During this year’s growing season, Geoff, who has grown linseed for Kialla, experienced problems with crops. There was not enough yield to cover orders that we had from our customers.
Linseed (also known as flaxseed) is a very challenging crop to grow organically. Not because it requires more nutrients or rain, but primarily because it is susceptible to a wide variety of pests and diseases, which can be very difficult to control using organic methods.
Many organic farmers prefer to grow other crops which are easier to deal with.
The shortage meant we had to seek supplies from a commodity trader. Unfortunately, because they don’t have traceability, we are unable to tell you who grew this specific batch of grain that you have. However we do know that the linseed was grown on organic farms in India.
We can assure you that these crops were grown according to strict international organic certification standards because we only purchase from suppliers who can show they are certified by one of the official certifying bodies.
In the case of imported products, the farmers and processors in these countries must comply with Australia’s organic standards in order to be able to sell organic products into the country.
