have been in agreement in that development. A new name has been adopted for Strandbúnað, which is now called Legal life and at the same time change the brand and appearance of the promotional material. Lögur is an old and good Icelandic word and covers both fire and cultivation. The English name of the conference is Aqua-Ice, but aqua is exactly the English word for law. We have defined aquaculture where fish are fed but cultivation is where marine animals are fed with nutrients that are already present in the ocean. Lagarlíf is a beautiful Icelandic name and therefore describes well the activities that the industries behind the conference are responsible for. The English name of the conference is and has been Aqua-Ice.

The conference was canceled last year due to Covid 19 but was postponed 28 - 29 October this year. It was hoped that Icelanders would have mastered the crown virus in such a way that it would be possible to hold a large conference. Lagarlíf will be held at the Grand Hotel in Reykjavík.

Lagarlíf will offer lectures on farming and cultivation, telling about the latest that is happening as well as introducing the industry to the outside world. Such a conference is also important for employees and managers to meet, compare their books and acquire new knowledge. The conference is no less important for industries that serve farming and farming, promote their services, meet producers and form relationships. One of the goals of the conference is to get it on the calendars of manufacturers and service providers and thus be an opportunity to meet, exchange views and present needs and solutions to increase the growth of export industries.

In connection with Lagarlíf this autumn, producers will hold a workshop of Nordic experts in salmon farming on 27 October. Experts from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland will give lectures on all the latest developments in these fields. Salmon lice are a big problem and the fire costs large sums every year, both as damage and as a preventive measure. One of the ideas for the future is to enlarge the juveniles before they are released into the sea dock, thus shortening the time the salmon is in the sea dock. Juvenile farming is a coastal fishery that calls for great challenges and costs, but offers great opportunities for further value creation in the future. The workshop is sponsored by AG Fisk.

Over 90% of the carbon footprint of salmon production comes from the feed, not because of its transport, but because of the crowding effect of soybean cultivation, which is the mainstay of feed production. Although aquaculture is the most environmentally friendly food production of our time, there is still room for improvement and many exciting opportunities lie ahead. Cultivation of shellfish and algae, on the other hand, works with the environment and has a positive environmental impact. Many people see such cultivation as a future solution for the environmentally friendly food production of the future for mankind.

Gunnar Þórðarson, Managing Director

Halldór Halldórsson, Chairman of the Board

News

Matvælið - Matís' new broadcast on research and innovation in food production

Contact

Ísey Dísa Hávarsdóttir

Specialist in communication

isey@matis.is

Innovation with added value, food security, public health and sustainability in the forefront is Matís' main subject, and a diverse perspective on these aspects will be the topic of discussion in new radio programs entitled Matvælið - Hlaðvarp Matís on research and innovation in food production.

Matís works on a variety of projects in the food industry, with an emphasis on these aspects. The projects are carried out in collaboration with domestic food producers and entrepreneurs, universities and all those who are involved in the food industry in some way. In order for people and companies to be able to use Matís' services and operations to their advantage, it is necessary to disseminate information about the company's operations in various ways so that they reach both the eyes and ears of the country.

Matís' website and social media are already used for this purpose, but broadcasting is the newest medium that has been used so that people can get to know the topics that Matís deals with at any given time in a simple and convenient way.

The programs will discuss with project managers and staff about their projects or related issues, but also with various partners, such as from the world of entrepreneurship, the food industry, the business community and from the country's universities. The policy is to shed light on the profession and the people rather than on the company as such.

The first episode of the broadcast discusses, for example, Birgi Örn Smárason, project manager at Matís and Búi Bjarmar Aðalsteinsson, who has a background from the Academy of the Arts, product development, food production and various entrepreneurial activities. They have different approaches to the subject of the show, which is the protein donations of the future and sustainable food production, and therefore discussions are created about various angles on the subject.

Two episodes have already been entered Matís website, The barn, Bændablaðið's broadcasting platform and on all major broadcasters, such as Spotify and other custom scripts.

The episodes will be released once a month, but at the beginning there will be a short introductory episode entitled; What is Matís? and Hákon Stefánsson, Matís' chairman of the board, is there for answers. Matís' mediation team is in charge of the production of the episodes and Ísey Dísa Hávarsdóttir is in charge of the episode management.

