Publications
NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.
2025
Authors
Cristina Micheloni Frank Willem Oudshoorn Sari Autio Andrea Beste María Isabel Blanco Penedo Jacopo Goracci Matthias Koesling Eligio Malusá Bernhard Speiser Jan van der Blom Felix Wäckers Ursula KretzschmarAbstract
The Expert Group for Technical Advice on Organic Production (EGTOP) was requested to advise on the use of several substances in organic production. The Group discussed whether the use of these substances is in line with the objectives and principles of organic production and whether they should therefore be included in Annex V of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165.
Authors
Monica Sanden Eirill Ager-Wick Johanna Eva Bodin Nur Duale Anne-Marthe Ganes Jevnaker Kristian Prydz Volha Shapaval Ville Erling Sipinen Tage ThorstensenAbstract
The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has assessed an application for approval of soy leghemoglobin produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii for food uses in the EU. In accordance with an assignment specified by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), VKM assesses whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for the European market can pose risks to human or animal health, or the environment in Norway. VKM assesses the scientific documentation regarding GMO applications seeking approval for use of GMOs as food and feed, processing, or cultivation. The EU Regulation 1829/2003/EC (Regulation) covers living GMOs that fall under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act, as well as processed food and feed from GMOs (dead material) that fall under the Norwegian Food Act. The regulation is currently not part of the EEA agreement or implemented in Norwegian law. Norway conducts its own assessments of GMO applications in preparation for the possible implementation of the Regulation. In accordance with the assignment by NFSA and NEA, VKM assesses GMO applications during scientific hearings initiated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as after EFSA has published its own risk assessment of a GMO, up until EU member countries vote for or against approval in the EU Commission. The assignment is divided into three stages. Soy leghemoglobin produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii This application is submitted to gain authorisation for the use of soy leghemoglobin (the liquid preparation is referred to as “LegH Prep”) produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii (yeast) as a flavouring (“meaty taste”) in meat analogue products that will be marketed in the European Union (EU). Soy leghemoglobin is intended for addition to meat analogue products that are for use in foods such as burgers, meatballs, and sausages. Komagataella phaffii-strain employed in the production of soy leghemoglobin contains genetic modifications which allow it to express this protein. Following fermentation, the cells are lysed, and the soy leghemoglobin is concentrated by physical means. The soy leghemoglobin is delivered in a liquid preparation (LegH Prep) that is standardised to contain up to 9% soy leghemoglobin on a wet weight basis and a soy leghemoglobin protein purity of at least 65%. The remainder of the protein fraction in the LegH Prep is accounted for by residual proteins from the Komagataella phaffii production strain. These residual proteins are all endogenous to Komagataella phaffii as the gene coding for the expression of soy leghemoglobin is the only gene from a different organism. VKM has assessed the documentation in application EFSA-GMO- NL-2019-162 and EFSA's scientific opinion for the use of soy leghemoglobin produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii. The scientific documentation provided in the application is adequate for risk assessment, and in accordance with the EFSA guidance on risk assessment of genetically modified microorganisms for use in food or feed. The VKM GMO Panel does not consider leghemoglobin from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii to imply potential specific health risks in Norway, compared to EU-countries. The EFSA opinion is adequate also for Norwegian considerations. Therefore, a full risk assessment was not performed by VKM. About the assignment: (...)
Authors
Monica Sanden Eirill Ager-Wick Johanna Eva Bodin Nur Duale Kristian Prydz Volha Shapaval Tage ThorstensenAbstract
The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has assessed an application for approval of soy leghemoglobin produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii for food uses in the EU. In accordance with an assignment specified by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), VKM assesses whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for the European market can pose risks to human or animal health, or the environment in Norway. VKM assesses the scientific documentation regarding GMO applications seeking approval for use of GMOs as food and feed, processing, or cultivation. The EU Regulation 1829/2003/EC (Regulation) covers living GMOs that fall under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act, as well as processed food and feed from GMOs (dead material) that fall under the Norwegian Food Act. The regulation is currently not part of the EEA agreement or implemented in Norwegian law. Norway conducts its own assessments of GMO applications in preparation for the possible implementation of the Regulation. In accordance with the assignment by NFSA and NEA, VKM assesses GMO applications during scientific hearings initiated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as after EFSA has published its own risk assessment of a GMO, up until EU member countries vote for or against approval in the EU Commission. The assignment is divided into three stages. Soy leghemoglobin produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii This application is submitted to gain authorisation for the use of soy leghemoglobin (the liquid preparation is referred to as “LegH Prep”) produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii (yeast) as a flavouring (“meaty taste”) in meat analogue products that will be marketed in the European Union (EU). Soy leghemoglobin is intended for addition to meat analogue products that are for use in foods such as burgers, meatballs, and sausages. Komagataella phaffii-strain employed in the production of soy leghemoglobin contains genetic modifications which allow it to express this protein. Following fermentation, the cells are lysed, and the soy leghemoglobin is concentrated by physical means. The soy leghemoglobin is delivered in a liquid preparation (LegH Prep) that is standardised to contain up to 9% soy leghemoglobin on a wet weight basis and a soy leghemoglobin protein purity of at least 65%. The remainder of the protein fraction in the LegH Prep is accounted for by residual proteins from the Komagataella phaffii production strain. These residual proteins are all endogenous to Komagataella phaffii as the gene coding for the expression of soy leghemoglobin is the only gene from a different organism. VKM has assessed the documentation in application EFSA-GMO- NL-2019-162 and EFSA's scientific opinion for the use of soy leghemoglobin produced from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii. The scientific documentation provided in the application is adequate for risk assessment, and in accordance with the EFSA guidance on risk assessment of genetically modified microorganisms for use in food or feed. The VKM GMO Panel does not consider leghemoglobin from genetically modified Komagataella phaffii to imply potential specific health risks in Norway, compared to EU-countries. The EFSA opinion is adequate also for Norwegian considerations. Therefore, a full risk assessment was not performed by VKM. About the assignment: (...)
Authors
Monica Sanden Eirill Ager-Wick Johanna Eva Bodin Nur Duale Anne-Marthe Ganes Jevnaker Kristian Prydz Volha Shapaval Ville Erling Sipinen Tage ThorstensenAbstract
The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has assessed an application for approval of the genetically modified maize DP51291 for food and feed uses, import and processing in the EU. In accordance with an assignment specified by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), VKM assesses whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for the European market can pose risks to human or animal health, or the environment in Norway. VKM assesses the scientific documentation regarding GMO applications seeking approval for use of GMOs as food and feed, processing, or cultivation. The EU Regulation 1829/2003/EC (Regulation) covers living GMOs that fall under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act, as well as processed food and feed from GMOs (dead material) that fall under the Norwegian Food Act. The regulation is currently not part of the EEA agreement or implemented in Norwegian law. Norway conducts its own assessments of GMO applications in preparation for the possible implementation of the Regulation. In accordance with the assignment by NFSA and NEA, VKM assesses GMO applications during scientific hearings initiated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as after EFSA has published its own risk assessment of a GMO, up until EU member countries vote for or against approval in the EU Commission. The assignment is divided into three stages. Genetically modified maize DP51291 Genetically modified maize DP51291 (application GMFF-2021-0071) was developed via Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation. DP51291 plants contain the transgenes ipd072Aa and pat which encode the proteins IPD072Aa and PAT (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase). IPD072Aa confers protection against susceptible corn rootworm pests, and the PAT protein confers tolerance to glufosinate herbicide. The phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) protein that was used as a selectable marker. VKM has assessed the documentation in application GMFF-2021-0071 and EFSA's scientific opinion on genetically modified maize DP51291. VKM concludes that the applicant's scientific documentation for the genetically modified maize DP51291 is satisfactory for risk assessment, and in accordance with EFSA guidelines for risk assessment of genetically modified plants for food or feed uses. The genetic modifications in maize DP51291 do not indicate an increased health or environmental risk in Norway compared with EU countries. EFSA's risk assessment is therefore sufficient also for Norwegian conditions. As no specific Norwegian conditions have been identified regarding properties of the genetically modified maize DP51291, VKM's GMO panel has not performed a complete risk assessment of the maize. (...)
