Projects

Innovative approaches and technologies for Integrated Pest Management to increase sustainable food production.
Norway has implemented EU´s Directive on sustainable use of pesticides (2009/128/EC) which promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and alternative approaches or techniques (IPM tools) to minimize pesticide use. There is a lack, however, of proven and practical IPM tools for farmers to use, as well as a relevant policy for a successful implementation of IPM.

Utilization of woody (lignocellulosic) biomass has emerged as a top priority to meet growing energy demands, address climate change, and support forest economies. Research and technology development are critically needed to find cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the conversion of biomass. Extensive exploitation of lignocellulosic biomass as a feedstock for a variety of products is the key to develop a viable bio-economy. However, the natural resistance of lignocellulosic biomass to chemical and biological deconstruction is a challenge that biorefineries have to overcome.

Healthy living, nutrition and food waste in the Barents region

In agricultural production of vegetables there is a challenge of competition between food plants and weeds. Use of herbicides has been the most actual treatment against weeds, but is now on its way out, due to environmental concerns. The idea of a spray-able biodegradable mulch film is that it should be possible to spray the mulch close to the plants at planting or after planting to make a physical barrier against weeds.