Category: News

The first two articles in this year's issue of Icelandic Agricultural Sciences have now been published online.

On the one hand, this is an article by Eyþór Einarsson et al. on the effectiveness of the new electronic method VIAscan®) to evaluate muscle mass of lambs in slaughterhouses in Iceland and how the heritability of muscle ratio is structured in the Icelandic sheep population. The results indicate that electronic meat assessment is a usable method in Icelandic conditions and that the measurements provided by the assessment can be used in breeding work in sheep breeding in Iceland. The authors came from the Agricultural University of Iceland, the Farmers' Association and an Australian research and development company.

However, this is an article by Jan Eric Jenssen et al. um capacity of Paenibacillus strain, which has been isolated from Icelandic hot springs, to produce ethanol and other substrates from sugars or directly from foxgrass. The ethanol production of the stock corresponded to 250 liters per tonne of foxgrass, which is similar to various recent studies that show that the biomass of wheat straw, which is a by-product of cereal cultivation abroad that is interested in being used in ethanol production, can be processed. The authors came from the University of Akureyri and the Agricultural University of Iceland.

It's a newcomer to articles in Icel. Agric. Sci. will be formally published electronically as soon as they have been reviewed professionally. The change, however, has been that all articles now receive a so-called electronic doi number from the international database CrossRef, which means that they are formally published as soon as they are published on the Internet. This is a major milestone for the publication and will further increase its visibility internationally and at the same time facilitate access by foreign and domestic scholars to it.  

This means that it is now unnecessary to print copies of the publication so that articles are formally published. As a result, the time it takes for authors to submit manuscripts for publication until they are formally published will be significantly shortened. Soon we will be posting changes to the author's guide on the publication's website (www.ias.is) that take this into account. As of this year, the publication will therefore only be published in electronic form.

More information can be found at www.ias.is.

Ian Goulding, an expert in fish, fish processing and aspects related to fisheries management, will give lectures at Matís' premises on 14 - 18 February.

There will be four lunch lectures on different topics. The lectures are given in English and are open to all. The lecture series is available United Nations University School of Fisheries but the lectures are held in Matís headquarters at Vínlandsleið 12.

Matís' first project in the new Horizon 2020 research program to begin. Matís is a participant in a new 2.7 million Euro project that is funded by Horizon 2020, Europe's new research and innovation program.

The four-year project is called "Social Science Aspects of Fisheries for the 21st Century” (abbreviated: SAF21) and is a European training and research network (European Training Network, ETN), but such projects are part of Marie Sklodowska Curie Horizon 2020's flagship research program. The start of the project is a milestone for Matís as this is the first project in which Matís participates, which is funded within Horizon 2020.  

SAF21 is a collaborative network of eight institutions or companies from six countries that will employ ten doctoral students. The students will conduct research related to the socio-ecological issues of fisheries management. Participants ensure good collaboration and share knowledge through numerous courses and seminars during the project. Matís' doctoral student will study how fishermen adapt to changes in fisheries management and new market requirements with the support of simulators. He will have access to all events (seminars, seminars, conferences, etc.) within the co-operation network as well as spending part of the project time with other SAF21 participants.

Project management is in the hands of dr. Melania Borit, University of Tromsø (UiT) in Norway. Other participants, along with Icelandic participants from Matís and University of Iceland, are from the Faroe Islands, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.

The inaugural meeting of the project was held in Copenhagen on Friday 6 February. and as a result, Matís will advertise for applicants for the doctoral student position.

Further information can be obtained from Sigríður Sigurðardóttir, sigridur.sigurdardottir@matis.is

The incidence of Salmonella contamination in poultry products in Iceland has fallen sharply in recent decades and it is now the case that infection in poultry products on the Icelandic market is rare and much lower than is known in most countries in the world. 

