The sunflower harvest season in Andalusia has just begun, marking one of the key moments in the region’s agricultural calendar for oilseed crops. At Green Crops we follow this season closely, as much of our raw material for organic sunflower oil comes precisely from Andalusian farmers. In this article we look at the key facts of the 2026 harvest and what it means for the quality of the oil that later reaches our clients.
A season marked by the rise of high-oleic sunflower
One of the most notable features of this season is the strong weight of high-oleic varieties, which this year account for roughly three-quarters of the sown area in Andalusia. This variety has become the farmers’ preference thanks to the good returns it offers the oil industry, due to its more stable fat profile and growing demand from food manufacturers.
Seville remains the Andalusian province with the largest growing area, followed by other producing regions within the community. Rainfall recorded earlier in the year has also supported positive harvest expectations, both in volume and quality.
Why is sunflower gaining ground in dryland rotations?
In recent years, sunflower has become established as an alternative crop on many dryland farms in Andalusia, partly due to its lower water requirements compared with other crops and partly because of the price instability affecting traditional cereals. It is a crop that adapts well to deep, well-drained soils, with sowing cycles in Andalusia that typically begin as early as late February, well ahead of colder inland regions of the peninsula.
The optimal harvesting time
The final quality of the oil depends largely on harvesting at the right time. Farmers closely monitor signs such as the colour change on the back of the sunflower head and the drying of the leaves at the base and centre of the stem, aiming for the optimal moisture level in the grain. Delaying the harvest beyond that point increases the risk of losses from lodging, wind or disease, and can negatively affect the quality of the resulting oil by increasing its acidity.
From seed to oil: our role in the chain
At Green Crops we work hand in hand with farmers in the region to ensure that the sunflower seed we receive meets the quality and organic traceability standards we require across all our production. If you’re a farmer growing sunflower organically in Andalusia, you can find out how to work with us in our suppliers and farmers section.
Once harvested, the seed goes through our production process to become cold-pressed sunflower oil, or its refined version, depending on the end client’s needs. Both formats start from the same requirement: certified organic raw material, with full traceability from field to packaging.
What this season means for our clients
A good harvest, with favourable weather conditions like this year’s, typically translates into higher-quality raw material and better availability of organic high-oleic oil for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. You can browse our full range of organic vegetable oils or find out more about our certifications, which guarantee the origin and quality of every batch.
Following the season closely
At Green Crops we’ll keep you updated on how this sunflower season unfolds as harvesting progresses across the different producing areas of Andalusia. If you have questions about availability, export formats, or would like technical information about our organic sunflower oil, get in touch with our team.