Ottawa Invests in Flax Research

Jun 23, 2014

The federal government is investing in flax research, with the aim to find ways to boost the value of unused crop components, including flax oil and flax orbitides.

Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) presented the $535,000 in funding to Prairie Tide Chemicals Inc., on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. The company, Prairie Tide Chemicals Inc. is classified as a federally incorporated start-up firm, which exists to improve the flavour of flax oil and extracting unused compounds from flax.

"Flax is an important oilseed crop for Canadian producers and processors. We are proud to support the sector in their continued research in developing innovative uses for flax that will create new markets and opportunities for Canadian farmers,” Yelich said in a release.

The funding will allow Prairie Tide Chemicals Inc., to work with industry partners including, Bioriginal and the University of Saskatchewan to make advancements on the methods (commercial scale) of recovering sweet flax oil and flax orbitides. The goal is to test these components and see how they can be used commercially in food and cosmetic products.

"With this funding, Prairie Tide Chemicals will squeeze new value from flaxseed. PTC aims be the first company to commercialize an element of flaxseed oil, called orbitides, for use in health food, cosmetics, pet food and possibly pharmaceuticals,” Martin J.T. Reaney, President and CEO, Prairie Tide Chemicals said in a release.

Canada is the largest producer and exporter of flax in the world.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.