Flax Bast 2008 "Fiber Foundations - Transportation, Clothing and Shelter in the Bioeconomy" as an event, is now history. However, its impact is only beginning to blossom! Connections made are now being cemented. Business to business, business to research, research to research and research to business discussions, dialogue and decisions are well underway at home and abroad. The world of flax and other bast plants has become much more accessible to all stakeholders, with the conference attracting 133 delegates from 18 countries.

Our overarching goal was to gather world flax and other bast plants experts together to share information and form collaborative relationships to advance the industry. Although the "gathering" and "sharing" was initiated, it is up to all of you to seize the opportunities created and expand your research connections, product development or business as the case may be.

The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission, representing Saskatchewan's 12,000 plus flax farmers was pleased to host the event in our beautiful province of Saskatchewan. We hope you enjoyed your visit and welcome you back anytime.

Financial support for the 2008 FlaxBast Conference was provided by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan (ACAAFS) program. Funding for the ACAAFS program is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.