EU Sunseed Output Could Jump 9%
WASHINGTON - Apr 13/16 - SNS -- Sunflower seed production in the European Union (EU) could jump 9.2% this year to a forecast 8.35 million metric tons (MT) is yields return to average and farmers stick with their intention to increase area 1.7% to 4.25 million hectares.
A report by U.S. agricultural attaches across the EU says increases in the major producing countries of Spain, Romania and Bulgaria, will more than offset forecast declines in France, Hungary and Italy.
"Increased sunflower plantings are motivated by better profit margins, resilience to heat and drought, more favorable crush margins and the opportunity for premiums on specialty types of sunflower such as high oleic, linoleic and confectionary sunflower," The report said.
"Areas under specialty sunflower are reported to grow in France, Romania, and Bulgaria. France leads this trend with high oleic sunflower accounting for more than 50% of French area. Linoleic sunflower represents over 80% of Spanish area."
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