Food technology

The use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture is still under intense debate, and national differences of opinion have hindered a pan-European solution thus far. Still, while the global cultivation area of GMOs increased by only 3% from 2015 to 2016 (179.7 million hectares versus 185.1 million hectares), across the EU the area increased by 17% (from 116,870 to 136,363 hectares). Nonetheless, resistance against GMO products remained high in Europe.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established a number of agricultural goals regarding eco-friendly economic practices. However, especially the developing world is faced with decreased cost-efficiencies during the implementation of the environmentally-sound production processes. In order to address these issues, 40 ministers, CEOs, high-level representatives of UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations and trade unions, as well as more than 300 sustainable development experts gathered in Berlin.

Humans and animals require omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy and well-balanced nutrition. These essential fatty acids consist of a family of polyunsaturated fats that also include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Since the body can’t produce them, omega-3 fatty acids have to be taken up through the diet or diet supplements. Many studies have shown that sufficient levels of omega-3 EPA and DHA support brain, eye, and heart health in multiple species, including humans.

Cultivating tomatoes in space — it all sounds rather alien! Yet that extra-terrestrial mission is central to a project currently being developed by the researchers from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). Preparations for the mission: Eu:Cropis (Euglena and Combined Regenerative Organic Food Production in Space) are in full swing. Scientists hope to send a satellite carrying tomato seeds into space before the end of the year.

Tetra Pak are aiming high: The Swiss-based packaging manufacturer, originally founded in Sweden, has set its sights on manufacturing products from 100% renewable materials that have been cultivated sustainably. "The introduction of the new Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge packaging with the bio-based LightCap 30 is a key step towards achieving our goal," says Charles Brand, Tetra Pak Executive Vice President.

Now bio-engineers from Halle have found a way of manufacturing carnosic acid using biotechnology. As the team reports in the scientific journal 'Nature Communications', they do that by using reprogrammed yeast as a cell factory. With its powerful aroma, rosemary counts as one of the most popular kitchen herbs. The cause of the distinctive taste is the vegetable substance carnosic acid. It is also found in sage leaves.