Safflower seed Production by Country 2025
Safflower dominates specialty oilseed production with Kazakhstan leading at 242,000 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 300,000 tonnes by 2025. Global production totaled 724,000 tonnes in 2023, down 27.8% from 2022's spike, spanning 18 countries concentrated in semi-arid regions. Russia produces 138,000 tonnes, India contributes 90,000 tonnes, and Mexico adds 66,000 tonnes. This ancient oilseed, cultivated for 4,000+ years, produces high-quality cooking oil rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9). Safflower serves edible oil markets (70%), birdseed (20%), and industrial applications (10%), with drought tolerance making it valuable for marginal lands where other oilseeds struggle.
Kazakhstan produces 242,000 tonnes in 2023 with extreme volatility (200,000-447,000), concentrated in northern regions where semi-arid climate suits safflower cultivation. Production exploded from 214,000 in 2018, reflecting agricultural diversification from wheat monoculture. Kazakh safflower, primarily high-oleic varieties, exports to Russia, China, and Europe for cooking oil. The crop fits perfectly in wheat rotations, breaking disease cycles and improving soil. However, production faces challenges from irregular rainfall, limited processing infrastructure, and price volatility. Russia produces 138,000 tonnes with rapid growth from 25,000 in 2018, concentrated in southern regions. Russian safflower serves domestic oil markets and livestock feed. India produces 90,000 tonnes with high volatility (25,000-90,000), concentrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Indian safflower serves domestic cooking oil and traditional medicine markets. Mexico contributes 66,000 tonnes, USA 59,000 tonnes (primarily North Dakota and Montana), and Turkey 39,000 tonnes. China produces 34,000 tonnes with remarkable stability. Central Asian producers include Kyrgyzstan (6,500 tonnes), Tajikistan (5,900 tonnes), and Uzbekistan (5,700 tonnes). Ethiopia contributes 9,400 tonnes, Tanzania 14,300 tonnes. These producers balance edible oil extraction with birdseed markets. Safflower cultivation suits semi-arid regions with 300-600mm rainfall, filling niche where sunflower and canola struggle. Safflower seeds contain 35-45% oil, among highest of oilseeds. Two types dominate: high-linoleic (75% linoleic acid, omega-6) for cooking oil and margarine; high-oleic (75% oleic acid, omega-9) for high-heat cooking and industrial uses. High-oleic safflower oil rivals olive oil for heart health but costs less. The oil is light, flavorless, and stable at high temperatures. Seeds also provide protein meal (20-25%) for livestock feed. Culinary uses span salad dressings, frying, and margarine production. Industrial applications include biodiesel, paints, and cosmetics. Safflower petals (carthamin) produce natural yellow-red dyes for textiles and food coloring. Birdseed markets value safflower's hard shell deterring squirrels while attracting cardinals and finches. Safflower thrives in semi-arid climates with 300-600mm rainfall during 120-150 day growing season. Deep taproot (2-3 meters) accesses subsoil moisture, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Plants grow 60-150cm tall with spiny or spineless varieties (spineless preferred for harvesting). Flowers range from yellow to orange to red. Safflower tolerates saline soils and temperature extremes (-7°C to 40°C). Major challenges include rust disease, aphids, and birds attacking ripening seeds. Mechanized harvesting uses grain combines. The crop fits perfectly in cereal rotations, breaking disease cycles. Climate change may favor safflower as more resilient than less drought-tolerant oilseeds. Breeding programs develop higher-yielding, disease-resistant varieties. Safflower seed prices fluctuate $400-700/tonne depending on oil content and variety. High-oleic varieties command premiums for health food markets. Safflower oil trades $1,200-1,800/tonne, competing with sunflower and canola. Global trade