Source: Oleoscope (Russia)
The EU sunflower harvest 2026 is shaping up to be the strongest in three years. According to the European Commission’s latest forecast, the EU expects to harvest 9.6 million tonnes of sunflower seeds in 2026. This figure is approximately 1.2 million tonnes more than last year. Furthermore, the German Union for the Promotion of Oilseeds and Cereals (UFOP) confirms this outlook, citing the forecast data directly. For oilseed traders and agribusiness professionals, this upward revision is therefore a significant market signal worth watching closely.
What Is Driving the EU Sunflower Harvest 2026 Forecast Higher
The forecast is primarily based on an approximately 5% increase in sunflower cultivation area across the EU. This area expansion is the key structural driver behind the projected volume growth. In particular, significant increases in sunflower seed production are expected in three leading countries — Romania, France, and Bulgaria. Additionally, other member states are contributing to the broader upward trend across the bloc.
Romania and France Lead the Production Growth
Romania is expected to strengthen its position as the largest sunflower producer in the EU. The country’s harvest is forecast to reach 2.1 million tonnes in 2026. This represents an 18% increase compared to the 2025 estimate. Moreover, the main driver of this growth is a significant expansion of the cultivated area to 1.2 million hectares. France, meanwhile, has risen to second place among the EU’s largest producers. It is forecast to harvest 1.9 million tonnes, up approximately 33% from last year. Consequently, these two countries together account for a major share of the EU-wide production increase.
Germany and Other EU Member States Also See Notable Gains
According to the EU, significant harvest increases are also expected in other member states. These include Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, and Greece. For Germany, the European Commission forecasts production to increase by approximately 32,000 tonnes, reaching 175,000 tonnes — a new record. The area under cultivation is estimated at 77,000 hectares, up from 62,000 hectares last year. Compared to the largest sunflower seed producers, Germany nevertheless continues to play a relatively minor role in the EU. However, the upward revision of the harvest forecast reflects farmers’ growing interest in diversifying their crop rotations, the EU notes.