“Flax reveals its beauty at every stage of life”

What made you fall in love with flax? When Shannon Welsh, Executive Director of NALA, was posed this question, her response was fittingly evocative and grounded. Flax is a truly magical crop—one she fell in love with through her work in apparel and textile design. From the vibrant green fields where it grows, to the soft bluish-purple blooms, and finally the golden rattle of seed pods at harvest, flax reveals its beauty at every stage of its life cycle. The fiber it yields is long and lustrous, ranging in color from silvery grey to warm gold. When spun into cloth, it offers a unique drape that brings a natural elegance and grace to any form it takes. Flax also embodies a deep sense of tradition and craftsmanship. Its cultivation and transformation into linen connect us to centuries of textile heritage, while still offering exciting possibilities for innovation today. It’s this enduring magic of flax that has brought Shannon and her team together to form the North American Linen Association (NALA)—a community built around a shared appreciation for this extraordinary plant.

About the North American Linen Association (NALA)

The North American Linen Association (NALA) is a nonprofit trade organization that seeks to revive the North American flax fiber industry by bringing together interest groups from all stages of the flax and linen supply chain, including linen, nonwovens, composites, and co-products. Founded in September 2022 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, NALA is committed to leading the transition toward a resilient and sustainable flax fiber industry in North America, one that is rooted in environmentally responsible practices. NALA’s activities focus on the development of:

• Commercial Flax Fiber Agriculture: Developing the infrastructure and expertise needed to scale flax production across North America.
• Flax Fiber Processing Infrastructure: Supporting the growth of processing facilities to support the entire flax supply chain.
• Textile & Industrial Manufacturing: Expanding the use of flax fibers in textiles, industrial applications, and composites.
• Flax Fiber Co-Products: Maximizing the potential of flax’s diverse co-products, which offer environmental and economic benefits.

Key Objectives

To achieve our mission, NALA prioritizes the following objectives:

1. Education & Resources: We provide members with valuable materials to deepen their knowledge of flax cultivation, fiber processing, and linen production.
2. Networking Opportunities: NALA facilitates connections between stakeholders—farmers, processors, manufacturers, and retailers—to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
3. Industry Insights & Trends: We inform our members about industry standards, emerging trends, and data to ensure they stay competitive in the global market.

By addressing these core areas, NALA aims to cultivate a united, collaborative community working toward the common goal of strengthening the flax fiber sector in North America.

NALA Membership and Growth

As of March 2025, NALA represents 102 members spanning the entire flax fiber supply chain. Our diverse membership includes agricultural growers, businesses, researchers, brands, and community project representatives across North America. NALA’s grassroots approach encourages individuals and organizations to join and contribute to rebuilding a local flax fiber supply chain.

NALA’s Key Activities

To advance our mission, NALA engages in various activities:

• Educational Events: NALA hosts events like NALA Connect: Industry Insights & Member Networking, where industry experts share their knowledge on the flax fiber supply chain.
• Annual Reporting: We publish detailed reports, like our 2024 annual report, to showcase progress, milestones, and upcoming goals. Read our 2024 annual report here: https://northamericanlinen.org/annual-report/
• Community Engagement: NALA participates in events throughout North America to raise awareness of flax farming, linen production, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Why Flax Matters

Flax is renowned for its sustainability. It thrives with minimal inputs while producing high-quality fibers for textiles and a variety of applications. NALA champions flax as an environmentally responsible crop because:

• Low Water Usage: Flax requires significantly less water than many other fiber crops, relying mainly on natural rainfall.
• Minimal Chemical Inputs: Flax needs fewer pesticides and fertilizers, reducing its environmental footprint.
• Soil Health Benefits: Cultivating flax enhances soil fertility and supports biodiversity, making it an excellent choice for crop rotation.

By advocating for the expansion of flax cultivation, NALA is driving eco-conscious agricultural practices and reducing reliance on synthetic fibers and materials.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Although progress is underway, NALA recognizes the need for comprehensive data on the flax fiber industry in North America to guide future growth. We seek sponsors and collaborators to help us gather this critical baseline information and build a competitive, resilient supply chain. Through continued collaboration and sustainable practices, we envision a flourishing flax fiber industry that honors North America’s legacy in linen production while embracing modern innovations.

The North American Linen Association is at the forefront of a transformative movement to revive the flax fiber industry in North America. Through education, networking, and advocacy, NALA empowers its members to collaborate, innovate, and build a sustainable future for flax fiber and linen production. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to honoring the land’s history, respecting indigenous stewardship, and promoting environmentally responsible agriculture.

Get Involved Today

Join NALA today and be part of a forward-thinking organization leading the charge for a more resilient future in North American flax fiber production. Whether you’re a farmer looking to diversify, a manufacturer exploring sustainable materials, or a researcher dedicated to advancing the industry, your membership will make a lasting impact.

Together, we can build a flourishing flax fiber industry that supports the planet and future generations. Become a NALA member today and help shape the future of flax in North America! www.northamericanlinen.org

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Shannon Welsh is a dedicated advocate for promoting fiber, textile, and apparel design. Her work encompasses raw fiber and material development, regenerative agricultural production, regional textile systems revitalization, community organizing, outreach, and education. With over two decades of experience, she has been a trusted advisor for fiber producers, brands, universities, and community organizations seeking to bridge gaps in the regenerative textile landscape. Shannon has invested considerable time and effort in researching and revitalizing the historic linen industry of Oregon. She holds the positions of Co-Founder and CEO of Fibrevolution, Bast Fiber Producers, and Executive Director of the North American Linen Association (NALA). Additionally, she is the Founder and former Affiliate Director of Pacific Northwest Fibershed, a Fibershed affiliate organization. NALA presented at TSA’s 2024 Symposium.