February 1, 2010 (Saskatoon, SK) - More than 100 producers called into an industry conference call today to discuss developments in the Canadian flax industry.
Ever since September 2009, when genetically modified materials were confirmed in Canadian flax shipments to Europe, the market for flax has faced several challenges. Saskatchewan producers, who grow almost 40% of the world’s flax, are concerned about the future of the industry and how Canada will clear the system of CDC Triffid, a genetically-modified flax variety that was deregistered in 2001.
The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission (SaskFlax), in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, organized two conference calls so that growers can discuss their concerns with industry representatives.
“Questions about what will happen in the flax industry continue to grow. Our main challenge now relates to decisions on planting flax, and if planting, what seed to use: certified seed or farm-saved seed,” said Linda Braun, SaskFlax Executive Director. “These calls are a way for producers to speak directly with some of the key people in the flax industry to get answers to some of their questions.”
On the call to discuss the actions and strategies the industry is using to deal with the situation will be Barry Hall, President of the Flax Council of Canada, Quinton Stewart, Merchandiser of Flax & Soybeans at Viterra, and David Sefton, Director on the SaskFlax Board. There will also be representatives from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and spokespersons from the labs that are conducting tests for the presence of genetic modifications in flaxseed. Each of the speakers will provide comments on the issue, then the lines will be open for direct questions from participants.
Details are as follows:
1:00 PM CST February 2, 2010
Call 1-800-610-9767
Participants can tell the operator they wish to participate in the “Flax Industry Update Call”. Everyone is advised to call 5-10 minutes in advance so that the call can begin on time.
The calls are open to all and there is no cost to participate.
For more information, contact:
Linda Braun, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Saskatoon, SK
Tel. 306-664-1901
Email: saskflax@saskflax.com
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