By far the greater part of sunflower seed plantings takes place in the Free State (46%) and North West Province (41%).
During the 1999/2000 production season, an estimated 389 350 ha were planted to sunflower seed for commercial use, as against an estimated 828 000 ha in 1998/99. This represents a decrease of 53%, which was mainly due to poor price expectations (domestic as well as international), high input costs and high stock levels.
The production of sunflower seed during 1999/2000 was estimated at 545 025 tons as against 1,2 million tons during 1998/99. This also represents a decrease of 53% in production. Favourable weather conditions that prevailed during the past two (1998/99 and 1999/2000) growing seasons resulted in good yields of approximately 1,4 t/ha for both.
Plantings, production and yield of sunflower seed from 1995/96 to 1999/2000 are as follows:
|
Season |
1995/96 |
1996/97 |
1997/98 |
1998/99 |
1999/2000 |
|
Plantings
(ha) Production
(t) Yield
(t/ha) |
644
000 753
899 1,17 |
464
000 450
100 0,97 |
511
000 562
167 1,10 |
828
000 1
166 184 1,41 |
389
350 545
025 1,40 |
|
The average producer prices of sunflower seed from 1995/96 to 1999/2000 are as follows:
|
Season |
1995/96 |
1996/97 |
1997/98 R/ton |
1998/99 |
1999/2000 |
|
Producer
prices |
870 |
1
003 |
1
364 |
1
258 |
915 |
The producer price decreased by 27%, from R1 258/ton in the 1998/99 production season to R915/ton in 1999/2000.
It is estimated that 846 000 tons of sunflower seed were needed to match the domestic demand for 1999/ 2000. Sunflower seed is primarily used for the manufacturing of sunflower oil and oil cake.
Local carry-over stocks of sunflower seed are expected to decrease from approximately 450 000 tons as at 31 December 1999, to 148 000 tons by the end of 2000.
On 30 June 1998, the Oilseeds Board terminated its functions. All assets of the Oilseeds Board were transferred to the Oil and Protein Development Trust to be used for the benefit of the whole oilseeds industry. No statutory levies are applicable and the marketing of oilseeds is free from government intervention. With regard to exports, phytosanitary requirements and quality standards must be adhered to and a PPECB certificate must be obtained.
Grain South Africa and the South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS), a section 21 Company funded by, amongst others, the oilseeds industry, perform the information function. Notices regarding Registration and Records and Returns were promulgated in the Government Gazette to be administered by SAGIS.
Research is financed with income from the Trust and performed by the ARC, CSIR and other organisations.