Category: Reports

Reports

The effects of insulated tub depth on the quality of iced Atlantic cod / Effect of insulated tub depth on the quality of frozen cod

Published:

01/04/2018

Authors:

Rúnar Ingi Tryggvason, Magnea Karlsdóttir, Björn Margeirsson, Sigurjón Arason, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS R&D Fund (R 17 016-17), Technology Development Fund (164698-1061)

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

The effects of insulated tub depth on the quality of iced Atlantic cod / Effect of insulated tub depth on the quality of frozen cod

The aim of the project was to investigate the quality of cod that had been gutted one day after fishing, frozen and packed in 12 different sized tanks, 4 × 250 L, 4 × 460 L and 4 × 660 L. Experimental fish were monitored at the top and bottom of each tank . The pots were stored in a temperature controlled environment at 1 ° C and measurements were made after 6, 10, 13 and 15 days after packing. To assess the quality of the cod, water loss was used in tanks after storage, processing utilization and sensory evaluation. The results showed that water loss was highest in 660 L pots and lowest in 250 L pots. There was no difference in processing efficiency. In all cases, there was less looseness in the bottom of the pot compared to the top, probably due to the different size of fish in the top and bottom. There was no difference in the results of the quality factor (QIM) evaluation between pots, but the existing sensory evaluation scales do not include the properties on which a clear difference was seen. There was a big difference between fish in the top layer and fish in the bottom layer in all cases, but ice vessels and marine fillets were more bulky on bottom fish. As a follow-up to the experiment, a new sensory evaluation scale will be designed in ongoing research on the quality of frozen and supercooled fish in different large tanks, which will address these factors, ie. let's go for ice cream and bruises in fillets.

The aim of this project was to examine the quality difference of Atlantic cod that had been iced and packed into 12 different sized food containers (tubs), 4 × 250 L, 4 × 460 L and 4 × 660 L. Each tub was split up into two groups, top-and bottom layer. Drip loss, processing yield, and sensory evaluation were used to evaluate the quality of the cod. The results showed that the greatest drip loss was in the 660 L tub, and the least in the 250 L tub. There was no difference in processing yield. Sensory evaluation showed no difference between tubs, except that the fillets from fish in the bottom layer of all containers had less gaping than fillets from the top layer of fish, most likely due to size differences of top-and bottom layer fish. No current sensory evaluation scales account for different amounts of ice marks and crushed fillets that was detected between fish in the top-and bottom layer of the tubs. The results of this project will be used in continuing research of iced and superchilled fish in different sized containers to develop a new sensory scale that will account for these qualities.

View report

Reports

Drying and storing of harvested grain - A Review of Methods / Drying and storage of grain

Published:

01/04/2018

Authors:

Ólafur Reykdal

Supported by:

Northern Periphery and Arctic Program

Contact

Ólafur Reykdal

Project Manager

olafur.reykdal@matis.is

Drying and storing of harvested grain - A Review of Methods / Drying and storage of grain

In the Arctic, grain is generally cut so moist that it is quickly damaged if it is not dried or soaked in feed. Drying grain is costly and therefore the choice of equipment and energy sources must be carefully considered. The use of geothermal energy is recommended where possible, as geothermal energy should be the cheapest energy source. Mixed solutions can work well, such as geothermal energy and diesel fuel. Agriculture needs to aim for increased sustainability and then geothermal and electricity are good options. Some molds in the field or in storage can form mycotoxins (fungal toxins) in humid and warm conditions. Mycotoxins can be harmful to human and livestock health. The risk of mycotoxin imaging is minimal in cold northern areas. However, it is necessary to monitor the quality of grain in storage and monitor the possible formation of mycotoxins. This report provides an overview of drying methods, energy sources and grain safety and is the basis for advice and research on grain drying.

In the Northern Periphery Region, grains are usually harvested at moisture contents too high for safe storage. Therefore the grain should be dried (or wet processed) as soon as possible. The drying process is expensive and the selection of equipment and fuel should be studied carefully. Where available, the use of geothermal water is recommended. In Iceland, geothermal energy has been found to be the cheapest energy source for grain drying. The use of mixed solutions, eg geothermal energy and diesel, is possible. Grain producers should aim at increased sustainability. Excellent solutions are geothermal energy and electricity. Mold in the field or in stores can produce mycotoxins under humid conditions and quite high temperature. Mycotoxins can harm the health of humans and animals. The existence of mycotoxins in grain grown under the cool conditions of northern regions is likely to be minimal but the situation should be studied and monitored. This report reviews grain drying methods, possible energy sources, safety aspects and is the basis for guidelines and case studies.

View report

Reports

Branding Sea Urchin for the NPA (Northern Periphery and Arctic) Regions

Published:

01/04/2018

Authors:

Holly T. Kristinsson, Guðmundur Stefánsson

Supported by:

Northern Periphery and Arctic Program

Contact

Guðmundur Stefánsson

Sviðsstjóri þjónustu

gudmundur.stefansson@matis.is

Branding Sea Urchin for the NPA (Northern Periphery and Arctic) Regions

This report is part of the URCHIN project funded by the NPA Fund. The report describes the brand ideology and introduces ideas to have one common brand for sea urchins from the NPA (Northern Periphery and Arctic) countries. The report takes examples of others' good experience of using brands on expensive seafood, including sea urchins. Using a brand can be a good way to market sea urchins both in local markets (eg domestic) and in international markets. A company that acquires brands that gain favor with buyers and consumers can create a unique position and demand for branded products. In order for a brand to gain popularity, research is needed on potential customers to understand their needs and why they want sea urchins and what they expect from the products and the retailer, for example in terms of service. Without a brand, it is difficult to separate the product and the company from the competitors and their products. Today, buyers and distributors of sea urchins have no way of associating increased quality with sea urchins from the NPA areas where brands are lacking. Manufacturers within the NPAs should consider branding policies when marketing sea urchins; a brand that is either based on the image of the company or the product. In order to be successful in brand building, you need to consider consumer research, IP licensing, marketing and the return on investment.

To supplement the NPA Report, Markets for Sea Urchins: A Review of Global Supply and Markets, this branding report sets out to explain the concept and elements of branding. Examples of successful branding of sea urchin and other high value seafood products are highlighted. Considerations and steps to building a brand are also discussed and can serve as a basis for brand strategy. Branding can be a way of promoting NPA sea urchin both locally and in international markets. It could be a solution to reduce the generic, anonymous sale and distribution of NPA sea urchins to Europe and other global markets. Establishing and maintaining a brand can create demand and differentiate a company and / or its products from competitors. Currently, branding of sea urchin is untapped and thus, there is significant branding potential. A brand is the over-all customer experience. It is how consumers feel or perceive your company and what you should offer in terms of services or products. Understanding who the consumers are and who would buy sea urchin and why, will be key in building and launching a sea urchin brand. To establish a brand acknowledged and known by customers, there must be sufficient research and a clear understanding of the target audience. Without a brand, it is difficult to differentiate a product or company from a competitor. Today, distributors, food service companies, restaurants, and other customers do not have a significant way to attach added value to NPA sea urchin. A unified vision and branding platform are needed to add value to the sea urchin. A key starting point for the NPA partners will be to consider a corporate and / or product branding strategy. Consumer research, a brand strategy, IP investigation, social and media marketing, and assessing return on investment (ROI) are fundamental to building a successful brand. With these building blocks and aspects in mind, the NPA can decide whether branding is a right fit and a sensible approach to creating increased value for the NPA regions, sea urchin fisheries, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

View report

Reports

Opportunities related to biomass processing and biotechnology in the West Nordic region

Published:

06/02/2018

Authors:

Bryndís Björnsdóttir, Margrét Geirsdóttir, Elisabet Eik Guðmundsdóttir, Guðjón Þorkelsson, Rósa Jónsdóttir, Gunnar Þórðarson, René Groben, Stephen Knobloch, Aviaja Lyberth Hauptmann, Janus Vang, Ingunn Gunnarsdóttir, Ragnar Jóhannsson, Lisbeth Due Schönemann-Paul, Sigrún Elsa Smáradóttir

Supported by:

Nordic Council of Ministers and AG-fisk

Opportunities related to biomass processing and biotechnology in the West Nordic region / Biorefining and Biotechnology Opportunities in the West Nordic Region

The West Nordic region has great opportunities for improved utilization, sustainability and increased value of organic resources. This report identifies the main organic resources in the area that are suitable for biorefining and the use of biotechnological tools. The report describes the valuable ingredients of the area's main biological resources, as well as the processing methods that are or can be applied to them and lists various end products that can be produced by further processing. The report provides an overview of the activities currently underway and the products produced in the area through finishing and biotechnology. Organic resources are divided according to whether they are by-products, originating in water or on land, or underutilized resources. Attention is paid to special opportunities and obstacles related to the West Nordic region.

