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SaskCanola and SaskFlax seek grower feedback on proposed amalgamation

The Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola) and Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission (SaskFlax) are considering amalgamation, which would see SaskCanola assume the mandate of SaskFlax for flax seed and straw, including research, advocacy and market development investments and accompanying communications.

As of January 2023, SaskCanola has been providing operational support to the SaskFlax board. Resolutions were passed at both commissions’ annual general meetings (AGMs) calling for the two organizations to explore options for potential amalgamation.

The next step toward full amalgamation of the two commissions is to gather feedback from canola and flax growers. All Saskatchewan canola and flax growers were sent a notice in the mail encouraging them to participate in an online consultation survey, which will remain open to gather their input from July 1 to Nov. 17. Survey results will be shared at both commissions’ AGMs in January 2024.

“As flax is a small acreage crop in Saskatchewan, we think amalgamation would minimize overhead costs for flax producers and better leverage investments opportunities, especially in the areas of policy and research,” says Greg Sundquist, SaskFlax chair.

“Both of our respective boards have discussed our potential amalgamation and what the future could look like in terms of synergies,” says Keith Fournier, SaskCanola chair, “but now we want to know whether growers support this prospect and what concerns they have so that we can properly address them.”

Visit here to participate in the survey and share your feedback.