sunflower line almond oil line in cape town

                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
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  • What are the uses of sunflower seeds in South Africa?
  • The seeds are used for oil, bird seed and human consumption. Sunflower oil is used in food preparation, for biofuel, cosmetics and skin care products. The meal and cake are used for animal feed. Production is suitable for many South African climatic conditions as the plants are drought tolerant.
  • Where do sunflowers grow in South Africa?
  • Almost 80% of South Africa’s sunflower production is concentrated in the North West and Free State provinces. Soils should be sandy loam, with a clay percentage of less than 20%. Farmers plant sunflower seeds between November and January, while harvesting happens between late April and mid-May.
  • Why are hectares under sunflowers so low in South Africa?
  • According to Dr André van der Vyver, of the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Traders’ Association, hectares under sunflowers have reduced over the past few years due to a decline in profitability compared with other commodities: “The increase in maize yields far exceeds that of sunflower seed, which has remained nearly static,” he says.
  • What is the future of the sunflower industry?
  • John Odendaal, national marketing manager at Pannar Seed, believes “ the future of the sunflower industry lies in higher-yield cultivars and those with a high oil content ” and that breeding companies must increasingly focus their efforts on breeding hybrids with a higher oil content.