Survey of 47 oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) growers to identify ways to expand its cultivation in France

Abstract

Over the past 20 years in France, oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has usually been grown on less than 20 000 ha per year while needs of the French linseed sector are estimated at around 30 000 ha per year. In this article we identify ways to increase the cultivation of oilseed flax in France. Forty-seven linseed producers were surveyed in January 2013. The aim of this survey was to (i) describe farming systems that currently grow oilseed flax (e.g. size, nature of production, farmers’ goals), (ii) identify farmers’ perceptions of strengths and weaknesses of oilseed flax in their farming systems, and (iii) test farmers’ reactions to scenarios created to facilitate expansion of oilseed flax cultivation. Surveys reveal a wide diversity of farming systems that produce linseed, from those specialised in crop production to those specialised in animal production. According to surveyed farmers, main advantages of oilseed flax are related to its compatibility with the farm work schedule. It is also useful agronomically, as it is a beneficial preceding crop and increases the duration of crop rotations. It is also a valuable alternative to crops that become difficult to grow. Its main drawback is that it provides insufficient profits. As for the expansion scenarios, cultivation of oilseed flax may increase if the linseed sector addresses genetic improvement (i.e. new oilseed flax cultivars), technical progress (especially in pest and disease management), and economic subsidies (e.g. a minimum price for linseed).

Keywords

• Crop diversification
• oilseed flax advantages
• scenarios
• expansion of oilseed flax cultivation