This good situation can be attributed to the good results that have been achieved through the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, ie. poultry farmers, slaughter license holders, regulators, governments and consumers to ensure that contaminated products are not distributed. As an indication of the good results that have been achieved in terms of both Campylobacter and Salmonella contamination in chicken products on the market, it can be mentioned that the extensive monitoring carried out by Matís and Matvælastofnun (MAST) in 2012-2013 did not show any samples with Salmonella or Campylobacter.

About Matís laboratory

Due to the planned designation of Matís laboratory as a reference laboratory for various food pathogens, it was recently launched. year of preparation for the installation of specialized measurement methods for the diagnosis of these bacteria. Special emphasis has been placed on developing a method for measuring so-called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria, which cause the most dangerous infections caused by bacteria from the pathogenic E. coli bacteria. In recent years, several cases of the disease have been caused by this bacterium in Iceland, and there is certainly a need to study the spread of this dangerous disease in animals, products and the environment.

In recent years, Matís Laboratory has specialized in quality and safety measurements for the pharmaceutical industry. These have primarily been microbiological measurements of synthetic drugs, raw materials for pharmaceuticals and environmental samples from the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Many of the methods used in this connection are specialized for the pharmaceutical industry and in many cases the laboratory has had to implement these methods specifically to meet the requirements. The knowledge that has been created at the laboratory in this connection has proved to be extremely valuable and the pharmaceutical industry in Iceland and related activities is now extremely important for the laboratory's activities.  

For further information Franklin Georgsson, Head of Measurement and Communication at Matís.

Increased foreign co-operation characterized Matís' operations in 2014. International co-operation broadens the horizons, strengthens the knowledge and skills of employees and supports value creation in the food and biotechnology industry, both domestically and abroad. International projects not only support researchers and existing companies, but also support rural development through the creation of derivative businesses, new jobs and international business relations for companies.

2014 was the year of the bioeconomy. Never before have we been so aware of the importance of science and innovation in tackling the challenges of food security and the sustainable use of living resources. Matís has emphasized the blue bioeconomy and plays a key role in that field, both domestically and internationally.

In a globalized world, international collaboration between scientists and companies is the key to increasing competitiveness, creating a stable economy and prosperous societies. Food production is one of the most important aspects of the Icelandic economy. Food security plays a key role here. In 2014, Matís collaborated very well with the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the German institutions BfR and LAVES, together with Matvælastofnun, in building our capacity for chemical analysis of food, in the project "Safe Food". The project promotes even safer food on the tables of Icelandic consumers and increases the credibility of Icelandic food around the world. It is my pleasure to thank our partners for their wonderful contribution and support.

Cooperation with our Nordic cousins has always been important to us Icelanders. This was not least the case in 2014 when Iceland appointed the Nordic Council of Ministers, where the entire bioeconomy was the focus of the President's project. "Innovation in the Nordic Bioeconomy“. Opportunities in the Arctic bioeconomy were discussed at conferences hosted by Matís in June and November. It is important for the Nordic countries to be at the forefront of the bioeconomy when it comes to seizing opportunities and reducing the risks posed by climate change in our part of the world. Creating a favorable environment in these areas for innovative companies, and thereby creating employment opportunities for well-trained and educated staff, contributes to the increased value of natural resources and increased global food security, both of which are high on the agenda of international politics.


Icelandic seafood producers are known for quality, innovation and responsible use of resources. Matís is proud to have worked with them over the years to achieve this result. We should undoubtedly continue to innovate vigorously in food production, while at the same time realizing the potential risks associated with innovation and the importance of food safety. With such values in mind, the greatest results will be achieved.

Today's consumers are enlightened. Scandals related to food security, increased education and the introduction of social media have changed the environment for food production forever. It can be expected that changes in that environment will continue, as consumers become more aware of the different benefits, trade barriers have been removed and online shopping will reach new heights. Tomorrow's consumers will ask for scientific information on nutritional value, contaminants, health effects, social responsibility and the environmental impact of food production. In order for food producers to be able to respond to consumer calls, knowledge is needed. Matís' research in these areas will therefore be of benefit to everyone in the future, as is the case today. 

Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

International co-operation has increased steadily in Matís' operations since the company began operations in January 2007. During this time, Matís has co-operated with the Nordic Innovation Fund (e. Nordic Innovation), PepsiCo., An international fund for development aid, foreign universities and the European Union, including on how to improve the Union's fisheries management (EcoFishMan), to name but a few. 

Matís' operations have built up knowledge and experience that is considered desirable, and for example, last Friday the management of Perennia in Nova Scotia and Matís agreed on a declaration of intent for cooperation. This collaboration involves Matís' researchers providing Perennia with advice in the field of fish processing and issues concerning improved utilization of raw materials from the sea. The agreement was reached during a short visit by a delegation from Nova Scotia, led by Nova Scotia's Minister of Fisheries, Keith Colwell.

_{Fridrik Fridriksson, Chairman of the Board of Matís, and Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in Nova Scotia, join hands in signing the declaration of intent. Others in the picture are (from left): Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, Stewart Wheeler, Ambassador of Canada to Iceland and Jo Ann Fewer, CEO of Perennia.}

The delegation had the opportunity to visit some of the leading companies in the Icelandic fisheries sector and meet representatives of a diverse group of companies with fisheries-related activities, led by the CEO of the Fisheries Association, as well as representatives of industry and the Ministry of Innovation and the University of Iceland.

The guests were impressed by the integration of practical projects and theoretical research by master's and doctoral students in collaboration with Matís' clients.

For further information Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

^{Part of Matís' foreign and domestic partners.}

Iceland's special position when it comes to biotechnology and biomaterials is the diversity of nature and the country's special characteristics, so emphasis has also been placed on researching microorganisms that live in hot springs and on the continental shelf of Iceland. We are therefore working here with unique biological substances that are not known elsewhere.

Matís' biotechnology and biochemistry division is a leader in research and development of biomaterials and biotechnology. The division's research focuses on how it is possible to promote the sustainable utilization of Icelandic nature for the production of sought-after biological substances and enzymes, and how antioxidant and protein-rich by-products of marine products can be utilized, thus contributing to added value and full utilization of raw materials. The division is very active in foreign cooperation and in close contact with food producers, biotechnology companies, institutions and universities.

In support of biotechnology research, a biotechnology center was built in Sauðárkrókur, where it is one of the most advanced laboratories in the country, which has played an important role in Matís' operations and the advancement of biotechnology research and innovation in Iceland and has already yielded value.

The division's biotechnology research takes into account the bioeconomy and its protection, but we are constantly working to develop methods and processing processes for screening, isolating and processing valuable biomaterials from natural raw materials, where the main emphasis is on unused raw materials and by-products.

During the processing of marine products, large quantities of by-products are used, which are either used in low-value products, such as fishmeal, or disposed of with associated costs and adverse effects on the environment. This extra raw material can be used to make valuable products that can be used, for example, in food supplements and target foods.

The processing of by-products not only creates new value but also has a strengthening effect on rural development and creates new jobs. Increased utilization of kelp in Iceland, for example, has resulted in valuable products, in addition to creating jobs in the collection and processing of seaweed, the processing of bioactive substances and the production of skin care products, and has contributed to greater diversity in the Icelandic economy.

Iceland's special position when it comes to biotechnology and biomaterials is the diversity of nature and the country's special characteristics, so emphasis has also been placed on researching microorganisms that live in hot springs and on the continental shelf of Iceland. We are therefore working here with unique biological substances that are not known elsewhere.

The results of research have been a stimulus for growth for Icelandic start-ups, as well Iceprotein and Marinox and has positive consequences for the Icelandic economy. Much has been achieved in research into active biomaterials from Icelandic seaweed, which is one of the most underused and possibly one of the most underestimated resources in Iceland. Research has shown that Icelandic brown algae are particularly rich in interesting and valuable substances, and the first products containing such substances have finally arrived on the market after years of research.

