Contact
Ólafur Reykdal
Project Manager
olafur.reykdal@matis.is
The project dealt with all stages in the value chain of vegetables in Iceland, from cultivation and transport to shops, processors and consumers. The project is intended to strengthen the vegetable sector in Iceland with new knowledge that supports the development of the sector, which means increased production, more job opportunities and an increased supply of nutritious products.
The project was composed of three related tasks, but the grant was awarded to these subjects: (1) Research on the shelf life of vegetables with the aim of achieving as high a quality and a long shelf life as possible. Shelf life experiments were carried out on Icelandic vegetables in order to point out ways to improve the quality of the vegetables and to promote better handling for the benefit of producers and sellers. (2) A summary of the potential value from the by-products of horticulture that are not currently being used. This work was the basis of a new project on increasing the value of side products from horticulture, which was carried out in the years 2022-2023. (3) Summary of ways to reduce wastage and deterioration of vegetables on the way from farmer to consumer. This contributes to less shrinkage in the value chain.
Work on the project was completed at the beginning of 2022. Four open reports on the aforementioned subjects have been published on the Matís website. A report on the entire project can be found here (Improved quality, shelf life and less waste in the value chain of Icelandic vegetables - Matís (matis.is) ). The value from horticulture by-products report is here (By-products from the vegetable sector - Matís (matis.is) ). Ways to reduce shrinkage in the vegetable value chain are discussed here ( Analysis of waste in the vegetable value chain - Matís (matis.is) ). Finally, checks on the shelf life of vegetables are discussed here (Shelf-life and waste in the value chain of vegetables // Shelf-life and waste in the value chain of vegetables – Matís (matis.is) ).
Three monographs were published that highlight specific results from the project. A discussion of the effect of packaging on the quality and shelf life of beetroot can be found here (Packaging carrots preserves quality and prevents water loss ). Two leaflets on the treatment and content of herbs can be found here (Herbs Healthy but delicate) and here (Herbs in pots – Sensitive herbs).
The results of the project have been poorly presented at meetings and in the media. Matís employees provide all additional information as requested.
Read more about the project in the news below: