Contact
Ólafur Reykdal
Project Manager
olafur.reykdal@matis.is
In the project, it was possible to summarize data on the chemical content of food from Icelandic agriculture and thereby shed light on the uniqueness and importance of domestic production. Chemical content refers to nutrients and contaminants. The project was carried out in 2020 and 2021 and was funded by the Agricultural Productivity Fund.
The results of the project are summarized in the Matis report ( The uniqueness of foods from Icelandic agriculture – Nutrients and contaminants – Matís (matis.is) ). Observations were made for each of these food groups: vegetables, grains, meat, milk and eggs. Production conditions, available data on nutrients and contaminants were described, and then conclusions were drawn. Some conclusions are presented below.
It is necessary to establish an annual control of mycotoxins in domestic grains (barley and oats) and grain products. It is necessary to measure meat when the meat food classification is changed so that the correct nutritional value can be given. Due to the extensive product development of curd, the amount of various vitamins and minerals in curd products is unclear and it is necessary to carry out chemical measurements in order to be able to provide information on these substances. Little is done with pesticide measurements on Icelandic vegetables and grain, and therefore those measurements would need to be increased to strengthen the position of domestic production. In light of climate change, more insects and other pests, it may be necessary to increase the use of pesticides in crops, and it is important to apply them effectively, and monitoring could help with this.