Top Colza Seed Producing Countries

Colza seed, commonly known as rapeseed, is primarily cultivated in countries with temperate climates, with Canada, China, India, Germany, and France ranking as the top producers. The history of colza seed farming dates back to ancient times in Eurasia, where it was grown for its oil-rich seeds. By the Middle Ages, rapeseed oil was widely used in Europe for lamps and later as a food oil. The crop’s significance grew in the 20th century, especially after World War II, when plant breeders in Canada developed canola—a variety of rapeseed low in erucic acid and glucosinolates, making it suitable for human consumption. Today, colza seed is a vital oilseed crop globally, used for cooking oil, animal feed, and increasingly as a source of biodiesel, with modern agricultural techniques and improved cultivars boosting yields and expanding its cultivation across continents.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat