We are a global supplier of high quality sunflower oil for major snack and food brand manufacturers, and food service companies. We package and distribute our own lines of premium sunflower products. Kieve cooking oils is also an industry leader in hybrid sunflower seed development.
We provide the freshest and finest because we buy directly from growers and we also grow sunflower ourselves, thereby setting the standard of product purity and performance.
Describe your operation.
We are a second-generation farmers in Cameroon. We are a community of sunflower growers who came together to cultivate sunflower in large scale and also to supply the world market with real natural sunflower oil. Apart from the cultivation of sunflower, we also grow wheat, peas, soybeans, corn, canola and durum.
What do you like best about farming?
We like everything about farming. we like working outside. It feels really good when you grow a good crop. And when you have a family farm, it feels like you’re working for something and building for the future.
How long have you been growing sunflowers?
About 30 years. They’ve been profitable, and they’re harvested a little later so it spreads out the work. We plant sunflowers in early May and harvest at the end of September.
Why do you contract Sunflower Oil Supplier for your sunflowers Oil?
Neighbors and Investors (both national and international ) suggested we look into it. We contract more than 2800 acres of confectionary sunflowers with Sunflower Oil Supplier-Cameroon, which gives us a premium price and an incentive to take extra care of the quality. We also grow oil sunflowers that we sell to our local cooperatives.
How do you produce high-quality sunflower seeds?
Quality seed is important. We plant Royal Hybrid® varieties. We do soil testing to make sure the plants get the nutrients they need, and we do two applications of insecticide to protect the sunflowers.
What’s your biggest challenge as a sunflower grower?
You can’t control the weather. This year we had rain and it was dry, but the crop was still strong. Blackbirds and bugs can be a problem. We really appreciate that our buyers walks the fields with us to see how the crop is standing and to recommend when to spray. Our buyers and advisers keeps advising us on new ways to improve our productivity and supplies.
What value does working with a cooperative have to you?
We think there is a lot of value in having a cooperative involved in marketing and processing our crops so we have a strong market. We buy agronomy products and services primarily from the local co-op because as an owner, you get dividends and they’ll always listen to you if you’ve got something to say.