The Manitoba Flax Growers Association (MFGA) is facing a number of challenges at this time, as was revealed last week at the group's Annual General Meeting.

The group reported a net loss of $29,509 for the year ending July 31, 2017.

Chair Eric Fridfinnson says there is still a demand for the organization, although smaller acres have led to smaller check-off revenues.

He had these thoughts on how to increase acres moving forward.

"We have the ongoing issue of making sure that we maintain a successful flax breeding program," said Fridfinnson. "We only have the one program left in Canada at this time at the Crop Development Centre in Saskatoon. We're working with the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission to make sure that that program is vibrant. Over the past number of years, also we've been involved in development of herbicide technologies through the Minor Use Program, that's another thing that we want to try continue working on."

Fridfinnson says flax acres in Manitoba have dropped down to about 60,000. He notes one positive is that yields are higher than they've ever been.

The group is in favour of an amalgamation and has decided that it will renew its Memorandum of Understanding with the other four commodity groups that are involved in merger talks.

"For any of the smaller crops, it probably makes even more sense than for the larger ones," commented Fridfinnson. "It's not only the operational efficiency but it's also just to be able to do long term planning."

MFGA will be moving its operations to Carman at the end of the month. Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers will administer the group's operations for a fee.

(L-R) MFGA Chair Eric Fridfinnson presents Administrator Monika Haley with a token of appreciation for her years of service.