SFF Project Summary
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| Quarterly Update: | March 2006 |
Midpoint Update [ PDF
126K
] |
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| Presentation - Biomass and
nutrientaccumulation of harakeke [PDF
899K
] |
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| Flax Bulletin [PDF
1.1M
] |
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| Final Report [PDF
775K
] |
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| Updated: | 03 Oct 2008 |
Project Description
This project will assess the opportunities and practicalities of establishing NZ Flax as an integrated or special-purpose species for on-farm plantings, for larger-scale environmental management, for iwi land development, and for the establishment of regional enterprises based on flax extractives.
The group will liaise with CRIs and industry to assess the potential of new industrial applications; and will also conduct specific work to assess the effluent stripping performance, and nutritional/anthelmintic values of NZ Flax.
Problem/Opportunity the project is addressing:
In recent years the economics of flax farming has been restricted to niche markets for decorative leaves, handmade paper, and use of the fibre in weaving and traditional crafts. Currently however, in line with a worldwide trend towards natural fibres and products, the characteristics and potentials of flax are receiving renewed attention. Areas of exploration include researching the potential of flax extractives in new biotechnology and biomaterial applications In the event that research demonstrates the potential for significant new applications, the development of supply lines and environmentally sound solutions for disposal of byproducts will be critical. While there are still significant stands of flax in some parts of NZ, most areas have been cleared and replanted to exotic species. This project offers the opportunity to substantiate/strengthen reasons for on-farm plantings of flax (nutrient stripping and nutritional/anthelmintic values) in either special purpose or mixed purpose stands; while simultaneously serving to establish demonstration sites which may serve as nuclei for new regional enterprises based on flax extractives.
Quarterly Update: March 2006
In March 2006, a Flax Fielday was convened at Barrytown, in conjunction with Coastwide Growers Association and the West Coast Development Trust. Over 60 people attended the day, with speakers from LandcareResearch , the Biopolymer Network and Lincoln University updating on developments with textiles, biocomposites, and harakeke seed oil. A summary of the days proceedings is available from the project manager.
December 2005
In November 2005, a Hui Harakeke was convened in Rotorua, in collaboration with Scion and the Uku Sustainable Housing project team. Over 80 people attended the hui, which show-cased prototype fabric, biocomposites, and building panels; and a demonstration of a prototype trailer mounted flax stripping machine. A summary of the days proceedings is available from the project manager.
Progress to date
Rotorua Hui Harakeke
Audience
Rangi Te Kanawa (with prototype muka fabric)
Kepa Morgan and
colleague (with the prototype trailer mounted mobile flax stripping machine)
The project has received generous financial support from Greater Wellington Regional Council, Horizons Regional Council, Hawkes Bay Regional Council, Eastern and Central Community Trust, and the Transpower Landcare Trust Grants Programme. Extensive media publicity has resulted in excellent follow up from businesses, researchers, iwi authorities and landowners; and linkages have been established with people and organisations working on projects encompassing the environmental, cultural and economic values of harakeke. Regular email updates are sent to the project database of interested individuals and agencies.
Two project planting sites have been established on Wairarapa farms, and are being maintained with assistance from Conservation Corps. Agresearch have completed reports on the nutritional value of green strippings (byproduct of fibre processing) as a supplement for pasture fed animals (Litherland et al, 2005, "Digestion Kinetics of NZ Native Flax"); and on nutrient uptake of NZ Flax (Dr Grant Douglas, 2005 "Productivity and Nutrient Concentrations of NZ Flaxes").
A midpoint project report has been prepared summarizing previous work on ecology/agronomy; and presenting a preliminary summary of the status of flax in land management plantings, and in new product/market research. The report notes a strong grouping of interest/expertise in the central North Island (around Rotorua/Taupo), and a strong grouping in the central South Island (linking Christchurch and the West Coast): planning is underway to convene seminars in each of these locations, to consider further opportunities for linkages and collaboration.
