Experts predict that oilseed production in Russia this year could be higher than last year.
According to current forecasts, the total production of sunflower, soybeans, and rapeseed in 2026 could reach 34 million tons. This represents a slight increase compared to 33 million tons in 2025, analysts note.
The sunflower harvest this season is expected to reach 17 million tons, soybeans – 9 million tons, and rapeseed – approximately 6 million tons.
As for sunflower, experts expect an increase in its gross harvest due to an increase in cultivated area. This also occurred in 2025 and was quite significant.
According to available data, last year’s cultivated area covered 11 million hectares, 13% higher than the 2024 level.
The yield of this crop was approximately 17 centners per hectare. According to experts, the Saratov and Orenburg regions make the largest contribution to the production of this crop.
Soybean acreage increased by 10% last year, reaching 5 million hectares.
The harvest totaled 9 million tons. This is 27% more than the 2024 target, indicating significant growth.
Experts note that in recent years, soybeans produced in Russia have ceased to be a minor niche crop and have become a significant component of the country’s food security, both as oilseed and feed.
Finally, rapeseed occupied an area of approximately 3 million hectares in 2025.
And here again, we see an increase of approximately 8% compared to 2024. The final harvest of this crop totaled approximately 6 million tons, representing a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
This positive trend in oilseed production is leading to forecasts for growth in oil production. Experts note that in 2025, Russia produced approximately 8 million tons of sunflower oil, while total vegetable oil production reached almost 11 million tons.
This year, additional processing capacity totaling approximately 1.5 million tons is expected to come online. This should further increase oil production capacity in Russia.
Overall, analysts note that Russia has transitioned from quantitative to qualitative growth in oilseed production.
This includes increasing yields and expanding the processing of produced raw materials. This lays a stable and reliable foundation for the industry’s further development.