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Geir Wæhler Gustavsen Philip Bester van Niekerk Jonas Niklewski Christian Brischke Gry AlfredsenAbstract
With increased focus on sustainable building materials and the growing popularity of uncoated wooden cladding, understanding consumer acceptance of aesthetic changes becomes crucial for sustainable architectural choices. This study investigated consumer acceptance of uncoated wooden cladding in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, focusing on personality traits and perceptions. Using an online survey with 3112 participants, the study found that preference for uncoated wooden cladding was similar (around 20%) across the three countries, despite diferences in the prevalence of wooden cladding. A natural consequence of weathering of wood exposed outdoors is greying of the surface. The survey presented participants with images of uncoated wooden cladding with varying degrees of grey discolouration. Participants rated the acceptability of these claddings based on their preferences. Acceptance of this discolouration difered by country, Norwegians preferred intermediatecoloured panels, Swedes preferred darker panels, and Germans accepted all panels. Personality traits measured using the Big Five personality inventory and socioeconomic factors infuenced preferences. In Norway and Sweden, those accepting the discolouration of uncoated wooden cladding included introverts, highly conscientious individuals, young people, females, and those with tertiary education. Additionally, in Norway and Germany, openness to experience was linked to acceptance, while strong emotional control was signifcant only in Norway. This study underscores the complexity of consumer preferences for uncoated wooden cladding, demonstrating that personality traits, in conjunction with cultural and demographic variables, jointly infuence perception. The fndings ofer valuable insights for architects, builders, and policymakers seeking to advance sustainable construction practices while optimising consumer satisfaction in the housing sector.
Authors
Fulvio Di Fulvio Tord Snäll Pekka Lauri Nicklas Forsell Mikko Mönkkönen Daniel Burgas Clemens Blattert Kyle Eyvindson Astor Toraño-Caicoya Marta Vergarechea Clara Antón-Fernández Julian Klein Rasmus Astrup Jani Lukkarinen Samuli Pitzén Eeva PrimmerAbstract
The EU Biodiversity Strategy (EUBDS) for 2030 aims to conserve and restore biodiversity by protecting large areas throughout the European Union. A target of the EUBDS is to protect 30 % of the EU’s land area by 2030, with 10 % being strictly protected (including all primary and old growth forests) and 20 % being managed ‘closer to nature’. Even though this will have a positive impact on biodiversity, it may negatively impact the EU’s wood-based bioeconomy. In this study, we analyze how alternative interpretations and distributions of the EU’s protection targets may affect future woody biomass harvest levels, exports of wood commodities, and the spatial distribution of managed areas under wood demands aligned with SSP2-RCP1.9. Using the model GLOBIOM-Forest, we simulate scenarios representing a variety of interpretations and geographic distributions of the EUBDS targets. The EUBDS targets would have a limited impact on EU harvest levels since the EU can still increase its wood harvest between 21 % and 24 % by 2100. With strict protection of 30 % of the area, the EU harvest level can still be increased by 10 %. Moreover, the most likely scenario (10 %/20 % protection within each MS) will result in increased net exports in the coming decades, but a slight decline after 2050. However, if protection is intended to also represent site productivity or to re-establish a green infrastructure, then EU net exports will also decline before 2050. With the decreased EU roundwood harvest, increased harvest will occur in other biomes and mostly leaking into boreal regions.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Komi Mensah Agboka Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman Daisy Salifu Brian Kanji Frank T. Ndjomatchoua Ritter Atoundem Guimapi Sunday Ekesi Landmann TobiasAbstract
This study introduces a hybrid approach that combines unsupervised self-organizing maps (SOM) with a supervised convolutional neural network (CNN) to enhance model accuracy in vector- borne disease modeling. We applied this method to predict insecticide resistance (IR) status in key malaria vectors across Africa. Our results show that the combined SOM/CNN approach is more robust than a standalone CNN model, achieving higher overall accuracy and Kappa scores among others. This confirms the potential of the SOM/CNN hybrid as an effective and reliable tool for improving model accuracy in public health applications. • The hybrid model, combining SOM and CNN, was implemented to predict IR status in malaria vectors, providing enhanced accuracy across various validation metrics. • Results indicate a notable improvement in robustness and predictive accuracy over traditional CNN models. • The combined SOM/CNN approach demonstrated higher Kappa scores and overall model accuracy.