Top Safflower Seed Producing Countries

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an ancient crop, originally domesticated in the Fertile Crescent over 4,000 years ago, where it was valued for its colorful flowers used in dyes and its oil-rich seeds. Historically, it spread across Egypt, India, and the Mediterranean, later reaching China and the Americas. Today, the top producers of safflower seed are Kazakhstan, India, the United States, Mexico, and Turkey. Kazakhstan leads global production, benefiting from its vast steppe lands and suitable climate. India follows, where safflower is grown mainly for its oil and as a rotation crop. The United States, especially California and the western states, cultivates safflower for both oil and birdseed. Mexico and Turkey also contribute significantly, with Turkey having a long tradition of safflower cultivation. The crop’s adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions has ensured its continued importance in global agriculture.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat