October 7, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) - Saskatchewan flax producers are responding in droves to the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission's call to send in samples of the 2009 flax crop to the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).

Each year, the CGC collects grain samples as part of its Harvest Sample program, in which tests are performed to gather data about the year’s crop quality. Results of the survey are shared with marketers, buyers and processors around the world.

Many growers are anxious to establish the quality of their flax seed in light of events in the European flax market in the last month.

Growers can call or email the SaskFlax office to receive postage-paid sample envelopes for sending in samples of this year’s flax crop to the Canadian Grain Commission.

The CGC provides the following collection information to growers that send in samples:

• If producers fill out the consent card and return it with their sample, the CGC will add them to the CGC harvest database and provide producers with their sample analysis, including grade, protein, oil and iodine value. In subsequent years, the producer will have a harvest sample package mailed out to them in August.


• If a producer does not include the consent card, the sample will be considered anonymous and will still be used for assessment of the quality of the 2009 crop.


• If the growing location and variety are known, please state this on the envelope, although it is optional for producers to supply this information.


• See the CGC's sampling procedure guidelines for information about taking a representative sample of grain. Producers do not have to send in a sample per bin or per field, but can send a test from each field if desired.


• Sample envelopes are postage paid, hold approximately 500 grams and can be dropped in any mailbox.

"The Harvest Survey is Canada's most comprehensive survey of grain quality," said Linda Braun, SaskFlax Executive Director. "Every sample received helps the Canadian Grain Commission provide valuable and timely information about the quality of our crop to buyers of Canadian grains and oilseeds."

For more information, contact:

Linda Braun, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Saskatoon, SK
Tel. 306-664-1901
Email: saskflax@saskflax.com

or

Twylla Pawlinsky
Canadian Grain Commission
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel. (204) 983-2289
Email: twylla.pawlinsky@grainscanada.gc.ca