The West Nordic region holds promising opportunities to improve utilization, sustainability and value from its biological resources. The region's major bioresources available for biorefining and biotechnological applications are the focus of this report. It identifies valuable ingredients in the different resources, processing technologies which are or may be applied, and possible end products obtained from further processing the raw material. An overview of the current operations and products which are being produced within the region is given. The report divides the available bioresources into biodegradable residues of aquatic or land origin and underutilized biomass. High-north specific opportunities and obstacles are highlighted.

View report

Reports

Authenticate: Workshop proceedings

Published:

18/01/2018

Authors:

Jónas R. Viðarsson, Guðbjörg Ólafsdóttir, Patrick Berg Sørdahl, Miguel Angel Pardo, Geir Dahle, Jakob Hemmer Hansen

Supported by:

Nordic Council of Ministers - Working Group for Fisheries (127-2014)

Contact

Jónas Rúnar Viðarsson

Sviðsstjóri rannsókna

jonas@matis.is

Authenticate: Workshop proceedings

Growing societal demand for food authenticity, safety and broader food security is creating both new opportunities and increased challenges for Nordic food suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. The mislabeling of food products came to great prominence during the 2013 “horse meat scandal” in Europe, when a range of supposedly beef products were found to contain horse meat. What makes this discovery surprising is that it took place despite the clear set of European Union (EU) regulations relating to food traceability and labeling, which require a complex system of checks to ensure that food remains authentic and traceable. Research have shown that the seafood sector is particularly vulnerable when it comes to fraud, partly due to the fact that seafood is the world's most international traded food commodity and because seafood has extreme biological diversity and variable characteristics that can create or hamper competitive advantage in marketing of products. Among the issues relevant to this discussion are species substitution, false claims of origin, social responsibility, sustainability, food safety and fair trade. A handful of Nordic institutes and companies came together a few years ago to initiate networking among stakeholders in the Nordic seafood industry, with the aim of discussing the challenges and opportunities related to food integrity for the sector. As results a series of workshops were organized in Iceland, Norway and Denmark; and the outcome of these workshops were then discussed at a final workshop held in Faroe Islands on Nov. 14th 2017. This report contains the proceedings from that workshop.

Integrity in the food trade has been much debated in recent years and the fisheries sector has not been spared that discussion. Research has shown that the fraud rate is particularly high in seafood trade. A number of studies have been conducted, for example, where species fraud has been examined in a haze, and many of these studies have shown that the common rate of such fraud is around 30%. Other types of fraud are, for example, false statements about sustainability, wholesomeness, country of origin, etc. Several Nordic institutions and companies came together in 2014 and decided to try to create a forum for integrity in the seafood trade. They obviously felt that there were opportunities in Nordic co - operation in this field. Subsequently, workshops were held in Iceland, Norway and Denmark. The results of those meetings were then discussed at a final meeting that took place in the Faroe Islands on 14 November. 2017. This report contains a discussion and meeting documents from that meeting.

View report

Reports

Results of continuous monitoring of undesirable substances in seafood from the resource 2017 / Undesirable substances in seafood - results from the Icelandic marine monitoring activities in the year 2017

Published:

17/01/2018

Authors:

Sophie Jensen, Natasa Desnica, Erna Óladóttir, Branka Borojevic, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Atvinnuvega- og nýsköpunarráðuneytið / Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture

Contact

Sophie Jensen

Project Manager

sophie.jensen@matis.is

Results of continuous monitoring of undesirable substances in seafood from the resource 2017 / Undesirable substances in seafood - results from the Icelandic marine monitoring activities in the year 2017

