We are collaborating with the Soil Association in Scotland on a field lab trial of flax growing. We were one of 7 farms growing 100m2 of 3 different varities (Avian, Delta and Tango) at Phantassie Farm in 2024. We also hosted a tour of the flax mill for the members of the Field Lab, and have been retting some of the flax from the other farms as part of Rosie’s on-going flax research. All three varieties performed well when grown in organic conditions (no pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilisers), and the yield was equivalent to or higher than conventionally farmed flax in Europe. This is an encouraging result as it shows that it is possible to grow flax in a method that is beneficial for the envirionment, and that modern varieties developed by Van de Bilt seed breaders for Normandy and the Benelux region also grow well in Scottish soils and climate. Find out more about the project here: Innovative Farmers Field Lab
