The federal government announced Thursday an investment of $3 million to the Flax Council of Canada.
The investment will support the continued research and development of new flax varieties through the use of the rapid development trait system, a regulated non-genetically modified conversion system which can produce new traits in flax.
"As the largest producer and exporter of flax in the world, our Government understands the importance of supporting innovative projects such as these in Canada," said Winnipeg South Centre MP Joyce Bateman, who made the announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Creating new flax varieties and improving agronomics will increase producers’ profitability and allow processors and exporters to continue selling a high-quality product around the world."
Agronomic best management practices will be developed to help farmers achieve higher yields of flax.
Under the project, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers will collaborate with industry on a number of activities to help the sector including research into disease management, seed quality and genetic resistance to heat and drought.
"Feed application and export markets continue to expand and investments toward advanced agronomic research projects are vital in keeping pace with the growing demand for flaxseed," said Don Kerr, President of the Flax Council of Canada.
This investment is made through the Industry-led Research and Development stream of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million program under Growing Forward 2.
Canada is the largest single producer of flax in the world.