The aim is to process marketable products from the biomaterials found here, and in light of the fact that many of them have functions that are not known elsewhere, they are already in demand by manufacturers both here at home and abroad. Research indicates that the biological substances can be used in the food and chemical industry and positive activity has already been shown. The biologics can therefore be useful in the production of health products that are intended to prevent various ailments and diseases, such as lowering blood pressure, resistance to cancer, prevention of cardiovascular disease and more.

An expert group on biomaterials is currently working on a number of projects related to the development of biomaterials and bioactive substances. Research on algae has played an important role and new ways of utilizing biomaterials in various products are constantly being found. An example is a project that is underway called "New natural antioxidants from the ocean". The project is funded by the AVS Fisheries Research Fund and worked in close collaboration with the innovation company Marinox and companies in the fishing industry, Þorbjörn in Grindavík, HB Granda and Fiskeldisstöðin Haukamýri. The project involves the development and production of new natural antioxidants from Icelandic seafood to increase the stability of various seafood products. The project is based on years of research on algae, which led to the establishment of Marinox, but the company specializes in research, development and production of bioactive substances from marine algae and products containing such substances. The company's first product line, the UNA skincare skin care products, was launched in 2012.

Another collaboration between Matís and Marinox and funded by AVS, is called "Increased value of algae processing". One of the aims of the project is to find ways to utilize by-products from algae processing that have not been used so far in valuable products such as basic compounds for chemical processing, carriers for food supplements and in protein processing.

Protein processing is also a big part of the professional group's activities. Matís has in collaboration with MPF Ísland developed a new product - FiskiTofu. The raw material in FiskiTofu is a protein mass that is processed by isolating protein from cuttings. The product is therefore a good example of the sustainable utilization of living natural resources, as cuttings are now often used in low-value products, for example feed, but here a high-quality product is created that fits in with modern needs.

For further information Hörður G. Kristinsson, Director of Biotechnology and Biochemistry and Director of Research at Matís.

On the 21st of January Representatives of Mjólkursamsälan and Matís signed a five-year collaboration agreement on research on skyr bacteria and whey. According to information from Jón Axel Pétursson, MS's Managing Director of Sales and Marketing, the company is very excited about this collaboration, which the companies have agreed on.

"There is great value in the skyr and the Icelandic skyr bacterium, as we have seen very clearly from our positive sales development of skyr in the Nordic countries, but last year sales there increased by 85% and are now a total of around and over 13,000 tonnes," says Jón Axel. There is every reason to investigate further the Icelandic skyrgeril and its uniqueness and how it can be used to make the skyr an even more valuable export product than it is today. "Gaining access to the qualified and good professionals in science and research who work at Matís is therefore very valuable to us and we have high hopes for the future of our collaboration," says Jón Axel. "Furthermore, together we intend to better investigate the properties of whey and how it is possible to make more value out of it than is done today."

According to Oddur Már Gunnarsson, Matís' business development manager, the company sees a great opportunity in working with MS. Matís is a leading research company in food, biotechnology and environmental research and the company is very well equipped to handle projects like this.

"There is a great deal of knowledge within Matís about all kinds of microorganisms and that knowledge will be useful for research on skyr and skyr bacteria. Whey is no less an interesting raw material that offers great potential for increased value creation. The collaboration between Matís and MS creates enormous opportunities for innovation, "says Oddur Már.

"The collaboration with MS also fits in well with the basic values of Matís' operations, but the company places emphasis on working on various projects in the food industry, where emphasis is placed on innovation and value addition", says Oddur Már further.

^{Oddur Már Gunnarsson, Matís Business Development Manager and Jón Axel Pétursson,
The Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at MS signs a co-operation agreement between the two companies}

During its presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Iceland has emphasized the Nordic bioeconomy and launched several research projects in this field. The aim of these projects is, among other things, to find new ways to make better use of our resources and prevent waste ", says Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.