News

Food, energy, water: the road to sustainability

Think big, think green, is the title of a webinar (online meeting) that Vapors stands for, together with Nýsköpun í Norðri, SSNE, SSNV and Hacking Hekla. The web office will be held next Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00. The meeting is open to everyone, and will be streamed on Eims Facebook pages and special page of the event.

The aim of the meeting is to encourage people to think about how we can use the resources of the North in a sustainable way for the future. The theme is energy-food-water, the holy trinity in sustainability. These resources are inextricably linked to each other and thus can be useful to think about together. These are resources that we are rich in, and resources that we are struggling with. How can we be sustainable and exemplary on a global scale? We certainly have the materials and the opportunity to do so.

We are proud of the program, which we consider glorious, where ministers, artists, scientists and people from the energy and innovation sectors come together and discuss their topics. It will be especially exciting to hear the results of a new report that was made on the feasibility of a major offensive in horticulture in Iceland!

The program can be accessed here.

News

Food security in Iceland - an opportunity in the production of grain

Contact

Ólafur Reykdal

Project Manager

olafur.reykdal@matis.is

In February 2021, the Agricultural University of Iceland published the report Food security in Icelandi. Many remarkable things are stated in the report and cereals can be taken as an example. It is pointed out that the domestic production of cereals for human consumption is only about 1% of total consumption. This is a very small percentage that could be higher as conditions for production in this country exist.

In recent years, Matís has been responsible for several research and innovation projects on grain and its potential in Iceland. An example of this is the project on cereals in the Arctic but there are also various projects on Icelandic barley that have been carried out in collaboration with the Agricultural University and other domestic and foreign parties. In addition, co-operation has now begun on research into the use of Icelandic oats. 

Barley and oats have various interesting properties for food production, and research at Matís has discussed the value chain of grain from grain cutting to food production. Barley is used worldwide for the production of barley malt, which is one of the most important raw materials for the production of alcoholic beverages. A considerable amount of barley malt is imported into the country, but more Icelandic barley could be used in the beverage industry in Iceland, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. A project is currently underway at Matís where experiments are being made with malting Icelandic barleyi. 

The health of the barley has been demonstrated by measurements of beta-glucans, but they are water-soluble fiber materials and a report on these measurements can be found here: Icelandic barley for food production. These fiber substances help lower blood cholesterol and reduce blood sugar fluctuations. Wheat does not have these properties and therefore the health value of baking products can be increased by using barley instead of part of the flour. There are great opportunities for innovation that could be used in any kind of baking industry. 

Oats are well-known ingredients in a variety of foods such as oatmeal, oatmeal and oatmeal. At Sandhólsbúið near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, energetic pioneering work has been done in the cultivation of oats and oat flakes from the farm are a popular product in stores. The Agricultural University has begun experiments with the most suitable oat varieties for Icelandic conditions. Sandhólsbúið is also in collaboration with Matís and work is underway to develop an oat drink from their own production.

Matís has historically published a variety of information on the development of grain foods. The most comprehensive information can be found at website of the Nordic Grain Project.

News

Fishing and processing of crucian carp off Iceland

Aurora Seafood and Matís have compiled a report on indirect fishing for crucian carp off Iceland, possible direct fishing and the possibility of value creation from products.

A number of captains engaged in plow fishing were interviewed, where they were asked for their opinion on the possibilities of using crucian carp and whether they considered direct fishing likely to be successful. The captain's views were very different and it is not possible to talk about the results of that survey.

During the measurements, it was disappointing how high the amount of cadmium was measured in crucian carp, both caught off the east coast of Iceland and the west coast. The permitted levels of cadmium for food products are only 0.5 mg in Art. but the measured quantity was 6.3 to the east and 2.5 to the west. Proximity to volcanic activity is known to cause cadmium pollution in slow-moving demersal fish, and conditions in Iceland are exactly that.

It was also disappointing how quickly the crucian carp decomposed and the samples became mashed due to enzyme activity in one to two days. The protein content of crucian carp is only about 12%, but the water content is about 67%. Based on these results, it is not considered likely that cruciferous fish can be used for human consumption. Aurora Seafood has exported frozen crucian carp to the United States, but it hardly returns the cost of packaging, freezing and transport, so there is no value creation in the production. 