limited—most production processed domestically. Kazakhstan and Russia export to China and Europe. USA exports to Asia. Health food trends drive demand for high-oleic safflower oil as olive oil alternative. Birdseed markets provide stable demand. However, safflower faces competition from larger oilseed crops (soybean, sunflower, canola). Climate change brings irregular rainfall affecting yields. Processing infrastructure limited in producing regions. Retail trends favor specialty cooking oils and heart-healthy alternatives. Global safflower production projected to stabilize around 700,000-800,000 tonnes through 2030, with quality emphasis over quantity. Climate change may favor safflower's drought tolerance over less resilient oilseeds. High-oleic varieties expand for health-conscious consumers. Processing innovations improve oil extraction efficiency. However, safflower remains niche crop—limited by small market size and competition from major oilseeds. The crop's drought tolerance, healthy oil profile, and rotation benefits ensure continued cultivation, though production will likely remain concentrated in semi-arid regions where safflower's resilience provides advantage in this ancient oilseed's modern role as specialty cooking oil and drought-tolerant rotation crop.🏆 Kazakhstan's Oilseed Expansion
Safflower seed Production by Country 2025
1
300,102
2
166,041
3
70,560
4
66,532
5
63,532
6
33,926
7
31,740
8
14,356
9
9,384
10
7,372
11
5,757
12
5,720
13
4,839
14
4,407
15
3,619
16
109
17
2
18
1
🌍 Global Production Patterns
🌻 Healthy Oil Crop
🌱 Drought-Tolerant Cultivation
📊 Niche Markets
🔮 Drought-Resilient Future
Safflower seed Production by Country 2025
#
1
214,149
199,789
226,739
223,895
447,457
242,172
300,102
2
25,259
81,189
96,636
151,385
222,619
137,957
166,041
3
55,280
24,640
43,670
35,890
61,270
90,002
70,560
4
58,675
51,655
86,793
52,553
77,137
65,760
66,532
5
107,170
87,500
69,000
59,740
73,230
59,230
63,532
6
33,793
33,744
34,106
33,741
33,879
34,028
33,926
7
35,000
21,883
21,325
16,200
30,000
39,000
31,740
8
14,249
14,568
14,253
14,356
14,392
14,334
14,356
9
8,039
8,928
9,347
9,582
9,248
9,386
9,384
10
12,291
12,374
9,870
6,004
9,780
6,474
7,372
11
4,342
9,238
9,710
5,518
5,745
5,860
5,757
12
4,212
8,637
8,885
5,452
5,885
5,728
5,720
13
5,008
4,958
4,701
4,889
4,850
4,813
4,839
14
27,839
24,327
22,565
4,344
2,793
5,401
4,407
15
3,605
3,654
3,602
3,620
3,625
3,616
3,619
16
108
109
109
108
108
109
109
17
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
18
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most safflower seed in the world?
Kazakhstan is the world's largest safflower producer with 242,172 tonnes in 2023, though production shows extreme volatility (200,000-447,000 tonnes). Production concentrates in northern regions where semi-arid climate suits cultivation. Kazakh safflower, primarily high-oleic varieties, exports to Russia, China, and Europe for cooking oil. Production exploded from 214,000 tonnes in 2018, reflecting agricultural diversification from wheat monoculture. Russia ranks second with 137,957 tonnes (rapid growth from 25,000 in 2018), followed by India at 90,002 tonnes.
What's the difference between high-linoleic and high-oleic safflower oil?
Safflower produces two distinct oil types through breeding: High-linoleic (75% linoleic acid, omega-6) is traditional variety used for cooking oil and margarine, though high omega-6 content raises health concerns. High-oleic (75% oleic acid, omega-9) is modern variety bred for heart health—similar to olive oil but lighter flavor and lower cost. High-oleic safflower oil excels at high-heat cooking (smoke point 510°F), making it perfect for frying and sautéing. It's also more stable (longer shelf life) than high-linoleic oil. Health-conscious consumers prefer high-oleic for cardiovascular benefits, driving market shift from traditional high-linoleic varieties. Same plant, different breeding—big nutritional difference!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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