Cropping farmers in Canterbury are turning to a new opportunity presented by sunflowers. The specially-bred sunflowers have a seed that produces a high-grade cooking oil ‘oleic oil’ which is sought by commercial food makers. A successful trial has been conducted and the product is ready for commercial production. The production is being driven by Pure Oil New Zealand, and will be aimed at domestic market initially but has the potential for export. The oil produced is classed as high-grade and a more healthy version than standard sunflower oil. The company has 300 hectares of sunflower planted by farmers for this season.

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