South Africa is poised to harvest one of its most abundant canola crops to date. Thanks to favourable weather – marked by cooler temperatures and steady rainfall – the 2025 harvest is projected to exceed last year’s record-breaking yield, with estimates pointing to a 10–15% increase. According to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, 2024 saw a 25% surge in canola production, marking it as the biggest harvest ever recorded. This year continues the trend, fuelling widespread optimism among farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader agricultural community.

“We’re seeing unprecedented growth,” says a Morne Botes, Commercial Director at Southern Oil. “This harvest is more than just a record – it’s a sign of the sector’s resilience, sustainability, and potential. From seed to final product, nothing goes to waste.”

Once harvested in October and November, canola seeds are graded, stored and then transported to production facilities where the seeds are cleaned, crushed and processed, separates extracting valuable oil and protein meal with minimal waste.

“On average, 42–44% of the seed is oil, and 56% becomes a protein-rich meal”, adds Botes. Both outputs fuel key sectors:

  • Retail: The refined canola oil is used in cooking oils, mayonnaise, sauces, and dressings, supplying local retailers and canola brands such as B-Well
  • Animal feed: The remaining meal and oil are used as high-value components in animal feed serving multiple purposes – one being a protein source with about 35% protein in the product, while the other being a valuable source of fibre and essential amino acids that support overall animal health and nutrition, especially in dairy and poultry production.

“Canola has also become a big contributor to dairy and poultry production, leading to an increase in yield,” adds Botes. “Moreover, local processors like Southern Oil have gained a competitive edge over imported alternatives by investing in advanced machinery such as high-efficiency vegetable oil crushers. This enhances processing capabilities, reduces waste, and improves the quality of both oil and protein meal – strengthening South Africa’s position in the global agri-processing landscape.”

Canola farming is also inherently sustainable, contributing positively to soil health through crop rotation. As a nitrogen fixer, canola replenishes the soil, making fields more fertile for subsequent crops – a key reason for its continued growth and popularity among farmers. Importantly, zero-waste operations at production facilities ensure that every component of the canola seed is either used, reused, or upcycled, reinforcing a commitment to circular economy practices.

As demand for locally produced, sustainable ingredients grows, the canola industry is well-positioned to respond and SA benefit from the local supply chain. Ongoing investments in processing capacity, infrastructure, and farmer collaboration have enabled the industry to scale rapidly – ensuring that both large retailers and small-scale customers are supplied without disruption.

‘Key partnerships, like that between Southern Oil and Woolworths, have helped expand canola’s footprint in food innovation and sustainability, with products that reflect growing consumer demand for healthier, traceable and ethically produced ingredients,” says Botes.

“With just two months until the 2025 harvest begins, expectations are high – and the momentum is unmistakable. Canola is not only delivering record yields, but it is also slowly reshaping the future of South African agriculture, driving sustainable practices, strengthening local economies, and delivering products that consumers trust,” concludes Botes.