Global sunseed production to hit record highs

Global sunflower seeds production in the upcoming 2026/27 season could reach a record 62-63 million tonnes, significantly exceeding the 56.9 million tonnes in the current season and the previous record of 59.4 million tonnes in 2023/24. These figures are presented in a report on forecasts for the crop by the consulting agency Oil World (Germany). These figures can only be achieved under normal weather conditions, experts note.

The agency notes that farmers in many countries are partially abandoning the cultivation of corn and other crops that require significant amounts of fertilizer in favor of sunflower and soybeans. Therefore, global sunflower acreage in 2026/27 could increase to a record high of 34.1 million hectares, compared to 32.8 million hectares in the previous season.

Specifically, sunflower acreage in the EU is expected to increase by 0.2 million hectares this spring, reaching 4.9 million hectares, with the largest increases forecast for France, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Spain. This could boost sunseed production in the EU to 9.6-9.7 million tonnes, approximately 1 million tonnes more than last year’s harvest.

The largest increases in sunseed production next season are expected in Russia and Ukraine, reaching 20-21 million tonnes and 12.5-13 million tonnes, respectively.

Tags: EU, France, sunseed, Hungary, crop forecast, Ukraine, Bulgaria