Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an annual herbaceous plant that self-pollination. It is an important crop for both fiber and oil production, with a history of cultivation spanning 6000–8000 years. Flax is grown in various regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. In China, flax has been grown for over 5000 years, mainly for seeds or oil. Flax has only a history of nearly 90 years as a fiber for large-scale cultivation. Flax dress is not only green, and natural, but also with a millennium of cultural atmosphere, so the application of flax fiber is ageless and everlastingly new, but the use of flax fiber is not only for clothing. Due to the good mechanical properties of flax fiber composites, which can replace glass fiber, carbon fiber and other fiber composites, the study and application of flax fiber composites have developed vigorously in recent years. Additionally, flax seed oil is recognized as a functional food with high nutritional value, boasting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antihypertensive and cardiovascular disease prevention properties. With the increasing use of flax and the challenges posed by climate change, it is necessary to adjust breeding strategies and goals accordingly. This chapter provides a summary of the current production status, market trends, price fluctuations, breeding technologies, and advancements in new variety selection for flax. It also discusses breeding objectives and strategies, serving as a valuable reference for future flax breeding efforts.