By Marsha Laux, content specialist, AgMRC, Iowa State University.

Revised September 2009 by Diane Huntrods, AgMRC, Iowa State University.


History
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is one of the oldest crops, having been grown since the beginning of civilization. Flax was cultivated primarily for its use in linens. Burial chambers dating back to about 3000 B.C. depict flax cultivation and clothing from flax fibers.

Flax was first introduced to the United States by colonists, primarily to produce fiber for clothing. As the United States grew and more buildings were constructed, the need increased for flaxseed oil, commonly called linseed oil, to use in paints. The demand for flaxseed, or linseed, meal for livestock and poultry feed also increased. As a result, the flax processing industry was developed in the late 18th century. By the 1940s, however, cotton had replaced flax as a commonly used fiber in the United States, and flax became nearly extinct as a crop.

Production
Flax, a blue-flowering plant, grows best in cool climates with long periods of daylight. It is generally grown for one of two reasons: for the seeds or for the fiber. Most commercial operations in North America produce flax for its seeds.

Flax production in the United States occurs in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Minnesota. In 2008 total U.S. production declined to 5.7 million bushels. Over 90 percent of the flax was grown in North Dakota, which harvested 323,000 acres. Flax production in the state totaled 5.5 million bushels. Although flax prices reached $13.10 per bushel, an all-time high, the total value of the 2008 flax crop fell to $74.7 million.  (NASS 2009)

Canada is the largest producer of flaxseed in the world, representing about 40 percent of world production. When combined, China, the United States and India account for another 40 percent of world production.

Value-Added Uses
Flaxseed is typically processed by cold pressing to obtain flaxseed oil suitable for human consumption and by solvent extraction to obtain flaxseed oil for industrial purposes. Flaxseed meal is the byproduct remaining after flaxseed has been crushed for oil. 

Flax is an attractive, high-nutrition crop because it is rich in dietary fiber, very high in essential fatty acids and high in vitamins and minerals. Nutritionally, flax provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. In fact, the percentage of ALA in flax is the highest of any plant source. Humans can consume flax as a supplement or as an ingredient in various foods.

Flax has traditionally been used as an ingredient in breakfast cereals and breads. However, in the last ten years, a significant number of products containing flax have been developed for the health food market. The renewed interest in flax as a food source is due to findings suggesting that it can provide a variety of health benefits such as reducing heart disease and cancer risks. Research also indicates additional health benefits related to the autoimmune system.

Flaxseed meal is gaining popularity in the premium pet food industry. Many pet food manufacturers are adding the meal to their animal and poultry feeds. With its unique combination of amino acids, flaxseed meal appears to improve both the overall health and appearance of cats, dogs and horses, producing a glossy, healthy coat for the animals. Flaxseed is also used in the production of omega-3 enriched eggs, in broilers and in dairy cattle to influence milk-fat composition. Research has indicated that animal rations containing flaxseed increase fertility in hogs and immunity in calves.

In the past, "industrial" flaxseed oil for linoleum, paints and other industrial products was in high demand. Increased use of water-based paints and petroleum-based floor coverings has reduced that demand. In the late 1990s, however, the trend toward healthy and environmentally friendly products began to create new opportunities for the flax industry. The non-allergenic and biodegradable characteristics of linoleum have led to a resurgence of demand for linoleum in some parts of Europe. This oil can also be used as an anti-spalling treatment for concrete to prevent breakup.

The paper and pulp industry uses the fiber in the stem of flax plants for linen sheets, napkins, table cloths and clothing, and for fine papers like parchment paper and cigarette paper. Short flax fibers can be blended with cotton or other fibers to make medical products such as bandages. New developments are focusing on using flax straw as an alternative fuel. Flax straw has a per ton heating value similar to soft coal and thus has a heating value greater than other crop residues. Flax fiber is also under consideration as a lighter, environmentally friendly replacement for glass in cars. Using flax, a Canadian plant produces fibers to replace the fiberglass presently used to make automotive parts like dashboards.

Exports
The United States exported flaxseed valued at $20.1 million in 2008, a 16 percent decline from the previous year. As is typical, most of the flaxseed was shipped to Belgium.  (FAS 2009)

The country also exported the majority of flaxseed, or linseed, oil and linseed meal on the world market. The United States shipped linseed oil valued at $28.2 million, a 13 percent increase from the previous year, mainly to Canada and to China. U.S. linseed meal exports rose more than 500 percent, reaching $9.0 million, and were mainly shipped to Canada.  (FAS 2009)

Imports
In 2008 the nation imported flaxseed valued at $106.2 million, primarily from Canada. U.S. imports of linseed oil rose a modest 3 percent, totaling $13.6 million, coming mainly from Canada and China. As is typical, Canada also provided all of the linseed meal imported in 2008; the meal was valued at $2.7 million, a 7 percent increase from 2007.  (FAS 2009)

Outlook
The ongoing wheat shortage and strong demand for corn for ethanol production continues to support elevated U.S. wheat and corn prices. As a result, U.S. flaxseed production is expected to decrease as producers switch from flax to wheat or corn.


Sources
Crop Production Annual Summary, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS), USDA, 2009.

Crop Values 2008 Summary, NASS, USDA, 2009.

Flax Council of Canada

Flax Page, North Dakota State University.

Oil Crops Outlook, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA.

U.S. Trade Database, Foreign Ag Service (FAS), USDA.