Mercedes Benz’s use of natural fibres such as flax in the interior of its vehicles represents just one market opportunity for the diverse crop.
“People are looking for environmentally friendly items,” Weber Commodities president Larry Weber told a SaskFlax meeting held Jan. 12 during Crop Production Week in Saskatoon.
Other examples include dresses and toothbrushes made entirely of flax.
“Specialty is not a niche market anymore; it’s what will propel flax into the future,” said Weber, who likened the growth potential of flax to canola 15 years ago.
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He said nutraceutical markets will pay a higher price for good quality flax, which is high in omega 3 and 6. Flax is already added to chicken feed in the United States to produce heart healthy eggs, he added.
“There’s no other grain I’ve been this excited about in my 28 years in the business …. There will come a time when you can’t afford to burn your flax.”
He said he would like to see Saskatchewan flax acreage grow to two million acres this year from last year’s 1.9 million.
While most farmers are reluctant to market flax beyond the elevator, Weber encouraged them to become aware of other possibilities. For example, Bioriginal offers as much as $1 per bushel more than elevators for good quality flax.
He called flax the “next crop” – markets include nutraceuticals and linseed oil used in paint and stain products.
Helping growers become better marketers is the goal of a one-year study commissioned by SaskFlax. It will compare international prices, monitor events such as the drought in Argentina that could affect prices, and track prices that are usually higher in April, October and December than at other times of the year.
The first report is expected this month.
World production has been stagnant since the 1930s, although Canada has increased its market share to 40 percent.
Weber said south-central and east-central Saskatchewan produce more than 80 percent of the province’s flax, and good subsoil conditions in those areas could provide even better growing conditions than last spring.
He doubts flax will see last year’s high of $20 per bu. but $15 is possible and $11.50 to $13 is more likely. Anything less doesn’t make sense compared to other crops, he added.
Weber said the only downside for flax is the looming recession, from which Saskatchewan has largely been sheltered.
He hopes global economies will pick up by mid-year and allow the province to maintain its steady growth.
“I believe we can pull out of it and not see it as bad as the rest.”
