Market Information

Sunflower Marketing in the UK 2006

The main market for UK grown black oilseed sunflower is for the pet trade competing against imports from Eastern Europe and France.

Whilst individual buyback contracts vary most would work to the following quality standards of max. 9% moisture, max.2% admixture, max.2% hulled seed, sweet smelling, free from taint, mould and insects and to have been treated in field and store with only approved chemicals.

The pricing structure per tonne could be on a delivered or ex farm basis at a price of £ 225.00 - £ 250.00 p / tonne.

There is no large scale crushing of sunflower in the UK but there is some interest in the crop for cold pressing but only on a small scale at present.

Confectionery types are non oilseed varieties and current varieties are too late to mature in the UK climate, these are striped seeded and can also have a use in the exotic pet food trade.

B.Fletcher

Seed Services Feb 06