The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a species of large annual forb of the daisy family Asteraceae. The common sunflower is harvested for its edible oily seeds which are used in the production of cooking oil, as well as other uses such as food for livestock, bird food, and planting in domestic gardens for aesthetics.
Are sunflower seeds suitable for South African climatic conditions?
Sunflower seed production is very suitable for South African climatic conditions. Sunflower plants are drought tolerant and thus a crucial risk diversification crop going forward. The deep root system of a sunflower plant enables the plant to perform better than other crops during dry seasons.
Will South Africa produce more vegetable oil in 2032?
While South Africa¡¯s production of soybean, sunflower and canola oil is expected to rise, processing growth is substantially slower than in the past decade and imported oils will therefor still constitute around two thirds of additional vegetable oil consumption in South Africa by 2032 relative to 2022.
Where do sunflower seeds come from?
Sunflower seeds were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, where, along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient. With time, the bulk of industrial-scale production has shifted to Eastern Europe, and (as of 2020) Russia and Ukraine together produce over half of worldwide seed production.