Top Poppy Seed Producing Countries

Poppy seed, harvested from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), has a long and complex history, originating in the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago. Ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Minoans cultivated poppies for their seeds and medicinal properties. Over centuries, poppy cultivation spread along trade routes to Asia and Europe. Today, the top countries farming poppy seed for culinary and oil purposes are Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Spain, with significant production also in Hungary, Slovakia, and Australia. While some countries, notably Afghanistan and Myanmar, are known for large-scale opium production, the aforementioned nations focus on legal poppy seed agriculture for food, oil, and traditional baked goods. Strict regulations often govern poppy cultivation due to its association with narcotics, but in these leading countries, poppy seed farming remains an important agricultural and economic activity rooted in centuries-old traditions.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat