Annual review 2018 Supporting sustainable development through research
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Luke’s
Contents Foreword 2 Key figures in 2018
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Our research Sustainable forest management
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Land use and climate change
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Biodiversity 10 Soil research and microbes
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Sustainable food production and food security
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Sustainable use of aquatic resources and aquaculture 16 Circular solutions
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Industry innovation
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International activities
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research highlights in 2018
Luke’s research is carried out through four thematic programmes, Boreal Green Bioeconomy, Innovative Food System, Blue Bioeconomy and BioSociety. Furthermore, Luke’s research is aligned with the UN SDG goals. Our goal is to increase the holistic sustainability of the production and use of natural resources. We have successfully increased our international activities and succeeded to get large Luke coordinated projects funded by the EU H2020 Research Framework Programmes.
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orest sector is very important in Finland. We are studying versatile forest management practices for improving forest growth as well as their economic and environmental impacts. The most recent national forest inventory NFI12 has provided us statistically robust data on forest resources, their growth and past management practices. Impacts of different forest use scenarios have been projected in terms of future forest resources and their climate change mitigation potential. Examples of impactful project in forest bioeconomy include H2020 DIABOLO project. Coordinated by Luke, it collected 33 international partners together to harmonize the forest resource inventory and projection methods in Europe. On the Nordic context, our tree breeding collaboration with Sweden has been strengthened as a result of the Swedish gift for Finland’s 100th anniversary. Furthermore, new methods for assessment of biotic and abiotic risks in forests were developed, and a web-map application was released containing high-resolution forest wind damage risk maps for Finland to support forest management decisions.
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Johanna Buchert
President and CEO johanna.buchert@luke.fi
In Finland, managed peatlands are the key emission source in the land-use sector. Seeking solutions to the challenge, Luke has targeted research efforts to understand and minimize the GHG emissions from croplands and forests on peat soils. The competitiveness of agricultural production is a topical challenge that needs to be addressed. Luke’s research is focusing on development of novel agricultural practices and new business opportunities for farmers. An insect laboratory was established enabling valorization of waste fractions to e.g. feed. A new soil carbon monitoring tools have been developed to support the extension of carbon markets to both the agricultural and forest sectors. Production systems and food value chains based on protein plants such as faba bean have been developed in several projects. Development of these new food sources responds to a strong and growing consumer demand for plant-based foods combining healthiness and environmental friendliness. The use of protein plants may be hampered by low functional properties and anti-nutritional compounds, which impair the nutritional value and sensory aspects needed in food products. Luke’s research has addressed these challenges in many projects and developed processing solutions to enhance the applicability of protein crops. Under-utilized fish catch and fish processing side streams also provide a valuable source of proteins, healthy fatty acids and minerals. In the Blue Products, a fisheries innovation program funded by EMFF, Luke has developed technologies to valorize these raw materials in food and other high value applications. The dairy value chain is an important part of food system and nutrition in many parts of the world. However, it is challenged by environmental concerns. Luke’s research targets to improve the sustainability of this chain. Our activities have focused on efficient feed production using grasslands, understanding the potential of nutritional strategies on production and emissions and using
breeding as tool to improve the feed efficiency with subsequent impact on methane emissions. Genomic evaluation for feed efficiency was piloted for Nordic Red Cattle. Microbiome research has been strengthened at Luke. Particularly we are assessing soil microbiome in both forests and agricultural land, but also role of microbiome during feed processing, cow metabolism or in food processing. Three H2020 projects have been started in these areas with one being coordinated by Luke. A unique recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) for pilot scale research is under construction, including a novel effluent management system. Genome based breeding of fish species is investigated within a Luke coordinated H2020 project. EU-funded FISHBOOST project advanced fish breeding programmes by tools that have been adopted by the European aquaculture sector. Fish migration in natural rivers as well as in built environments has been investigated in several projects. When Atlantic juvenile salmon (smolt) migration was compared between two large Baltic rivers, the survival of smolts was six times higher in a free-flowing river, compared to the survival in a regulated river with five hydropower plants. Luke’s research supports public policy-making through solid science. We have provided science-based recommendations and solutions to promote food exports and develop food branding, especially in arctic regions. The role and impact of current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Finnish agriculture and food chain have been assessed, and the changes in CAP post 2020 predicted. We have provided solid science-based support and solutions for ambitious national and European climate policy. Multi-use of natural resources and tools for valuation of the alternative uses have been developed. Conflicts related to these different exploitation scenarios have been studied in several projects with the final aim of developing tools to reconcile them. ANNUAL REVIEW 2018
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STATISTICS
TOP 3
55 167
Statistics releases
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109
11 7
EU funded projects
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The annual tree growth in Finland’s forest is 110 million cubic meters according to the latest National Forest Inventory measurements.
Game population assessments
21 animal breeds , 13 tree species, 19 fish species and 952 plant species
12 8 5
women
employees
622
644
Research locations Experimental stations Aquaculture infrastructures
men
46
TOP
Rese Recir Bioru Bioga CowL Insec Food
Estimates of fish stocks
668 620 1288
63
net p
PERSONNEL
644
CUS SAT
CONSERVATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES:
Scientific peer reviewed articles
II
II
STATUTORY SERVICES
SCIENCE
I
VOLUME
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) supports sustainable development through research on forestry, agriculture, food, game, and fisheries.
HEADQUARTERS
professors
Research staff
in Viikki, Helsinki
Other experts
Top news per month JAN
How does forest-based bioeconomy affect climate, jobs and growth?
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FEB
5+1 Steps towards a functioning insect economy
M AR
Virtual nature – a new way out of stress?
AP R
New partnership between Luke and VTT speeds up companies product development
MAY
On a digital road to circular economy
JUN
Microbes run the world – but will antibiotics run them over?
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Luke and memoran understa
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run the t will s run ?
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Volumes and prices in industrial roundwood trade II Producer Prices of Agricultural Products III Crop Production Statistics
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
FUNDING
7 M€ External 22 M€
Budget
29
556,545
M€ Statutory services
122 M€ Turnover
visitors at luke.fi
63
net promoter score
93
M€ Research & customer portfolio
TOP RESEARCH INFRA Research Forests, Fields and Greenhouses Recircular acuaculture system (RAS) Bioruukki biomass fractionation platform Biogas facilities and pilot plant CowLab® InsectLab Food processing pilot plant
43 M€ External 50 M€
Budget
SCIENCE BASED KNOWLEDGE THROUGH RESEARCH PROGRAMMES VOLUME
nd’s rs l s.
TOP 3 STATISTICS BY POPULARITY
24 M€
28 M€ GreenBio
J UL
Luke and FAO sign memorandum of understanding
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InnoFood
AUG
Johanna Buchert appointed President of Natural Resources Institute Finland
SEP
Scientists adding twist of bioeconomy to arctic policies
15 M€
10 M€
BioSociety
OCT
A major disease resistance gene in wheat identified and verified
BlueBio
N OV
Tree bark – a treasure chest of useful materials
DEC
Genome editing could help fight the food crisis – if only we let it
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Sustainable forest management Forest resources data is the backbone of sustainable use of forests; we need to know how much there is to know how much we can use, taking into account environmental, economic and social preconditions. Recognition of the possibilities of forests in mitigating climate change, not only through direct carbon sequestration but also as a source of climate-smart raw-materials, has increased the demand for information on forest and tree resources.Â
Luke monitors the forest resources and state of forests in Finland with the National Forest Inventory (NFI). The data are merged with other information sources, models and economic data to make scenarios on the development of forests under different management strategies to support political and economic decision making. Luke has close cooperation with other European institutes and research organizations to develop forest information and decision making on a European level. From tree breeding to continuous cover forestry and impacts on waterways, Luke’s contribution to forestry research is diverse. Climate change can increase forest vulnerability to damage and disease, reduce forest health and pro-
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ductivity, and cause economic losses. Our research on, for example, forest damage and adaptive breeding aims to increase forest survival and maintain its productivity, sustainability and resilience of forests. Somatic embryogenesis is another example of rather new, interesting methods on our research agenda. It helps provide homogeneous seedlings for increased growth, but also gives more information for genomic selection, which could help make trees more resistant to certain pathogens. Continuous cover forestry is a topic that is under a rather vivid debate. In any case, the method seems to be particularly beneficial in storing carbon in peatland forests, which help mitigate climate change. Luke studies continuous cover for-
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PROJECT EXAMPLES DIABOLO
EFFORTE
Purpose: Ended in April 2019, DIABOLO project produced at European level better knowledge of forest resources and their ability to sustainably supply forest ecosystem goods and services as required by a broad range of relevant stakeholders. Impact: The knowledge produced in the project has created new opportunities for an innovative, sustainable and inclusive bio-economy in Europe. A trans-disciplinary project, DIABOLO involved experts in various fields, delivering high impact on diverse end-users. Partners: 33 Financier: Horizon 2020
Purpose: EFFORTE provides the European forestry sector with new knowledge and knowhow that will significantly improve the possibilities of forest enterprises to assemble and adopt novel technologies and procedures. It’s based on three key elements of technology and knowhow: understanding the fundamentals of soil mechanics, realizing the potential of mechanization in silvicultural operations, and utilizing Big Data. Impact: The project aims to enhance efficiency in forest operations, increase forest growth and sustainable forestry, promote cost-competitive bio-based industry, and accelerate the regional economic development. Partners: 23 Financier: Bio-Based Industries
B4EST Purpose: To provide forest tree breeders, forest owners, managers and policy makers with better scientific knowledge to deal with forest vulnerability caused by climate change. Impact: The project aims to increase forest survival, health, resilience and productivity under these circumstances, while maintaining genetic diversity and key ecological functions, and fostering a competitive EU bio-based economy. Partners: 19 Financier: Horizon 2020
estry beginning with its biological and technical foundations all the way to its economic, social and ecological impacts and operating models. And as climate is warming, the demand for proven knowledge on managing peatland swamp forests is growing.
SOMAGENO Purpose: SOMEGENO analyzes possibilities of early selection for resistance against a major forest pathogen Heterobasidion annosum in connection to somatic embryogenesis (SE) of Norway spruce. Impact: Adding value to producers and users of SE plants and deploying plant material more resistant to root rot and, thus, decreasing environmental and economic hazards. Partners: 2 Financier: Tandem Forest Values
Luke is also at the forefront of research related to smart technologies used in forest management and wood supply. The aim is to create more cost effective and environmentally sustainable methods for forest management and harvesting.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2018
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Land use and climate change There is a good consensus among both researchers and policy-makers that better land management is needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. With key focus on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining opportunities for sustainable bio-based business, Luke’s research on integrated land use covers all land use.
For decades, our forest related research has had a strong backbone in forest inventory data, which in its accuracy is unique even on a global scale. Inventories of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are based on forest inventories, scientific models and statistics. Based on latest scientific knowledge and constantly developed according to IPCC guidance, the methodology calculates the emissions of land use and, thus, helps manage the land sustainably. Supporting the IPCC’s work, Luke has also contributed to, for example, the report of 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Luke’s contribution to the regulation in the LULUCF sector is based on the GHG inventory data and estimates. An essential part of LULUCF regulation is calculating national reference levels of
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forests. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Luke conducted the technical calculations for and published the calculation report in early-2019. Luke’s research on forests and climate change is multidisciplinary and spreads across extensive global networks. In addition to land use optimization, it covers themes such as the impact of climate change on forest resources and regeneration; the impact of climate change on forest regeneration, forest cultivation and forestry; and the impact of potential new requirements and practices on the balance of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in forests. In the land use sector, Luke also contributes strongly to optimized use of agricultural lands. Continuously developed in collaboration with farmers, our research based tools for farmers
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PROJECT EXAMPLES SOMPA
CANEMURE
Purpose: SOMPA develops ecologically and economically sound methods to manage organic soil fields and forests while simultaneously mitigating climate change. It produces new scientific knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate methane and carbon dioxide emissions from peatlands with the aim of reducing the emissions in an economic way. Moreover, the project drafts greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios for the forest industries, peatland management and trends in the human food chain. Impact: Based on the scenarios, the decision makers in climate politics will be able to compare the combined mitigation effects and the sufficiency of different emission mitigation scenarios. Partners: 5 Financier: The Academy of Finland www.luke.fi/sompa/en/
Purpose: The project will provide novel climate change mitigation concepts, as well as increased capacity and enhanced cooperation between various stakeholders. Impact: The information gathered by verifying emission reduction potential of croplands and forests on peat soil will be used in land management guidance. The project will also communicate information to the stakeholders and demonstrate feasibility of the proposed management practices. Partners: 21 Financier: Life Climate Change Adaptation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland www.luke.fi/en/projects/canemure/
MISA Purpose: MISA project examined potential actions of land use sector to achieve the climate objectives. Impact: The project increased holistic understanding on the reasons behind changes in land use, possible means to decrease deforestation and increase reforestation and created more precise cost and impact estimates for different land use scenarios. Partners: none Financier: Finnish government
take into account numerous field parcel characteristics, production potential and consider environmental footprint. Furthermore, a comprehensive interactive map of all biomass in Finland – Biomass Atlas – has been created in collaboration with other research institutes and universities to support decision making and new, sustainable investments. The challenge of reconciling various land-use modes is how to synthesize local, scientific and other expert knowledge, and how to select relevant knowledge for decision making. Interdisciplinary understanding of different affecting factors helps reach a solution that is acceptable for
OPAL-Life Purpose: The project aims at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture following the principle of sustainable intensification, in other words, combining environmental benefits, profitability of the farm and social aspects. Impact: Optimizing the use of arable land by targeting inputs such as labor, fertilizers and plant protection, towards the land where the response is the highest shifting production away from the non-responsive land is expected to result in higher yields, better economic returns and environmental benefits. Partners: 6 + pilot farms Financier: LIFE Climate Change Mitigation
all. Moreover, Luke studies various incentives which would support land-owners and, thus, help introduce more environmentally friendly land use practices.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2018
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Biodiversity Biodiversity loss is one of the biggest environmental, social and economic threats of our age. Luke’s research focuses mainly on forest biodiversity and factors influencing the distribution of endangered species in forests. Moreover, our work contributes to maintaining the diversity in mires and peatlands, agricultural fields and aquatic environments.
Luke’s long-term studies on silvicultural methods in commercial forests form a solid base for conservation efforts. Research suggests that methods which emulate natural disturbances and natural development of forests provide more habitats for species in forests. Management of uneven-aged forest stands is only one example of possible solutions. This type of silviculture is not only beneficial to species living in the forest or people’s recreation, on suitable sites it can also provide as much revenue as what would be achieved with even-aged forest management. Forest restoration is an active conservation measure that safeguards and promotes biodiversity. Luke’s experiments compare the effectiveness of various forest restoration measures on the function and structure of forest ecosystems. The research provides information on the chang-
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es in stand structure, decomposition processes of burned and decaying wood, and the influence of these factors on the species distribution. The information can be utilized both in protected areas and in commercial forests. Luke’s research on peatland restoration covers field experiments which investigate the development of species diversity, greenhouse gas emissions and hydrology after rewetting measures. Results are utilized in state-of-the-art modelling studies which predict the future impacts of restoration on peatland ecosystems and optimize restoration to sites where they are best suited in terms of biodiversity, greenhouse gas balances and nutrient loading. A large-scale EU-funded project LIFEPeatLandUse produced information on various alternative uses for the low-productive drained peatlands, and their environmental and economic impacts.
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PROJECT EXAMPLES IPBES
UUTU – New Products from Forests
Luke’s biodiversity experts contribute to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) by taking part in elaboration of global IPBES assessments and in national and international science-policy events.
Purpose: UUTU project promotes sustainable and diversified use of forests by increasing the multiple use of forest ecosystem services; providing information on the production of wood; developing Forest Indicator, a web-based tool showing the changes in ecosystem services as a result of forest use; developing forest planning; and developing models that calculate the profitability and trade-offs of the production of natural products. Impact: The project supports forest owners’ decision making and the implementation of regional forest programs as well as sustainable bio-economy and regional development. It benefits both regional and private forest owners and the entire forest ecosystem. Partners: 5 Financier: European Regional Development Fund
LIFEPeatLandUse Purpose: The project (2013–2018) provided information on the environmental and economic impacts of the re-use of low-productive drained peatlands and, thus, finding holistically cost-effective alternatives for peatland use. Impact: The project created a science-based approach for decision makers to illustrate the impacts of alternative peatland re-use on biodiversity, waterways and carbon sequestration enabling holistically sustainable land use decisions. Partners: 6 + 2 with independent funding Financier: LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance
Luke develops methods to merge biodiversity values into multiple land use scheme. Information on biodiversity values is merged with people’s activities and land use preferences, and with regional land use planning schemes, to locate areas where development can be carried out in a sustainable manner. Tools, such as Yoda multicriteria tool and Forest Indicator, are developed to help decision making and to visualize trade-offs of between biodiversity and ecosystem services. Luke also has a statutory responsibility to maintain genetic resources and to conduct research relating to genetic resources used in primary production. Material in conservation programmes is valuable as such, but it also contributes to maintaining biodiversity and serves breeding and genetic research.
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Soil research and microbes A healthy soil is essential for the growth of the plants in any ecosystem including managed forests and agricultural land. The key challenges in our future like biodiversity, climatic changes, sustainable food production and forestry, invasions of pests and pathogens and the renewable resources for bioeconomics are intimately bound with the advancement in understanding soil and its microbial ecology. There is a need to take a much deeper look into soil: the invisible world of soil microbes is the best indicator of functional soil and full of opportunities waiting to be tapped into. Luke studies these opportunities in agricultural, forest, tundra, and peatland soils.
The soil is a home to massive microbe ecosystems, whose diverse benefits to other life forms are increasingly on our research agenda. It is already known that microbes affect plant growth and health. In one of our research approaches, we study, for example, how symbiotic fungi of forest trees help the nurseries produce healthy and well growing saplings, improving the cost-efficiency of nurseries, and how controlling microbiomes circulations could improve food production. Microbes could also be an important part of the solution to mitigating climate change. They are involved in all the three major greenhouse gas production and consumption processes: car-
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bon dioxide, di-nitrous oxide and methane. All these gaseous fluxes are the outcome of the important ecosystem service provided by soil microbes, namely the decomposition of dead organic matter of plant and animal origin. In connection Luke also studies how microbes can help to store more carbon in soil, and, thus help solving the challenge of global warming. In addition to microbes, Luke is also involved in many other types of soil research. One example are micronutrients, that are essential to plant growth but also improve the quality of food. Regardless of the climate in respective area, soil often lacks these important micronutrients. Ana-
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PROJECT EXAMPLES CIRCLES
ACAP
Purpose: To investigate whether and how natural microbiomes in the spinach, tomato, poultry, swine, farmed and wild salmon and seabream food chains can be exploited for a more sustainable, safe, productive and nutritious food production. Impact: The project aims to create concrete microbiome products, procedures, tools and applications which can be further developed for use in the European job market and economy. Partners: 4 Financier: Horizon 2020
Purpose: The project examines how warming climate and reindeer grazing change greenhouse gas cycles in peatlands. Impact: Only started in late-2018, the project aims to create new understanding on GHG cycles and information for decision making. Partners: 2 Financier: Academy of Finland
AccuSoil Purpose: To increase our understanding on the processes stabilizing carbon in soils. Impact: The knowledge generated in the project is needed to find ways to increase the soil carbon pool in order to mitigate the climate change. Partners: 2 Financier: Academy of Finland
Diverfarming Purpose: To develop new crop diversification systems for the delivery of food, feed, industrial products, and ecosystems services. Impact: The project provides farms and value-chain organisations with, for example, support and guidelines for sustainable diversified cropping systems. Partners: 25 Financier: Horizon 2020
lysing the micronutrient levels and creating fertilizing plans accordingly is of essence. Our expertise and work in international research projects have helped build local capacity particularly in developing countries and, thus, improve the food security in those areas.
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Sustainable food production and food security In 2030, the world will need 50% more food than in 2010 – and that food needs to be produced sustainably. For years, Luke has been active in research related to developing the entire food system from field to fork. From soil health and feeding studies to plant protection and crop and animal genetics, our expertise covers the entire primary production as well as R&D of new food products. Alongside many economic aspects, responsible food systems relate to well-being and health of people, animals and the environment. Luke produces information on the importance of responsibility and the related indicators for various actors in the food system. In addition, we provide information on how responsibility can be developed at different stages of the system. Particularly in developing countries, food insecurity is causing major social, economic and environmental problems. A complex topic with numerous affecting factors, food security requires interdisciplinary approach and close collaboration with farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders. Improving micronutrient levels in soil or milk production of cattle, adapting to changing climate and many other factors contribute to better food supply
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and wellbeing. Our experience in large research and dissemination projects in developing countries proves that increasing the local capacity to sustain progress as far as possible is key to long-term results. Mitigating climate change requires more research on new, sustainable protein sources. As an example, Luke is one of the leading research institutes in Europe studying insects, their farming, and use in animal feed and new circular economy solutions. Mitigation means also include, for example, decreasing the methane emissions of ruminants, which we study in special metabolic chambers. Moreover, our genomic research is essential for breeding new crops that can better adapt to changing climate or are resistant to certain plant diseases – and, thus, improve food security.
