The sunflower harvest campaign in Ukraine is gaining momentum. Currently, the southern regions are working more actively, with the center of the country gradually joining in. As of early September, more than 200,000 tons have been harvested.

This was reported by the analytical department of the First Ukrainian Agricultural Cooperative (FUAC), created within the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC).

"We are currently seeing very different sunflower yield figures. While the south is showing only 1–1.3 t/ha, the situation is better in central Ukraine. It is expected that in the short term, the price of sunflower may increase by UAH 100–300/tone per week. At the same time, in the second half of September, significant volumes from the northern and western regions will enter the market. This will increase supply and may reduce prices to around UAH 26,500 per ton," the FUAC notes.

High-oleic sunflower seeds, which are in high demand, form a separate segment. Their oil partially replaces the shortage of olive oil, the production of which is declining in the Mediterranean countries.

"High-oleic sunflower seeds are currently the focus of processors. Its price starts at UAH 31,300 per ton, and for large volumes, they are willing to pay more than UAH 33,000 per ton. Due to problems with olive oil production in Europe, demand will remain high, and in winter, purchase prices may rise to UAH 35,000 per ton," the analysts add.