South Africa may reach record canola production in 2026

South Africa’s canola production is expected to continue expanding, with output in the 2026/27 season potentially reaching a new record. Farmers are increasing planted area in response to strong demand for vegetable oils and oilcake.

Planted area is projected at around 189.2 thousand hectares, up 8% year-on-year. If yields remain at the five-year average of 1.89 t/ha, total production could reach approximately 357.5 thousand tonnes, marking a 16% increase from the previous season.

The expansion of canola mirrors growth in the soybean sector, with farmers increasingly shifting from wheat to more profitable oilseed crops over the past decades.

South Africa has also become a net exporter of canola, supplying markets in Europe such as Germany and Belgium. Production is mainly concentrated in the Western Cape, where winter rainfall supports the crop.

However, the outlook remains dependent on weather conditions and actual planting progress. Analysts also highlight the need for broader agricultural development through stronger public-private cooperation and improved farmer support.

Tags: crop forecast, rapeseed