Photo courtesy of Agricultural Utilization Research Institute/University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and the University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative will host the “Discover the Future of Flax: Perennial Flax Field Day” event June 3.
Located at the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center in Rosemount, Minnesota, the free in-field event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. It will showcase perennial flax, which has market potential across multiple industries.
“We see a lot of benefits to growing perennial flax, starting with the beautiful blue fields with their extended flowering for pollinators,” said Neil Anderson, professor and department head of the University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science.
From landscaping and horticulture to fiber and oil, the plant is currently being developed to thrive within conventional farming systems. It offers extended flowering from May through November and the potential for two harvest seasons.
“Once harvested, this multi-use crop has the potential to enhance and create markets across numerous industries,” said Anderson, adding that it has many advantages over annual flax, offering pollinator services, added value for fiber, cut flowers and heat and drought tolerance.
Field day attendees will be able to view the crop in person to understand its growing dynamics. A variety of industry leaders and experts will also speak about perennial flax's benefits, traits and emerging commercial uses in fiber, florals, food and fuel.
“This is a great opportunity for enterprises in the horticultural, cut flower, natural fiber or food, fuel and feed markets to explore the potential of this multi-use crop and to give input on continued perennial flax development,” said Alexandra Ostlund, business development director of Novel Supply Chains at AURI.
The event will offer time for sharing perspectives and connecting with fellow growers, makers, sellers, innovators and others.
“Connecting with other stakeholders to innovate and valorize this emerging crop will help grow industry appetite for perennial agricultural products and afford regional artisans and businesses a chance to lead the way,” Ostlund said.
To attend the Future of Flax Field Day, register here.