Government of Canada Supports Canadian Flax Producers

December 10, 2010

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Government of Canada is giving Canadian flax growers a boost and ensuring our country remains a world leader in flax production. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today an investment of up to $3 million to help the Flax Council of Canada improve their product testing.

“This investment is one more way the federal government is supporting Canada’s flax industry – from breeders to exporters,” said Minister Ritz. “This project will help maintain our access to the EU market for our flax producers and ensure that their products continue to meet the highest industry standards.”

This investment will help identify any remaining genetically modified flax. This includes flax breeder and certified seed sampling, and screening of commercial seed stock, rural delivery points, new crop harvest and farm saved seeds.

”The Flax Council of Canada is pleased with the Minister’s continued recognition of the importance of a competitive flax industry to western Canadian farmers” said Terry James, Chairman, Flax Council of Canada Board of Directors. “This important investment will facilitate a significant enhancement to the effectiveness of GM testing under the Flax Council’s ‘Flax Stewardship Program’ which is a critical element of maintaining access for Canadian flax to the EU marketplace”.

This investment is being provided by the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million national initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. Eligible CAAP projects could be in areas of traceability, environment, climate change, capacity development, pests and diseases, and more.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan, coupled with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives such as CAAP, continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Investments in viable market opportunities will help to build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy.

For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap.