The PHOTONFOOD prototypes are ready and we are currently in contact with stakeholders along the food value chain to demonstrate the devices and receive feedback. The team from NMBU made a preparatory visit to the Felleskjøpet’s grain reception facility. Maren Anna Brandsrud was part of the group.
Maren, you worked at Felleskjøpet’s grain reception facility in Rakkestad before joining the BioSpec group at NMBU. What is the role of this facility?
Yes, I worked there alongside my studies. The Felleskjøpet facility in Rakkestad serves as a link between farmers and mills. They purchase grain from farmers and distribute it further to mills, feed production, etc.
What were your tasks and what have you learned at the grain distributor?
I was an operator and my task was to categorize and transport the grain from the farmers into the correct silo. In addition, I also helped with the drying process. I learned about classes of grain and about different tests that need to be done in order to classify it. I also learned how to operate the system.
How does the grain quality monitoring work at Norwegian grain reception facilities? Are there difficulties in the process?
The first step is to visually inspect the grains. Then, we measure the moisture content of the grain. Depending on the type of grain, we also check the protein content, the falling number, and the DON level.
How is the PHOTONFOOD project relevant to grain purchasers?
The project is focused on developing a new method for measuring DON contamination in grains. A more efficient method will speed up the process.
The NMBU team recently visited the Felleskjøpet’s grain reception facility. What surprised you/the team most? What new knowledge or aspects did you take home for the project?
Since I had been working there for years, I had a pretty good overview of the procedure. However, it was nice to be introduced to the facility and learn how important the DON levels are for different products.
The PHOTONFOOD workflow will be demonstrated at the facility in autumn after the harvest. What are the objectives of the demonstrations?
We aim to show them our devices and the workflow of the measurements, make them aware of this potential new testing method, and look forward to their feedback.
Thank you for the interview. We will be in touch after the demonstration to the millers to hear whether the objectives were achieved.
By Maren Anna Brandsrud, NMBU, and Denise Diggelmann, accelCH