A new venture for TapRoot Farms
Farmers Patricia Bishop (BScAg’99) and Josh Oulton (Tech’96) own TapRoot Fibre Lab, a Nova Scotia flax fibre and linen producer. The three-year-old Port Williams company is now offering a machine production line to serve the market of mid-range producers. The couple hope to encourage Canadian farmers to process their own flax for fibre, offering another source of revenue. The demand is there, according to Oulton, who affirms that the clothing industry is in short supply based on the existing commercial and cottage industry operations.
The company is preparing to fulfill its first order for the production line. The French government placed the order for use in its country’s research and development. Flax fibres are used to make linen for clothing and other such items. Oulton noted that they are needing to learn new skills as the export business is new territory for the company, and perhaps for this segment of farmers in general.
This first sale is the culmination of years of research and development for TapRoot Fibre Lab. The flax processing operation fits with the company’s declaration to being committed to sustainable agriculture and the provision of local food.
Washing wool in preparation of blending with linen fibres. There is a lot of human energy that goes into the production of local fibres. pic.twitter.com/zgbCzRO9Km
— TapRoot Fibre Lab (@TapRootFibreLab) June 26, 2017
Read the full story, “Local farmers start fibre lab, land first overseas sale,” on thechronicleherald.ca.