Contact
Ólafur Reykdal
Project Manager
olafur.reykdal@matis.is
Northern Cereals - New Opportunities
A project on grain farming in the Arctic was carried out between 2013 and 2015. The project was funded by the Nordic-Atlantic Co-operation (NORA). Participants came from Iceland, Northern Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Orkney and Newfoundland. The purpose of the project was to support grain farming in sparsely populated Nordic areas by testing different barley crops and providing guidelines for farmers and food companies. The most promising barley crops (Kría, Tiril, Saana, Bere, NL) were tested with all participants and measurements were made on yield and quality. The amount of barley harvest varied between regions and years. The average starch content of dried grain was 58%, which is sufficient for the baking industry. Fungal toxins (Mycotoxin) were not detected in the samples sent for analysis. It was concluded that early grain sowing was the most important factor in promoting a good grain harvest in the NORA area. Unit is important to cut the grain early to prevent losses due to storms and birds.
A project on the cultivation of cereals in the North Atlantic Region was carried out in the period 2013 to 2015. The project was supported by the Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA). Partners came from Iceland, NNorway, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Orkney and Newfoundland. The purpose of the project was to support cereal cultivation in rural northern regions by testing barley varieties and providing guidelines for farmers and industry. The most promising barley varieties (Kria, Tiril, Saana, Bere and NL) were tested in all partner regions for growth and quality characteristics. Grain yields were very variable across the region and differed between years. Average starch content of grain was about 58% which is sufficient for the baking industry. Mycotoxins, toxins formed by certain species of mold, were not detected in selected samples. Early sowing was concluded to be the most important factor for a successful cereal production in the North Atlantic region. Early harvest is recommended in order to secure the harvest before it becomes vulnerable to wind and bird damages, even though the grain will be slightly less mature.