Food - Weapon of Conquest with food producers ordered to assist the war aims of the Nazi government. New uses for food products included fat as a component for high explosives, apples to be turned into synthetic fuel and milk made into lubricating oil. German scientists created other synthetic items include a soy substitute for meat, with the purpose of making the nation self-sufficient in food. In Italy, self-sufficiency in food is also a goal for the Fascist regime led by Benito Mussolini who attempted to re-establish Italy's former glory. His efforts to reinvigorate the nation began with a campaign to increase its population, necessitating
German Institute of Food Technologies building at the turn of the year 1986/1987. In 1988, the institute was renamed into its present name, ""German Institute of Food Technologies"", and its legal form was changed from membership cooperation to registered association. On 20 Mai 2009, the foundation stone for the expansion of the DIL building was laid by Friedrich-Otto Ripke, the Secretary of State for agriculture, nutrition, and consumer protection. The former Minister-President of Lower Saxony Christian Wulff and Hans-Heinrich Ehlen were thanked for their personal contribution to the grant which enables the German Institute of Food Technologies to cooperate and link itself with further research