Leading U.S. states in sunflower production 2024

The U.S. state with the highest production volume of sunflowers was North Dakota at over 518 millio pounds in 2024. South Dakota came in second, with a production volume of about 466.3 million pounds of sunflowers. 

Sunflower products

There are several products that are derived from sunflowers. Aside from the flower itself being used in floral arrangements and decorations, sunflower seeds are a popular snack, and sunflower oil is a versatile cooking ingredient. In the United States, about 335 thousand metric tons of sunflower seed oil was consumed in 2022. Sunflower seed oil consumption peaked that year.

Edible oil market in the U.S.

Sunflower seed oil is one of the numerous options consumers face when it comes to purchasing frying oil. The most widely consumed edible oil in the United States is soybean oil by a large margin. In 2022, Americans consumed over 11.5 million metric tons of soybean oil, compared to only 2.8 million metric tons of rapeseed oil, the runner up. In 2018, retail sales of olive oil amounted to 1.22 billion U.S. dollars.