FLAX CROP MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

• Multiple health advantages of flax crop is expected to be a major driver for rising demand for flax crops, globally. It acts as a natural laxative, aids in hormonal balance, and reduces risk related to osteoporosis. Moreover, governments of various countries have realized such health benefits and are focusing on providing health approvals for use of it in various products. For instance, in October 2013, Health Canada`s Food Directorate approved a health claim of flaxseed for serum cholesterol lowering. Such claims will aid food manufacturers to state on labels about health benefits of flax consumption to a reduce serum cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases. This is expected to positively affect demand for flaxseed in food industries.
• Demand for flax crop is increasing, owing to demand for seeds and fiber that is used in industries such as food, medical, and textile.
• Factors such as weather conditions, optimum use of fertilizers (containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), and weed control are key restraints in the production of flax crop because cold weathers and optimum use of fertilizers are favorable for these crops. For instance, according to Flax council of Canada, in 2017, dry conditions have damaged the flax yields and result was 507,000 tones, which is 80,000 less than in 2016, in spite of an 11% increase in seeded area. Furthermore, some governments have stringent policies regarding use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) seeds and use of certain pesticides. For instance, in 2010, the European Union, purchased 70% of Canada's flax. The European Union has a zero-tolerance policy regarding genetically modified organisms and turned down shipments, which adversely affected the Canada's US$ 320 million flax crop industry. Moreover, in 2016, Europe rejected shipments of flax from Russia and Kazakhstan. The reason for the rejections was due to higher than acceptable levels of a chemical herbicide called Haloxyfop. This is another factor restraining growth of the market.
• Governments of various countries in association with several organizations are focusing on increasing yield of flax seed, in order to cater to increasing demand for these in various end-use industries. This is expected to aid in growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in 2015, in Canada, the Flax Council, along with the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the Manitoba Flax Growers Association, developed best management practices and treatments such as row spacing, seeding rate, seeding date and fertility rate, which act as key management considerations for increased flax crop yields and improved quality against the restraint of weather condition.
• Moreover, in order to maintain the quality of flax seeds, governments are focusing on providing certification standards for these seeds. This is another factor that is expected to support growth of the market. There are flax seed certification standards, which are to be followed for an efficient yield of a crop. Many processing companies reject the crops that are contaminated by weed.