Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is gaining popularity as an oilseed and
a feedstock crop, because it shares several positive agronomic features with
other common oil crops such as canola and soybean, yields well in a variety
of conditions and can be grown easily and profitably at both small farms and
large field scale. In addition, seeds from non-oilseed sunflower types are
popular as a snack and bird food.