A crop of North American origin now grown across the world's temperate belts, the sunflower seed is both a confectionery and snacking product and the basis of one of the world's most important vegetable oils.

The seeds and their oil supply vitamin E, healthy fats, protein and magnesium. Demand is supported by the popularity of sunflower oil in cooking and food manufacturing and by growing interest in seeds for healthy snacking. Russia and Ukraine together account for more than half of world supply, followed by the European Union, Argentina, Kazakhstan, China, Turkey and Romania. Global production is in the range of 50 to 56 million tonnes annually, though volumes are sensitive to weather and to conditions in the Black Sea region.

Quick Facts

• Native to North America, but now dominant in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region
• Russia and Ukraine together supply more than half the world's sunflower seed
• Global cultivation covers around 26 million hectares
• Leading origins: Russia, Ukraine, European Union, Argentina, Kazakhstan
• Global production: approx. 50–56 million tonnes annually
• Ukraine is the world's largest exporter of sunflower oil
• Conflict in the Black Sea region has made global supply notably volatile in recent years
• One of the world's most important vegetable oil crops, alongside being a popular snacking seed