The project that included this preliminary study of fishing and processing of crucian carp off Iceland was supported by the Food Fund (AVS Fisheries Research Fund). It would have been impossible to carry out this project without support.

A final report on the preliminary study of fishing and processing of crucian carp can be found here.

News

Matís' new housing in East Iceland has come into use

Matís' office in East Iceland has moved its operations to new premises at Bakkavegur 5 in Neskaupstaður. The building is called Múlinn-Samvinnuhús.

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 office clusters, specialized laboratories and open spaces, but in addition to Matís, Origo, Deloitte, Stapi Pension Fund, Advania, Hafró, Mast, Austurbrú, Nox health and Náttúrustofa Austurlands use their work facilities in Múlan. 

The office was closed for a two-week period during transport from 15 February to 26 February. At that time, the final touches were put on the installation of fittings, sinks and electricity in the space that Matís rents. In addition, staff used the time to put equipment and tools in place and perform measurements and tests on equipment to make sure everything worked as it should and in accordance with the requirements of the laboratory's accreditation body. 

Research was reopened at Matís in East Iceland on Monday 1 March, in time for the current capelin roe season, which is usually a busy time at the establishment.

The work facilities are all exemplary, as the pictures show.

News

Increased collaboration between Matís and the Icelandic Horticultural School

On Friday 19 March, Oddur Már Gunnarsson, CEO of Matís ohf. against Gunnar Þorgeirsson, chairman of the board of Garðyrkjuskóli Íslands, at Matís' premises at Vínlandsleið. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the continuation of the collaborative projects of the two parties in the field of horticulture and related fields and the many possibilities inherent in the collaboration.

Over the years, Matís has worked on various projects related to cultivation and agriculture in collaboration with both domestic and foreign parties. With an increased emphasis on environmental issues, public health and sustainability in society, the need for further knowledge and more diverse activities in this field has steadily increased. It is therefore hoped that increased collaboration between Matís and the Icelandic School of Horticulture will lead to even greater growth when it comes to research and innovation in this field. 

At the meeting, Oddur Már and Gunnar signed the following declaration of intent:

,, Matís ohf. Id. 670906-0190 hereby confirms its willingness to increase collaboration on research and development projects in horticulture in collaboration with the representative of the Icelandic Horticultural School, ID no. 560720-0410 and related parties.

In recent years, Matís has collaborated with a number of parties in the field of Icelandic horticulture, and that collaboration has been characterized by professional ambition, mutual trust and respect in communication. "

Gunnar Þorgeirsson expects benefits from the collaboration and in an interview with Bændablaðið that came out this week, he says :. "There are many tasks waiting to be solved and we have the experience that within Matís there is both professional ability and collaboration ability. We are therefore looking forward to the sequel ".

Bændablaðið's coverage of Matís' increased collaboration with the Icelandic Horticultural School can be read here.

News

Matís' feed experiments have many effects

Matís' experimental farm conducts a variety of feed experiments where, among other things, new protein sources or additives are being tested that have a positive effect on growth and quality. These experiments are either carried out as a service to feed producers and aquaculture companies, or as part of research projects funded by funds.

Many of the world's largest feed producers in the world are among Matís' customers in this field, as there are relatively few parties in the world that can offer growth and digestibility experiments, measurements of the feed's effects on the chemical and physical properties of the fish, and sensory evaluation. One of Matís' customers in this field is the Austrian company Agrana, which produces a wide range of food and feed. Among the products they are currently developing with is Betaine, which is mostly made from sugar beets and, according to them, has a positive effect on the growth and quality of animals, including in aquaculture. Agrana has now received a patent for the active ingredient ActiBeet® and this winter asked Matís to experiment with the ingredient in feed for white-legged shrimp (warm-water shrimp). The results of the experiment were positive and now Agrana is in the process of reporting the results to feed and aquaculture producers around the world. This shows well how Matís' research affects around the world and contributes to increasing value for partners, and improving food security, food security and public health for society as a whole.

More information can be found on the website Agrana in addition, you can register for the online presentation that will take place at Agrana on 19 May.

News

A rewarding collaboration on the development of new equipment for fisheries and aquaculture

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

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

News

It is important for the fisheries sector to consider measures to adapt its activities to the changing environment due to climate change

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.

EN