OVERVIEW OF LINSEED PRODUCTION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), as one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antitumoral phytoestrogens and plant mucilage, has great importance for human health. For this reason, the Agricultural Institute of Republic of Srpska promotes linseed production and processing through practical research activities. This paper provides an overview of linseed production and research activities on linseed since 2004, when this crop was returned into production in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most important findings regarding linseed production and quality in recent years are discussed. So far, it seems that organic linseed production has better perspective in mountain regions compared to lowlands, mainly due to lack of invasive weeds 500 m above sea level. Until now, linseed diseases that can spoil the quality of seed, have not been recorded, due to extensive linseed production. The first comprehensive technological analyses of cold extracted linseed oil from the mountain region Petrovac showed unique quality characteristics. This mountain region is well known for its virgin nature and sunny microclimate. This has resulted in increased interest for linseed oil, as well as raised the price of domestic linseed oil. Key words: linseed, linseed oil, organic production, unique quality, human health.