Kristján Þór Júlíusson, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, and Matís have signed two new agreements, a service agreement to ensure security services in the field of food research for the benefit of Icelanders and an agreement to strengthen Matís' operations in rural areas.
"Through the agreements, we entrust Matís with the development of its operations in the countryside in line with the policy we have set ourselves to increase jobs and increase value creation in the countryside," says Kristján Þór Júlíusson, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture. "The new service agreement sets a clear framework for the important task of ensuring security services in the field of food research for the benefit of the people. The agreement is now being signed for the first time for three years to increase stability. Matís plays a key role in the country's food security and it is important to ensure a safe and predictable operating basis for that activity. "
Development in the countryside in accordance with the Minister's policy
Through an agreement to strengthen Matís' services in rural areas, Matís will receive ISK 80 million over a two-year period to strengthen its operations and increase collaboration with industries in development and research.
"With this, Matís will be able to create opportunities for increased collaboration with companies, institutions and educational institutions. We aim for at least 10% Matís job values to be in the countryside, "says Oddur M. Gunnarsson, Matís' CEO, but this is in line with the government's policy on jobs without placement.
The aim of the agreement is, among other things, to bring Matís' operations closer to customers and improve value creation for the future through increased innovation, research and development work.
Service contract for three years
The Minister also signed a three-year service agreement on research, the operation of a reference laboratory and security and priority services in the field of food. The aim of the agreement is to ensure security services in the field of food research for the benefit of the people. The agreement also stipulates Matís' role in the field of research that increases the value of Icelandic food production and promotes its safety and wholesomeness.
Through the agreement, Matís ensures access to laboratory security services and a minimum response time in the event of unexpected events that could threaten food safety and consumer health. Matís also ensures that the necessary research infrastructure is in place so that strong food control can be carried out.
"The agreement is in line with the goals of Iceland becoming a leader in the production of healthy products from sea and land, in addition to promoting increased innovation in the value chain of Icelandic food production," says the Minister.