This report summarizes the results of monitoring of undesirable substances in edible parts of seafood in 2017. The monitoring began in 2003 with the help of the then Ministry of Fisheries, the current Ministry of Industry and Innovation, and Matís ohf. on the collection of data and the publication of reports for this systematic monitoring during the period 2003-2012. In recent years, there has been a lack of funds to continue work on this monitoring project, so this important data collection was suspended as well as the publication of results in the period 2013-2016. in edible parts of seafood from the resource intended for human consumption, but not fishmeal and fish oil for feed. For the same reason, no chemical analyzes were performed on PAH, PBDE and PFC substances this time. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the position of Icelandic seafood in terms of safety and health and to use the data in the risk assessment of food to ensure the interests of consumers and public health. The project builds a knowledge base on the amount of undesirable substances in economically important species and marine products, it is defined as a long-term project where monitoring and review is constantly necessary. In general, the results obtained in 2017 were in line with previous results from 2003 to 2012. The results showed that Icelandic seafood contains an insignificant amount of persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins, PCBs and pesticides. EU maximum levels for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in food and feed were lowered on 1 January 2012 (EU Regulation No. 1259/2011) and maximum levels were set for "non-dioxin-like" PCBs (NDL-PCBs) for the first time ). The new maximum values are used in this report to assess how Icelandic seafood meets EU requirements. The results for 2017 show that despite the change in maximum levels for dioxins, DL-PCBs and NDL-PCBs, all samples of marine products for human consumption are below the EU maximum levels for persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. The concentration of so-called ICES6-PCBs turned out to be low in the edible part of fish, compared to the new EU maximum values. The results also showed that the concentration of heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in Icelandic seafood was always below the EU maximum values.

This report summarizes the results obtained in 2017 for the screening of various undesirable substances in the edible part of marine catches. The surveillance program began in 2003 and was carried out for ten consecutive years before it was interrupted. The project was revived in March 2017 to fill in gaps of knowledge regarding the level of undesirable substances in economically important marine catches for Icelandic export. Due to financial restrictions the surveillance now only covers screening for undesirable substances in the edible portion of marine catches for human consumption not feed or feed components. The limited financial resources also required that the analysis of PAHs, PBDEs and PFCs were excluded in the surveillance, and therefore this report provides somewhat more limited data than previously. However, it is considered to be a long-term project where extension and revision is constantly necessary. The main aim of this project is to gather data and evaluate the status of Icelandic seafood products in terms of undesirable substances and to utilize the data to estimate the exposure of consumers to these substances from Icelandic seafood and risks related to public health. Generally, the results obtained in 2017 are in agreement with previous results on undesirable substances in the edible part of marine catches obtained in the monitoring years 2003 to 2012. The results show that the edible parts of Icelandic seafood products contain negligible amounts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as; dioxins, dioxin like PCBs and pesticides. As of January 1st 2012 Commission Regulation No 1259/2011, regarding maximum levels for dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs in foodstuff came into force. This amendment to the existing regulation (No 1881/2006) resulted in changes in maximum levels for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs for many food products due to changes in toxicological assessment of dioxins. Furthermore, maximum levels for non-dioxin-like PCBs have now been established in foodstuffs. In this report, we use these revised maximum levels for dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and nondioxin-like PCBs in foodstuffs to evaluate how Icelandic seafood products measure up to limits currently in effect. The results obtained year 2017 reveal that all samples of seafood for human consumption were below EC maximum levels for POPs and heavy metals. Furthermore, the concentration of ICES6-PCBs was found to be low in the edible part of fish muscle, compared to the maximum limits set by the EU (Commission Regulation 1259/2011). The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals, eg cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in Icelandic seafood products was always well below the maximum limits set by EU.

View report

Reports

Innovation small producers - Nordbio

Published:

20/12/2017

Authors:

Þóra Valsdóttir, Óli Þór Hilmarsson, Ólafur Reykdal, Guðjón Þorkelsson, Björn Viðar Aðalbjörnsson

Supported by:

Ministry of Industry and Innovation

Contact

Þóra Valsdóttir

Project Manager

thora.valsdottir@matis.is

Innovation small producers - Nordbio

The aim of the project was to follow up and further support small producers in the wake of innovation projects carried out under NordBio, the Icelandic Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2014-2016. The main goal of the innovation projects for small producers was to have a direct economic impact through innovation and value creation in the Nordic bioeconomy, thus strengthening regional economic growth. Work was done on 17 innovation projects. The experience of the projects is that knowledge and training are necessary for ideas to come true and for enabling producers to meet all food safety requirements. The Nordbio innovation projects have shown that the use of "innovation credit" can be an effective way to encourage innovation, knowledge transfer and technology to increase the value of living resources. There is a clear need to offer this type of grant to small producers and entrepreneurs in order to encourage innovation and unleash the power of imagination. It would be a great incentive to establish funds that can promote innovation in the spirit of the Nordbio projects.

The aim of the project was to follow up on and support further small-scale producers that participated in innovation projects as part of the Nordbio program, the Icelandic chairmanship program in the Nordic council of ministers 2014-2016. The overall objective of the innovation projects was to have direct economic impact through innovation and value creation in the Nordic bioeconomy and thereby strengthen regional and economic growth. 17 innovation projects where carried brought forward. The projects have displayed that knowledge and training is essential for ideas to be realized and to enable manufacturers to meet all food safety requirements. The Nordbio innovation projects have manifested that using "innovative voucher" can be an effective way of encouraging innovation, knowledge transfer and technology to increase the value of biofuels. There is apparently need to offer small producers and entrepreneurs funding of this kind. Establishment of fund under the same format as Nordbio functioned with innovation vouchers can enable increased value creation trhough innovation.

View report

Reports

Value adding technique - Drying of pelagic fish

Published:

13/12/2017

Authors:

Ásbjörn Jónsson, Cyprian Ogombe Odoli, Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Value adding technique - Drying of pelagic fish

The aim of the project was to improve the processing process and the quality and safety of dried sardines produced in Kenya. Like looking at new products such as dried capelin from Iceland for possible export to Kenya. The results showed that it was possible to ensure the quality of dried products such as capelin in Iceland. During indoor drying, conditions such as temperature can be controlled, thus preventing protein deformation and fat development. The results also showed that sardines, which were dried outdoors in Kenya at higher temperatures compared to indoor drying, were of poorer quality, as protein deformation occurred along with evolution. On the other hand, market surveys in Kenya showed that a certain group of consumers liked dried capelin from Iceland and were willing to buy the product.

The objective of the project was to improve the process and quality and safety of dried sardines produced in Kenya. As well as introduce new products from Iceland like dried capelins a possible export to Kenya. Results showed that it was possible to control the quality of dried products like capelin in Iceland. By indoor drying, the conditions can be controlled, like temperature and providing denaturation of proteins and oxidation of fat. Results also showed that sardines dried in open air in Kenya with higher temperature compared with indoor drying, had lower quality, were denaturation of proteins and oxidation of fat occurred. Market research indicated that certain social groups of consumers in Kenya liked indoor drying capelin from Iceland, and were willing to by such product.

View report

Reports

Styrene migration from expanded polystyrene boxes into fresh cod and redfish at chilled and superchilled temperatures

Published:

01/12/2017

Authors:

Erwan Queguiner, Björn Margeirsson, Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

RPC Tempra

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Styrene migration from expanded polystyrene boxes into fresh cod and redfish at chilled and superchilled temperatures

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the possible flow of styrene from foam plastic boxes to fresh cod and redfish fillets, which are stored at typical temperatures during sea transport of fresh fillets from Iceland to Europe or America. US buyers want fish fillets to be packed in plastic bags before packing in a foam box due to possible styrene contamination from foam to fish. Therefore, in this project, styrene was measured in fish, which had been stored without plastic bags in foam boxes, and the amount of styrene was compared with the standards of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A total of 12 foam boxes containing cod or redfish fillets were stored for 4, 7 or 13 days at either -1 ° C or 2 ° C, which corresponds to the optimal and highest probable temperature in fresh fillet shipping. One 10-50 g sample was taken from the lower part of the bottom fish fillet in each box and had thus been in direct contact with foam plastic and therefore placed in a glass bottle. Subsequently, the 12 samples were sent for analysis to Eurofins, an international laboratory in Germany. The results show that the amount of styrene, as well as other undesirable substances such as benzene and toluene, was below 0.01 mg / kg fish in all twelve fish samples. The FDA guideline (maximum) is 90 mg of styrene per kg of fish per person per day, which is equivalent to The result of this experiment is that a consumer has to consume 9000 kg of fish daily to meet the FDA standard, which is a very unrealistic amount. The main conclusion of this experiment is that it is not necessary to pack fresh fish fillets in plastic bags for packing in foam boxes, which are stored and transported in refrigerated and supercooled conditions.

The aim of the study was to investigate possible styrene migration from expanded polystyrene into fresh cod and redfish, two important export fish species in Iceland, while stored under conditions mimicking transport by ship from Iceland to America and Europe. American buyers wish to have a plastic bag between EPS boxes and fish during transport as a safety measure due to possible styrene migration. Thus, this project was conducted to investigate if adding a plastic bag is necessary with regards to safety limits for styrene migration from packaging to food set by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). A total of twelve samples of cod and redfish were stored in EPS boxes manufactured by Tempra ltd. for 4, 7 and 13 days at two temperatures (-1 ° C, 2 ° C) which represent optimal and expected maximum storage temperatures during sea transport of fresh fish. A sample of 10-50 grams of fish, which had been in direct contact with the packaging, was taken from the bottom of each box, as it is considered the most hazardous place regarding styrene migration, and put in a glass bottle before analysis. Finally, the twelve samples of fish were sent to Eurofins, an international laboratory in Germany, for analysis. The results show that styrene content, and other solvent residues like benzene or toluene, were below 0.01 mg / kg in all twelve samples of fish. The FDA's daily intake limit of styrene is 90 mg / kg per person per day, which means that in this study an unrealistic intake of at least 9000 kg of fish would be necessary to exceed this FDA´s limit. The main conclusion from this study is therefore that a plastic bag is not needed to safely pack cod and redfish fillets into EPS boxes to be stored under chilled and superchilled temperatures.

View report

Reports

Snæfellsnes Bioeconomy Analysis - The Impact of Innovation and Discoveries / Bioeconomy Assessment - The Impact of Innovation and Discoveries

Published:

21/11/2017

Authors:

Birgir Örn Smárason, Íris Mýrdal Kristinsdóttir, Ragnheiður Sveinþórsdóttir, Arnljótur B. Bergsson

Supported by:

Snæfellsnesbær, Stykkishólmsbær, Grundarfjarðarbær

Contact

Birgir Örn Smárason

Research Group Leader

birgir@matis.is

Snæfellsnes Bioeconomy Analysis - The Impact of Innovation and Discoveries / Bioeconomy Assessment - The Impact of Innovation and Discoveries

The aim of the project is to strengthen the knowledge base of ecological development and thereby promote better utilization of raw materials from the ecosystem in and around Snæfellsnes with increased sustainable value creation, especially in terms of nutrients and the need to feed fish, as a guideline. The project was carried out with the support of the municipalities of Snæfellsnes, Snæfellsbær, Grundafjarðarbær and Stykkishólmsbær. The project was divided into four sections. The results of the study indicate, among other things, that the most important criteria for entrepreneurs' utilization of natural resources come from knowledge of the environment, the impact of their location, knowledge of specific areas and their possibilities, as well as the knowledge of the entrepreneur in question. The motivation is the result of external factors such as value creation, product development, passion for clean production and less waste, as well as an interest in sustainable, organic production. Regulations prove to be both an incentive and an obstacle for entrepreneurs, as they are well implemented and strictly work well, while others that are not as well thought out stand in the way of sustainable action. Funds and grants do not play a major role in exploiting opportunities, however, entrepreneurs rely on their own capital, they develop their products slowly and utilize resources from previous production and development.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the knowledge base of ecological development and thereby support the improved utilization of raw materials in and around Snæfellsnes with increased sustainable value creation, especially regarding nutrients and feeding farmed fish as a guiding principle. The project was carried out with the support of the municipalities in Snæfellsnes, Snæfellsbær, Grundafjörður and Stykkishólmsbær. The project was described and separated into four work packages. The results of this research indicate, among other things, that the most important prerequisites for the use of natural resources by entrepreneurs are the knowledge of the environment, the effects of their location, the knowledge on specific areas and their possibilities, as well as the skills of the relevant entrepreneur. The motivation is the result of external factors such as value creation, product development, passion for cleaner production and less waste, along with an interest in sustainable organic production. Regulations are both incentives and obstacles to entrepreneurs, where the well-executed and strict regulations work well but others that are less well-founded stand in the way of sustainable operations. Funds and grants do not play a major role in the utilization of opportunities, on the other hand, the entrepreneurs trust on their own financial resources, they slowly develop their products and make use of resources from previous production and development.

View report
EN
IS EN