Rapeseed and Canola: Global Production and Distribution

Abstract

Oilseeds and their products are the most valuable agricultural crops in world trade. The global production of oilseeds has grown approximately 30% over the last 10 years. The major producers of oilseeds are the United States, China, Brazil, India, the Soviet Union, Argentina, and Canada (Table 1-1). The annual world production of oilseeds from different crops increased to an all-time high of 202 million metric tons in 1987–88. The United States produced nearly 30% of this total. The relative production contribution from other countries in 1987–88 was as follows: China, 16.0%; Brazil, 9.0%; India, 6.1%; the Soviet Union, 5.7%; Argentina, 6.2%; and Canada, 3.0%. Thus, nearly 76% of the total global production of oilseeds originated from these seven countries.