Sunflower production in Ukraine expected at 13 mln t — Neroba
Sunflower yield in Ukraine in 2020 is projected by USDA at 17 mln t, however, market participants expect this oilseed crop to yield much lower. This was announced by Business Development Manager at Maxigrain Elena Neroba within the framework of the Fat&Oil Industry-2020 conference held by the APK-Inform consultancy.
"USDA analysts left unchanged those forecasts of sunflower production in Ukraine, which were announced by local producers in early 2020/21 when record areas under this crop were reported. However, according to my estimates, in view of unfavourable weather conditions, in particular, drought, lack of soil moisture in both the upper and the meter layer of soil, sunflowerseeds production in the country may decline to 13 mln t," the expert stressed.
She also noted that this refers exclusively to the official data. Elena Neroba added that under various estimates from 10 to 15% of sunflower production in Ukraine is in the shadow.
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At that, the expert's estimate of sunflower production in Russia stands at 12 mln t, while USDA put it in its latest report at 12.5 mln t.
The European Commission reports that Ukraine is the key supplier of sunflower oil to the EU in July-September: 93.2% of the total supply or 431.14 thou. t.