Canadian flaxseed

Description

The Canadian Grain Commission provides resources about Canadian flaxseed that are related to the Canadian Grain Commission’s functions as defined under the Canada Grain Act. This includes information about Canadian flaxseed standards and grades.

Biological classification of flaxseed

Family: Linaceae
Species: Linum usitatissimum
Type: Oilseed

Growing areas in Canada

Growing areas: Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan

End uses for Canadian flaxseed

Flaxseed has a variety of uses. Flaxseed is a source of linseed oil. It is found in breads, cereals, crackers, energy bars and other foods. Flaxseed is used to make fabrics, paper, medicines and soap. In agriculture, it is used as cattle and poultry feed.

Canadian flaxseed and Canada Grain Regulations

Flaxseed is one of the grains defined in Canada Grain Regulations – Section 5. This means that the Canadian Grain Commission establishes and maintains quality standards for flaxseed. Also, this means that flaxseed is one of the crops protected by security. If a licensed grain company refuses or fails to pay for a delivery of flaxseed, the producer can make a claim against security.

Canadian flaxseed classes and varieties

Under the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission has the authority to designate the class of grain for which new grain varieties are eligible. For each class of barley, we maintain a list of varieties that are eligible for that class in Canada.

Canadian flaxseed standards and grades

The Canadian Grain Commission defines Canadian grain standards and assesses the grade of grains against these standards. The Grain Grading Guide contains all the standards for Canadian grain. Chapter 11 presents the standards for flaxseed.

Standards Committees review these grading standards and recommend changes when necessary. The committees also select the standard samples of Canadian grain used each year.

Scientific analysis of Canadian flaxseed crops

The Canadian Grain Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory conducts scientific analysis of harvest and crop export quality and generates reports that offer information about each year’s crop. Crop quality data is taken from samples collected during our annual Harvest sample program. Export quality data is taken from samples collected from export shipments.