South Africa's canola plantings have grown exponentially
Canola area planted, hectares, South Africa, 1998-99 to 2026-27 (estimated)
~99%
Western Cape's historical share of canola supply
+20%
Year-on-year rise in expected 2026-27 harvest
Commercial canola in South Africa began as a minor Western Cape winter crop, almost entirely confined to a single province's rainfall zone. Rising domestic demand for edible oils and oilcake — plus canola's profitability advantage over wheat — have since driven near-continuous expansion, with South Africa now exporting to European markets and setting successive production records.