This presentation will describe Flax Canada 2015, a unique initiative that is establishing linkages between researchers, industry, the health care community and government. The project is developing new lines of business for higher-value flax based products and processes through total utilization of flax in four key areas: 1) human health (including functional foods and natural health products); 2) animal productivity and nutrition; 3) bio-fiber and 4) industrial feedstock. Plant production and breeding is an important component to achieving the goals developed in each area.

FC 2015 is structured as an economic development strategy based on creating sustainable value from enhanced flax acreage and from the development and commercialization of novel flax products into existing and new food, feed markets and industrial sectors. The overall goal of FC 2015 is to create a flax industry worth $1.5 billion at the farm gate by 2015. We also believe that through the implementation of FC 2015’s, $15.0 billion per year will be contributed to Canada’s health care system and those industries involved in health and in renewable resources and sustainability. Flax Canada 2015 is being funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Flax Council of Canada, the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Flax Canada 2015 website at www.flax2015.ca