The bioeconomy includes all the biological resources that produce raw materials, such as the sea, pastures, wilderness, human resources, forests and fresh water. Ways need to be found to make better use of these resources and thus reduce the waste of the raw materials they produce. At the same time, we need to ensure the health of ecosystems so that they can withstand stress, such as natural disasters. Rational utilization and development of living resources can help reduce natural hazards, if planned with that in mind, for example, reduce forests and islets from the risk of flooding and forests bind volcanic ash.

The bioeconomy affects all life on earth. Therefore, the importance of preserving it is unequivocal. Environment Day last April. was dedicated to the caption: "Stop throwing away food", But one of the basic preconditions for protecting the bioeconomy is precisely not to take more than we need. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, about a third of the food produced. At the same time, one in seven people in the world goes to bed hungry and over 20,000 children die daily from malnutrition. Food waste is a moral problem, not least in the Western world.

It is important to raise public awareness of the consequences of food waste and to find ways to address it. This calls for a change in thinking in all production and we have a duty to utilize the raw material as well as possible. It is also important for innovative companies to look for ways to process processed raw materials that have been wasted so far, thus promoting finishing. Food waste is generated at all stages of the food chain. It is estimated that in developing countries the waste is greater at the production stage, while the opposite is true in the other western countries, where the waste takes place more at the consumption stage of the product.

This calls for life-cycle thinking to be applied in all waste policy-making and decision-making, both at government level and in the production of goods. For this reason, I submitted a bill amending the Waste Management Act to the Althingi in November 2013, which provides for certain priorities in waste management and the establishment of rules on waste management and policy. It is primarily a matter of prevention in order to prevent the formation of waste.

Next in priority are preparation for reuse, then recycling, then other reuse, such as energy production, and finally disposal.

Food waste is generated for various reasons, such as overproduction, inadequate storage methods, unsuitable dosages and lack of consumer care, for example when food is left in the fridge. Individuals can contribute to the fight against food waste, for example by better planning food purchases, checking dates and using leftover food instead of throwing it away.

Matís' projects aimed at improving raw material utilization and processing are important to society, as such projects contribute to better utilization of resources and at the same time reduce negative effects on nature. It is a significant financial benefit for individuals and society to stop wasting food at the same time as it is morally and socially right not to throw away food at a time when many people in the world are starving.

There is a great deal of ingenuity and creative thinking in the Nordic countries, and through Nordic co-operation, the Nordic countries have clearly shown that they have every reason to be at the forefront in many areas. The aim of the Icelandic Presidency's program and the projects that are being worked on within its framework is and must further strengthen the Nordic Region's position in this field.

The interview with the Minister is published in Matís' annual report for the operating year 2014, but the report was published on 16 January.

Matís plays a leading role in a large-scale multinational project that has attracted attention within the European Commission, and the project, called Amylomics, has been chosen as one of the projects that stand out from all the numbers that the Commission sponsors each year (Success story).

The Amylomics project will utilize the diverse biota of geothermal areas in Iceland to develop heat-resistant enzymes for use in the starch and sugar industries. Heat and acid resistance are essential properties in such industrial processes, but these properties can be found in the enzymes of organisms in hot springs.

The biotechnology project Amylomics is the idea of Matís' experts and Iceland will largely be its platform. The diversity of geothermal areas in Iceland is unique and Matís has extensive expertise in their ecosystem. The project is based on developing technology to utilize this special Icelandic genetic source, producing enzymes with certain and important properties and exploring possibilities for utilizing the enzymes in various areas of the chemical and food industry.

Among the participants in Amylomics is the French company Rocket Frères , which is one of the largest in Europe in the production of starch and derivatives, with an annual turnover of about 7 billion euros. Roquette Frères will be testing enzymes that will be developed in the project for testing and innovation in its production.

Dr. Guðmundur Óli Hreggviðsson, Matís's professional manager, is Amylomics' project manager, and he provides all further information.

Information about the project can also be found on the website European Commission.