Flax growers and traders are receiving assistance from the federal government to help cover the cost of ensuring the seed they plant and sell is Triffid-free.
Agriculture Canada is investing up to $3 million to rid the supply system of any remaining genetically modified flax.
“This project will help maintain our access to the (European Union) market for our flax producers and ensure that their products continue to meet the highest industry standards,” said federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz.
Barry Hall, president of the Flax Council of Canada, said the money will ease the burden of maintaining access to the most important flax market.
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“It’s great news. It just shows the continued support from the federal department of agriculture,” he said.
Half of the money will be spent subsidizing grower costs and the other half helping the trade meet the EU’s specifications.
The first stage of the multi-year program will focus on testing both pedigree and farm-saved seed to be planted in the 2011-12 crop year.
Starting Jan. 1, 2011, approved labs will give farmers a 50 percent discount up to a maximum of $100 per sample. The Flax Council of Canada will reimburse the labs using the government money.
The industry introduced a more rigorous testing procedure this fall, which doubled the cost for a typical Triffid test to about $200. Hall said it has been a worthwhile endeavour resulting in cleaner product being loaded on vessels.
“It is paying off,” he said.
“There are less and less positives showing up.”
The program will be extended on Aug. 1, 2011, to cover the testing of all flax production.
Hall expects the money will subsidize at least two years worth of Triffid testing.
