Russia expands flax production

Minister of Agriculture of Russia Dmitry Patrushev examined flax fields and the Bryansk Flax processing plant.

The cultivation of flax and production of flax fiber is one of the key areas of activities of Bryansk Flax. Over the past five years, Bryansk’s flax sowing area increased by 650 hectares and amounted to 1.1 thousand hectares in 2020. The plant can process 15 tons of the flax straw per day, and it produces short and long fiber of high-quality. State support provided on the flax growing and the acquisition of elite seeds contributes to the high performance of the enterprise.

“Currently, the flax growing industry is reviving and building up its potential both in terms of import substitution and export of agricultural products. Over the past five years, the export of flax fiber increased by more than 3.7 times. According to preliminary data, in the first half of 2020, flax fiber export amounted to more than 1.1 thousand tons (or about $1.4 million). The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia will continue providing comprehensive support to the industry aimed to increase its competitiveness and technical renovations,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

The Minister drew special attention to the need for technical modernization of flax processing plants. Dmitry also noted the importance of the development of the competitive domestic selection of this crop and the development of new technologies for its cultivation and processing.

As of today, 149 Russian agricultural producers are engaged in flax growing. The cultivated area for this crop has been increased this year, and the gross harvest of flax fiber and hemp fiber is expected to be 48 thousand tons. The government has already appointed new support measures since 2020 for the further development of flax production. Particularly, the cultivation of flax is a priority area for state subsidies in 11 regions of Russia.