Approximately 300 000 to 350 000 tons of plant oils are produced in South Africa and the balance is imported, primarily as sunflower oil and soya oil. The biggest sales point for canola in the Western Cape is the industrial market because of its good emulsifying characteristics.
What is the difference between rapeseed and canola?
Canola is a special biotype of rapeseed. The word “canola” is derived from “Canadian oil, low acid”. Rapeseed, is an oilseed plant originated from an ancient civilisation as far back as 3 000 years ago in India. Canola was developed through breeding from rapeseed. The word “rape” in rapeseed comes from the Latin word “rapum”, meaning turnip.
Where is canola grown in South Africa?
In the summer rainfall areas, canola can be produced under irrigation during winter period. There are also farmers in other areas of South Africa, such as the Northern Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and North West provinces, who plant canola in small quantities. Canola has a taproot system.
Does South Africa export canola?
2020 saw South Africa export canola for the first time ever ? 30 000 tonnes, to Europe ( Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy [BFAP], 2021 ). Exports have not only continued, they are expected to increase over the next decade (BFAP, 2023).