Feasibility of a long-line flax fiber processing facility for Saskatchewan

This study will develop a business model for long-line flax production in Saskatchewan.The business model under investigation will necessarily rely on European technology. A scutching facility in Saskatchewan would probably consist of an imported scutching line from Van Dommele Engineering in Belgium, or equivalent. Seeding and harvesting equipment, such as Noudet Gougis seeders and Dehondt pullers, turners, and balers, will also be imported.

A flax scutching facility with flax that has been harvested, retted and rolled up in the same way it is done in Europe can process approximately 2500 kg of straw per hour. While the cost of production line has been established at approximately 3,000,000 euros, author will request a complete budget proposal from a contact at Van Dommele Engineering, tentatively by January 31, 2012. Pricing and specifications for Noudet seeders and Dehondt flax pullers, turners, and balers will be established by the end of January 2012.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Barry Scholnick

Student:

Paul Sinclair

Partner:

Terramax

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Alberta