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PROJECT EXAMPLES FoodAfrica Purpose: Ended in 2018, FoodAfrica was a six-year programme to improve food security in West and East Africa. It applied a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach including, for example, producing new, scientific evidence for improving nutrition and food supply, enhancing cooperation between research and educational institutions, improving knowledge dissemination, and creating concrete guidelines for policy recommendations for local institutions and authorities. Impact: Among many other things, FoodAfrica trained almost 20,000 farmers in sustainable farming. Based on the research, the farmers in target markets were able to decrease the risk of aflatoxin in maize by 80%, multiply milk production by cross-breeding and effective, climate-smart farming methods, and get better, more nutritious yields by improving their soil. Partners: 7 Financier: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
Scenoprot Purpose: Scenoprot studies ways to increase the production and use of plant-based proteins. From scenario analyses and socioeconomic and environmental sustainability to change of consumption patterns, the project covers the entire value chain from primary production to consumers.
Impact: Increasing Finland’s self-sufficiency in protein production from the current less-than-twenty to sixty per cent. A similar change must take place in the rest of Europe, as soy cultivation continues destroying rain forests, accelerating climate change. Partners: 7 Financier: The Academy of Finland
Food waste monitoring system and roadmap Purpose: Luke is proactively building up a food waste measurement and monitoring system in Finland together with a food waste prevention roadmap. In 2018 Luke researchers, key ministries, food industry, retail and the restaurant and hospitality sector, and other key stakeholders of the food chain have decided on active collaboration along the food chain to measure and reduce food waste in Finland. Impact: After the project, we understand better the current amount of food waste and we can monitor that year by year. Furthermore, the system acts as a basis of Finnish food waste reporting to the European Commission. The ultimate goal is to lower food waste by initiating actions raised by national food waste road map. Financing: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation, Finnish Grocery Trade Association and Finnish Hospitality Association
Minimising food waste is another important topic in improving the sustainability and resource-efficiency of the food system. Unnecessarily produced food is a burden on both the economy and the environment. To improve the situation, Luke develops new ways to monitor and reduce food waste in the entire value chain. Simultaneously, we help producers make use of side streams and by-products to promote circular economy and new business. Also the environmental impacts and carbon footprint of different food products and diets to understand scientific basis of environmentally sustainable food production and consumption patterns and possibilities are strongly on our research agenda. ANNUAL REVIEW 2018
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Sustainable use of aquatic resources and aquaculture Fish and seafood are increasingly important form of nutrition in every parts of the world. Ensuring sustainable use of fish and other aquatic resources is of essence. Luke provides a wide range of research resources to enable the sustainable use of waters and fish stocks. Continuous development of methodology through international cooperation is an integral part of the work.
The restoration of regulated rivers and watercourses is an important area of our research, aiming to find solutions for enhancement of natural reproduction of migratory fish. The management of fisheries both in the Baltic Sea and in the inland waters support both sustainable and profitable fishing industry as well as recreational fisheries. The potential of blue wellbeing services and the essential fish habitats to support spatial planning in waters is also investigated. For decades, Luke has developed methodology for sustainable aquaculture. Our key expertise is in cold water fish farming, in flowthrough and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Aquaculture is a rapidly growing way of producing protein-rich food, already accounting
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for a bigger share of the fish on our plates than fisheries. Furthermore, fish is farmed for stocking into natural waters, securing the preservation of biodiversity and endangered species – and the livelihoods of fishermen and recreational fisheries.
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PROJECT EXAMPLES Innovation Programmes for Fisheries
Restoring migratory fish in regulated waters
Purpose: Part of European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme for Finland, the Innovation Programmes for Fisheries aim to develop the cooperation within the entire fishing industry and its value chain. The scope of the programmes includes network-based development of fisheries, fisheries’ environmental innovations, sustainable aquaculture and restoration of environments. Impact: The programmes promote fisheries’ product development, strengthen private and public partnerships, and encourage courageous experiments. Planned to continue until 2022, the programmes have already brought concrete results in form of, for example, methods to produce new kind of “pulled fish” products of under-utilised fish species. Partners: 3 coordinators + research and industry partners. Luke coordinates three of the five programmes and is an active partner in the other two. Financier: European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
Purpose: To improve the living conditions of migratory fish in regulated rivers and water courses by providing new information on the behaviour of migrating fish and supporting solutions to it. A central part of the project is to combine the information produced by researchers and hydropower companies for modelling flowing and turbulent water and fish movements in modified channels, and to advance fish monitoring in general. Impact: The partnership has increased the mutual understanding of different parties and advanced research-based solutions aiming to improve the conditions of migratory fish in regulated waters. Customers: Hydropower companies, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, regional ELY-centres Financiers: Fortum Oy, Kemijoki Oy, PVO-Vesivoima Oy, Vattenfall Oy, UPM Energy Oy, Oulun Energia Oy, Helen Oy, Kolsin Voima Oy, Finnish Energy, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and Luke.
