Turkish Sunflower Crop Collapses

WASHINGTON - Aug 21/07 - SNS -- Sunflower seed production is down sharply in Turkey this year, resulting in forecasts of a solid increase in imports of both oil-type and confectionary sunflower seed in 2007-08.

In a recent report the U.S. agricultural attache for the country said Turkey experienced its hottest and driest summer in decades. Lack of precipitation reduced yields, particularly in the Thrace region where 80% of local sunflower seed grows. The net result is output plunged 20% below initial forecasts to around 700,000 metric tons (MT).

"Low domestic production should increase demand for imports of sunflower seed, meal and oil," the agricultural attache said. "Because drought conditions also affected sunflower production in neighboring producers Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova, the likely suppliers are Russia and Ukraine. As these countries have developed crushing facilities Turkey may have to import more oil than seed to meet the local demand."

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