OVERVIEW OF LINSEED PRODUCTION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Linseed (linum usitatissimum l.), as one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antitumoralphytoestrogens and plant mucilage, has great importance for human health. for this reason,the agricultural institute of republic of srpska promotes linseed production and processingthrough practical research activities. this paper provides an overview of linseed production andresearch activities on linseed since 2004, when this crop was returned into production in bosniaand herzegovina. the most important findings regarding linseed production and quality in recentyears are discussed. so far, it seems that organic linseed production has better perspective inmountain regions compared to lowlands, mainly due to lack of invasive weeds 500 m above sealevel. until now, linseed diseases that can spoil the quality of seed, have not been recorded, dueto extensive linseed production. the first comprehensive technological analyses of cold extractedlinseed oil from the mountain region petrovac showed unique quality characteristics. this mountainregion is well known for its virgin nature and sunny microclimate. this has resulted in increasedinterest for linseed oil, as well as raised the price of domestic linseed oil.key words: linseed, linseed oil, organic production, unique quality, human health.