Setting up the sector
The first phase of the SUNWALL project (2021 - 2023) led to the development of a functional sector. Trials conducted by CRA-W identified sunflower varieties adapted to Wallonia's soil and climate conditions, and a phytotechnical itinerary specific to sunflower cultivation in our latitudes was also established. The project partner, SCAM, developed logistics for receiving sunflowers, while the project's crushing partner, Alvenat, produced high-quality sunflower oil and marketed it locally.
Mixed initial conclusions
At the end of the project's first phase, agronomic problems inherent in the crop, mainly linked to varietal choice and the lack of crop protection solutions, created uncertainty in the sector, affecting all its links. The wet late autumns of 2021 and 2023 highlighted the need for even earlier varieties to enable harvesting as early as possible in the season. The hot, dry weather of the 2022 season favoured the appearance of new pests - aphids - which impacted crop yields and for which there are no approved insecticides. In addition, weed management was complicated by the lack of approved plant protection products.
The second phase of the project
In January 2024, the second phase of the project began, with the objective of overcoming the obstacles identified during the first phase by building on what had already been achieved, while continuing to support the network of farmers wanting to continue diversifying.
A promising future
By the end of the project, even earlier varieties had been identified, plant protection products had been approved to control weeds in sunflower crops, and an application to extend the approval of an insecticide was underway. The sunflower sector, overseen by SCAM, is now well established.
Financing: SPW - 2020 Relocation of food production in Wallonia.
