The area allocated to flax fiber in Europe is expected to reach 160,000 hectares in 2024

As the imbalance between supply and demand has caused a 36% increase in fiber prices from June to November, the European Flax and Hemp Alliance anticipates an increase in the area allocated to flax fiber by 2024 , and Europe will represent three quarters of world production.

The coastal strip that extends from western France to the Netherlands, suitable for the cultivation of flax, had accumulated 150,000 hectares dedicated to this fiber in 2023. Projections and field reports indicate that in 2024, this area could expand to 160,000 hectares, approaching the record of 163,000 hectares. achieved by the sector in 2020.

Behind this growth, the sector observes the appearance of winter flax, sown in late autumn and not in spring and harvested approximately a month earlier than traditional flax. It is expected that no less than 30,000 hectares will be allocated to it this year, which represents a three-fold increase in one year and a six-fold increase in two years.

“This flax, sown in late autumn and harvested about a month earlier than traditional spring flax, follows a longer cycle that can better resist the extreme weather events, such as droughts, heavy rains and storms, that have characterized recent springs. “says the Alliance, which expressed concern last July about the impact of climate change on the industry.

The organization's projections foresee a monthly production of certified “European Flax” flax that will not exceed 10,000 tons in the first quarter, compared to an average of 12,000 to 16,000 (excluding July and August) in the last two years. The nature of the straw harvested in 2023 is expected to gradually reduce this figure to 8,000 tons per month by the end of the semester.

“In terms of prices, supply tensions are expected to persist at least until autumn 2024, when flax straw from the next harvest begins to be processed,” the Alliance said. “Meanwhile, pressure on flax prices is likely to continue amid a global surge in demand for natural fibers.”

This demand has caused the price of European linen, in all its qualities (except transport and intermediaries), to go from 6.05 euros per kilo in June to 8.23 ​​euros in November.