The severe drought of this spring and summer has greatly affected Moldova’s sunflower harvest. After harvesting the first fields, which span more than 6,000 hectares, significant problems with seed quality have become apparent.
According to Iurie Rija, Executive Director of the Association of Exporters and Importers of Agricultural and Grain Products “Agrocereale,” the oil content in sunflower seeds is well below the usual standard, averaging 36-38% compared to the standard value of 44%.
“This decrease in seed quality, caused by unfavorable climatic conditions, will significantly impact prices. The lower oil content in sunflower seeds will increase costs for processors, leading to adjustments in purchase prices. Farmers will need to factor in these adjustments when planning the sale of their harvest,” Rija emphasized.
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The price offered by processors for sunflower seeds will decrease based on oil content falling below the 44% standard and impurities exceeding acceptable limits. For instance, if the base price is $450 per ton and the oil content is 2% below the 44% standard, the final price will drop by $13.50, reaching $436.50 per ton.
Recently, sunflower seed prices in Romania have increased significantly, reaching $460 per ton at the Constanta port due to reduced production from unfavorable weather conditions. The prices offered by processors include:
- Prutul Galati: $438 per ton
- Expur Slobozia: $450 per ton
These prices depend on a standard oil content of 44%. If the seeds contain less oil, processors will adjust the price based on the percentage of oil missing.