World sunflower seed production at 4-year low

According to the latest data from the International Grains Council (IGC), global sunflower seed production this season is expected to be 50.1 million tonnes. Not only will this be 100,000 tonnes less than previously expected and 12.4% less than in the previous 2023/24 MY, but it will also be the smallest production volume in 4 years.

According to the IGC, the harvest was lower than in the previous year, especially in Russia, Ukraine and the EU – the three largest producers of sunflower seed. In Argentina, the harvest is currently in full swing. Recent heat and drought have limited yields in Argentina’s most important agricultural region. Against this background, the Grain Council revised its forecast downwards by 100,000 tonnes compared to the previous month. However, according to a study by the German Union for the Promotion of Oilseeds and Cereals (UFOP), in mid-February, about 90% of stocks were still in good or excellent condition. The harvest, currently estimated at 4 million tons, is expected to be about 2.6% larger than in 2024.

The U.S. also likely had a smaller harvest than previously expected. The latest figures put the harvest at about 500,000 tons, only half of last year’s 1 million tons. The Ukrainian harvest estimate was slightly raised, but the current forecast of 13 million tons is expected to be a 21.2% decline from last year.

Tags: sunseed, crop forecast