Flax production in North Dakota

IMPORTANCE TO THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA:
North Dakota produces over 90 percent of the flaxseed in the United States.  The value of the flaxseed crop in North Dakota is estimated at $45 million per year.  During recent years, the United States has been a net importer of flaxseed.  At present, the only flax breeding and genetics program in the US is at the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.  In fact, the program at NDSU is one of only three in North America.

The value and market for flaxseed as a healthy food continues to develop.  A recent news release (source unknown) indicated that a major baby food manufacturer will be adding an enriched Omega-3 product.  This could require a significant quantity of flaxseed.  Research continues to support flaxseed as a heathy choice for heart health as well as reduced cancer risk.

Research with flaxseed as a feed for beef animals has generated renewed interest recently.  Feeding one bushel of flaxseed to a large percentage of beef animals would require a dramatic increase in flaxseed production.