Top Flax Producing Countries

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an ancient crop, first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 9,000 years ago, prized for both its fiber (used to make linen) and its nutritious seeds (linseed). Historically, flax cultivation spread from the Middle East to ancient Egypt, where it was essential for linen production, and later to Europe and Asia. By the Middle Ages, flax was a staple crop across much of Europe, especially in Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, due to the demand for fine linen textiles. In modern times, the leading flax-producing countries are Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and India. Canada dominates global flaxseed production, primarily for oil and food use, while Russia and Kazakhstan are major producers as well, focusing on both seed and fiber. China and India also grow significant amounts of flax, mainly for its fiber. The enduring importance of flax reflects its versatility and the long history of human ingenuity in agriculture.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat