FLAX DAY 2004

Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
“The Flax Advantage”
January 12, 2004
Saskatoon Inn
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Overview
This year’s program “The Flax Advantage” provided ample opportunity for attendees to catch the latest in market information and industry operations; learn about value-added operations from a food and fiber perspective as well as the opportunity to network with flax researchers about their flax breeding programs.

2004 Annual General Meeting

The 2004 Flax Day was a resounding success with standing room only as over 200 people gathered to hear lively and informative presentations.

The operations of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission were highlighted in the Annual Report for the 2003 year. Following is a synopsis of that report.

Administration

The role of Directors is to provide insight and direction, represent producers, approve budgets and investments; establish policy and collaboratively build the flax industry.  Long time Directors Chris Hale (Commission Chair since its inception) and Terry Boehm retired after completing two terms.  The Commission conducted an election for the two positions and welcomed successful candidates Allen Kuhlmann and Edmond Aime each for a three year term.

The Commission elected Gordon Cresswell as Chair and Bob Linnell as Vice Chair for the fiscal year of 2003.  It introduced the concept of working committees in the areas of food, feed, fiber and finance to it’s operational guidelines as well as reviewing its own regulations and policies.

The flax check-off continued to be coordinated with Levy Central.  Period 1 and 2 rebates were verified and payments completed.  Producers were advised of the check-off and rebate procedures via the newsletter and personal contact.

Research

In the fiscal year 2002/03 flax research was carried out in a multitude of areas.  The use of flax as feed included research into fish food and livestock feed.  Research in the area of health included flax in the treatment of high blood pressure, and the chemopreventative and antioxidant effects of flaxseed lignans.  Flax in industrial use was considered in plastics and processing and as reinforcement in concrete.  Research in the area of flax agronomy included phosphorus management; the effects of nitrogen fertilizer management on crop production in flax, canola and what and the emissions of the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide; managing flax residue without burning or removal; screening a flax world collection for mucilage content; developing an oilseed flax variety with enhanced bast fiber; accessing the feasibility of the processing plant method for retting straw in Saskatchewan and the development of oilseed flax varieties with enhanced straw fiber concentrations.

SR & ED tax credit program for flax producers for 2002 indicates 35% of flax levy may be claimed as the federal tax credit for flax.

Communication

The Commission maintained contact with registered flax producers via flax days (January); field day (July); the flax growers newsletter and through contact with the Executive Director.  Directors represented Saskatchewan flax interests at industry events provincially, nationally and internationally.  In addition to this, SaskFlax continued its commitment to the future of agriculture by supporting educational organizations and ventures as well as a scholarship.

Market Facilitation

Food, feed and fiber were the pillars of market facilitation for 2002/03.  Within the food pillar, the Commission introduced flax to the health conscious public through an assortment of publications, attending international food seminars and making flax samples available upon request.  SaskFlax continued to liaise with the nutraceutical industry, as well as leading food and supplement manufacturers through trade shows and seminars.

Within the feed pillar, SaskFlax and the Flax Council of Canada collaborated to support a feed demonstration project with Kansas State University.

Work within the fiber pillar included the further development of the industry by increasing awareness and product knowledge as well as securing grant dollars for the creation of a Fiber Centre.  The Fiber Specialist, Executive Director and Directors further enhanced industry development as they continued to coordinate research efforts, speak at conferences and seminars and work with governments and industry.

The financial statement for the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission was also presented at the Annual General Meeting.

To obtain a complete copy of the Annual Report and financial statement, please contact the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission office.

Resolutions from AGM

Director Remuneration
Whereas the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission is established as a development commission pursuant to section 5 of the Agri-Food Act:

Whereas the Commission consists of a Board of Directors consisting of six registered producers elected in accordance with sections 18 to 20 of the Act.

Whereas the remuneration to be paid to the members of the Commission is to be fixed by the registered producers at the annual meeting, and Whereas remuneration for previous fiscal years was $235.00 (Chair) and $155.00 (Directors).

Be it resolved that the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission rates of remuneration for its Directors is established at current rates of $235.00 (Chair) and $155.00 (Directors) for the fiscal year 2004/2005