Sunflowers is an important summer-season crop in South Africa as well. (This photo was taken at the Agricultural Research Council’s Oil and Protein Seeds research farm in Potchefstroom) This summer crop in South Africa, it is farmed for oil, as an edible seed for humans and birds and for its use as oil cake in animal feed formulations.
How much does sunflower production cost in South Africa?
Sunflower production in South Africa is highly profitable, offering yields of over 2 tons per hectare with optimized input costs and effective crop management. As of August 2024, SAFEX prices range between R8,000 and R9,000 per ton, with production costs around R10,000 per hectare.
How many sunflower seeds are produced in South Africa?
Sunflower seed production was almost 681 000 tonnes in 2018/2019 compared to 859 000 tonnes produced during 2017/18. The average yield was 1.32 tonnes/hectare in 2018/19. South Africa is a nett importer of sunflower seeds, mainly from Europe, but also from SADC countries and the Americas.
When was sunflower grown in South Africa?
Sunflower is grown in South Africa since the beginning of the previous century (Department of Agriculture, 1957b). By 1947 the production reached 41 000 t and by 1951 it was 63 000 t. The production steadily increased to 254 081 t in 1982 and 591 469 t in 1991 (Oilseeds Board, 1992).
Why is sunflower important in South Africa?
Sunflowers are grown for various uses, including cooking oil, animal feed, cosmetics, and human consumption in cereals or as salted snacks. This diverse utility, combined with the crop’s adaptability and economic viability, underscores its importance in South African agriculture Oil concentration is influenced by temperatures.
Which plant oil is used in the production of sunflower cake?
About 50% of the demand for plant oil is satisfied by locally produced sunflower seed. The balance is made up of imports and other local plant oils such as canola, cotton seed and soya. Sunflower cake is an important by-product of the oil extraction process. It is a source of protein used by animal feed manufacturers.