January 19, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) Manitoba flax growers have for years lobbied the Manitoba government to be the official agency for the provinces flax producers. Their dreams became a reality this past summer.

The Manitoba Flax Growers Association check-off fee is 0.5% of the selling price for seed and 1% for straw, with a maximum fee per producer of $275 per year.

At the last week’s Flax Day Conference in Saskatoon, the two farm organizations met to discuss issues of concern to flax growers and participate in the annual business meeting of SaskFlax.

Allen Kuhlmann, Chair of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission, welcomed the Manitoba group. "It will be a pleasure to work with Canada's second-largest producer of flax to enhance the industry," he said.

"Manitoba Flax Growers Association is committed to participating financially and being a team player with both the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the Flax Council of Canada in pursuing much-needed plant breeding and agronomic research for flax production and enhancement in Canada," said MFGA Chair Garvin Kabernick.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Garvin Kabernick, Chair
Ms. Dana Moroz, Executive Director

Manitoba Flax Growers Association
PO Box 128
Oak Bluff, Manitoba
R0G 1N0
Telephone/Fax: (204) 832-0935
Email: mfga@mts.net