The sunflower crop in Argentina: past, present and potential future

Abstract

Sunflower was a crop of great importance in Argentina until 2002; it was ranked among the countries with the largest production, about 18% of the world total. Currently, it is in the fourth place, with only 7%. Several factors caused Argentina to lose its leadership, the most important being that farmers preferred the soybean crop because of its competitiveness pushing sunflower to areas where the former crop was not adapted. However, in 2016/2017 there was an increase in area and production of sunflower, probably associated with the reduction of state intervention in farmer's income because export duties were totally eliminated, while those for soybean remained high. International forecasts suggest that an increase in the demand for sunflower oil and by-products is expected. Argentinean farmers can make a significant contribution to meeting these needs. The whole sunflower chain of value, grouped in the association ASAGIR, makes continuous efforts to improve the sunflower product, by research programs and other activities which will render sunflower more attractive for farmer. It is likely that, in a short time, Argentina could regain its place on the podium of sunflower producing countries.