SmartSea Purpose: The project aims to provide science-based guidance, spatial planning and support for the enterprises sustainably using the Gulf of Bothnia. Impact: In SmartSea, the potential Blue growth of the Gulf of Bothnia will be assessed and discussed with the different stakeholders. In the future, this helps planners to do decisions that are efficient and accepted by the society. Partners: 7, Coordinator Finnish Meteorological Institute Financier: Academy of Finland
Developing cold water fish farming in Vietnam Purpose: A long-term project aimed to establish cold water fish farming in Northern and Central Vietnam. In cooperation with Research Institute for Aquaculture No1 (RIA-1) and Finnish Food Safety Authority, Luke helped in building a pilot farm and built local capacity to support sustainable growth of the sector. Impact: The number of cold water fish farms has increased from zero to over one hundred, producing over two million kilos of fish. Currently, cold water fish farming employs 10,000–15,000 people in Vietnam directly or indirectly, bringing wealth to the region. Partners: 3 Financier: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
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Circular solutions When there are not enough resources for the rapidly growing population, reusing them is a must. From valorization of forest industry’s side streams to recycling nutrients of food production, Luke promotes circular economy in all its research programmes.
Valorisation of biomass from various sidestreams including wood and food processing for high value products is at the core of Luke’s circular solutions. Based on our core competences in extraction and fractionation, microbiological processing; anaerobic digestion and biogas processes; enzymatic bioprocessing; slow pyrolysis; we offer a wide range of services. These include, for example, environmentally sound refining; fractionation; extraction and processing technologies to multiply the value of the raw material. Such technologies help use the raw material in a resource efficient and feasible way. We aim to combine biomass from various sources into new products to replace those depending on fossil raw materials. For food industries in particular, optimisation of nutrient cycles and recovery as part of the entire valorisation chain plays an essential role as well.
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Furthermore, farm-scale nutrient balance is essential for sustainable food production. However, it requires precise data on manure quantity and characteristics. Together with leading European research institutes and universities, Luke works to enhance European manure management. Besides agriculture, recycling nutrients is important in a bigger picture, too. Luke explores innovative ways to reuse nutrients in, for example, ash from the side streams of energy production. Another circular solution with a nutrient cycle could be a concept of “blue pulp mill” – a combination of a pulp mill and an aquaculture facility. Or we could even produce suitable biomaterials to be used in bioplastic production, based on utilization of anaerobic digestion process to produce volatile fatty acids.
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PROJECT EXAMPLES MonoCell Purpose: The project aims to promote the use of new sustainable, domestic protein sources in fish feeds by developing novel high-quality protein components by utilising the by-products from the forest industry as microbial growth medium. Impact: Potentially, the project’s results will create new business opportunities for pulp mills in utilizing saw dust and help replace current protein sources in feed products with more sustainable alternatives. Partners: none during the project, industry partners after it Financier: Luke’s strategic funding
PROMINENT Purpose: In 2015–2018, PROMINENT explored novel disintegration, fractionation and extraction technologies to produce protein from plant residues. Impact: While addressing the global food security demand for increased amounts of dietary protein,
intensification the use of their side streams also offers means to improve the economy of related processes. For consumer food companies, availability of new protein ingredients offers new business opportunities in terms of development of new high-protein product concepts. Partners: 9 Financier: Bio-Based Industries
HerääPahvi! Purpose: The project aims to create sustainable fibre based and functional food packaging by utilising fibres from the side streams of food industry, for example from barley and oat hulls. Impact: The project is expected to partly replace cellulose in packaging and, thus, advancing raw material efficiency and circular economy. A close collaboration between food industry, scientists, paper making experts and designers supports innovation, growth and job creation. Partners: 2 Financier: European Social Fund
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Industry innovation Supporting new, sustainable business is an essential part of Luke’s work. Adding value to biomass and utilizing production side streams and by-products contribute to circular, resource smart economy, where less is more. With our well-equipped research and development facilities, also small-scale businesses can make use of top research and technology without big investments. From wood products and useful compounds extracted from trees to new aquaculture innovations and health products, Luke’s offering for industry partners spans all our research programmes. Bark, for example, is a real treasure chest of useful chemical components. Using its anti-microbial and anti-oxidant compounds wisely with innovative treatment techniques multiplies the value of biomass thousand-fold or more. Together with our partners, we explore novel methods to enhance the utilization of polyphenols, ingredients, and other useful compounds of tree and bark. Innovative food and feed products are a growing category in Luke’s R&D offering. In our modern pilot hall we test and develop new products and production processes. Our in-depth expertise in raw materials, competence in multiple industries, and long-term research supports innova-
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tion of new products for both people and animals, as well as novel technologies and improved processes. Concrete results of the work include, for example, Benella rainbow trout, which is a result of optimized plant-based feeding; and a health product for dogs. At the core of our R&D work is sustainable use of raw material. We help our customers develop products that help increase both people’s and nature’s wellbeing.
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PROJECT EXAMPLES InnoTrea
Methane bioreactor
Purpose: InnoTrea project fostered the use of forestry side-streams as economically and ecologically sustainable raw material of bioactive compounds for the development of different products. It tested and created innovative treatment techniques through which the high-value compounds of forest trees can be tailored to meet end-use requirements. Impact: The treatment techniques created in the project enhance opportunities to utilise bioactive compounds in, for example, cosmetics, food and beverages, wound care, and pharmaceutical industries. Partners: SMEs in Finnish Lapland Financier: Academy of Finland
Purpose: To build a methane bioreactor which produces energy and stores solar and wind energy and water power. The reactor also converts wood gas into pure methane, which, after pressurization, is readily available for transportation fuel. Moreover, the technology can be used to recycle industrial carbon dioxide emissions to methane production. Impact: The method has revolutionised the efficiency and storage of bio energy by obtaining microbes from swamps to produce methane from hydrogen, carbon dioxide, biogas and wood gas. Partner: Qvidja Kraft purchased Luke’s pending patents and developed the innovation further for commercial use. Financier: Luke’s strategic funding
Sustainable binders from bark Purpose: Susbinders project aims to study the applicability of bark polyphenolics in various adhesive applications and improve the process of extracting the valuable components from bark. Impact: Increasing the use of softwood bark, an abundant wood working industry side stream, can add value to forest biomass and create new business. Partners: 3 VTT, Luke and XAMK Financier: Business Finland, Kemira, Metsä Fibre, Saalasti
Animal health product Purpose: Vetcare and Luke joined forces to create Canius®, the first health-beneficial product for dogs. Combining knowledge of nutrition, food chemistry, microbiology and technologies, the product was developed in Luke’s FoodPilot facilities in Jokioinen, Finland. Impact: A new product was launched in 2017. Luke also helped Vetcare in EU product licensing, and the product is now available outside Finland, too. Partner: Vetcare Financier: Vetcare
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Some of our international activities in 2018
Canada Luke and University of British Columbia agreed to develop research collaboration in forestry to advance low carbon economy in respective countries.
Senegal, Benin, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon
The FoodAfrica Programme (2012– 2018) improved food security in six African countries through research and capacity building. www.luke.fi/foodafrica/
Argentina Luke and National Agricultural Technology Institute INTA organised a Bioeconomy Forum in Buenos Aires and developed research cooperation according to a MoU signed in 2017.
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Mozambique In a three year (2016–2018) project, Luke built local capacity in sustainable management of forest and wood resources in Mozambique. www.luke.fi/en/wood-to-boostmozambiques-economy
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China
Belgium
Luke hosted a seminar on sustainable food production for MEPs and other EU stakeholders, contributing to Horizon Europe missions. www.luke.fi/en/news/lukes-proposals-for-horizon-europe-missions-published/
Luke and the Agro-Environmental Protection Institute of Ministry of Agriculture of China are negotiating on research partnership.
Myanmar
Since 2017, Luke has improved the local capacity in national forest inventory in Myanmar. The work continues in 2019. www.luke.fi/projektit/ic-mnfi
Malaysia Luke and the State Government of Sarawak agreed on research collaboration in sustainable forestry. The pilot project will kick off in 2019.
Indonesia Luke continued to proceeded research collaboration with Indonesia according to MoU signed in 2017. The scope of the partnership includes, for example, sustainable forest management, tree breeding, and climate change mitigation. www.luke.fi/en/news/natural-resources-institute-finland-develop-forest-collaboration-indonesia/
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