Farmers who grow flax and hemp could soon benefit from a big increase in value per acre. Thanks in part to new technology that was once essentially deemed waste material, farmers have a new revenue stream.

Advanced Foods and Materials Canada is receiving an investment of $500,000 from the federal government to turn byproducts of flax and hemp into high-quality fibre.

The money will be used to increase production capabilities of the technology developed by Blue Goose Biorefineries. Also collaborating will be POS Bio-Sciences and the University of Saskatchewan.

Besides adding value at the farmgate, it’s expected the increased production and availability of high-value cellulose products will create jobs in manufacturing, transportation and research and development.

The technology also benefits the environment by expanding biorefining capabilities.