Canadian flax exports have run into another challenge.
The government of Brazil has ordered the mandatory testing of all flax shipments from Canada.
The Flax Council of Canada says this was done without any formal notification from the Brazilian government.
Representatives at the Canadian embassy are working with the Brazilian government to determine the basis for the action.
The government is also looking for a commitment that action will not be taken against Canadian flax if CDC Triffid is discovered.
Flax exports to certain key markets, including the European Union, were halted several months ago after the discovery of a low-level presence of genetically modified material.
Brazil is only a small market for Canadian flax, worth roughly 1.1 million dollars in 2008.
By contrast, the European market is worth over 250 million dollars annually.
Flax Council of Canada representatives are awaiting more information before commenting on the situation.
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