January 12, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) Producers now have access to a new service that will provide timely information on marketing flax.

The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission announced the SaskFlax Market Support Program today at their annual Flax Day conference in Saskatoon. SaskFlax has teamed up with Weber Commodities, a Saskatoon-based market information company to provide a series of detailed reports on supply, demand, and world markets through the SaskFlax website.

“Our mission is to help increase net returns to flax producers,” said Linda Braun, SaskFlax Executive Director. “This program will enable farmers to make informed, timely decisions in their cropping and marketing of flax. It will help producers better manage the risks that come with the business of farming.”

Larry Weber, President of Weber Commodities, was a keynote speaker at Flax Day. “Flax is one of the most exciting commodities I can think of,” he said during his presentation. “The potential of this crop is limitless—there’s the flaxseed, the oil, the fiber and the vast number of products that can be made from it. But how do you market the stuff? That’s what this program will provide.”

A focus group of flax producers and other industry representatives will provide feedback and evaluate whether this pilot project should be extended past February 2010. Funding for the program was provided by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan (ACAAFS) program and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

To access the SaskFlax Market Support Program vist the SaskFlax website in the “Marketing” section.

For more information,contact:
Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Tel. 306-664-1901
Fax. 306-664-4404
Email: saskflax@saskflax.com