Lantmännen Research Foundation funds the food system of the future with SEK 10 million

News, 2025

Lantmännen Research Foundation recently presented the distribution of new projects at the open call 2024. SEK 10 million will go to projects related to Lantmännen’s food and bioenergy’s processing industries. Special interest has been shown projects that encompasses processing and refining of legumes, the effects of whole grain and fiber consumption on cardiovascular health, and biodegradable plastics.

Since 1986, the foundation has invested in research along the entire value chain. Among other things, a network of researchers has been formed to work together to increase productivity and reduce climate impact in agriculture, to secure food security and to contribute to a more robust food system.

To ensure anchoring and benefits for Swedish agriculture, all applications are assessed by review panels consisting of representatives from academia, Lantmännen’s officials and Lantmännen’s members – i.e. active Swedish farmers.

”Legumes have many added values such as high protein and fiber content, and how these appear during processing is therefore very interesting. Especially in the context of how pea protein isolates, with broad opportunities for food applications, should be commercialised,” says Annelie Moldin, R&D Manager Food and Energy, Lantmännen.

Projects that have been granted funding in the 2024 call, focuses primarily on the processing and refining of legumes, the link between cardiovascular health and the consumption of whole grains and fiber, and biodegradable plastics.

One of the projects will investigate how protein structure affects the function of ingredients and what happens to them during processing. The project is of great interest to producers of plant foods, especially those with pea-based products.

Another important project involves studying how whole grain intake from rye affects heart health.

Two projects focus on the production of biodegradable plastics, from starch from pea, wheat and oats, using film blasting or by using bioethanol as a raw material.

In summary, Lantmännen Research Foundation works to ensure that the results from the projects strengthen both the Swedish food industry and contribute to a fossil-free society. This can be done through product innovations, process improvements and new business models that contribute to new or improved business and, by extension, to a more viable agriculture.

”Over the years, we have funded a number of research projects that have contributed knowledge for both existing and new potential businesses. Knowledge that benefits both the food industry and the general public,” concludes Annelie Moldin, R&D Manager Food and Energy, Lantmännen.

For more information, please contact:
Annelie Moldin, R&D Manager Food and Energy, Lantmännen
E-mail:
helena.fredriksson@lantmannen.com

Lantmännen’s press service
Tel: 010 556 88 00
E-mail:
press@lantmannen.com