By Canadian Press

Increase in backyard birdfeeders driving demand for sunflower seeds

Aug 29, 2020 | 11:26 AM

The lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have left a lot of people feeling caged, and as many reach out to their feathered friends for company, demand for sunflower seeds is rising.

Graham Sorenson of the non-profit Birds Canada says the organization has seen an extraordinary surge in interest from backyard birders and new birders in recent months. 

Daryl Rex of the Manitoba Crop Alliance notes the demand for sunflower birdseed has soared by about 10 to 15 per cent this year — a trend he attributes to the pandemic.

Rex says the price of sunflower seeds has also increased by about 10 to 15 cents per pound.

Ben Friesen, purchasing manager for sunflowers at the grain supplier Scoular Canada, says farmers were asked to increase planting of sunflowers by about 10 per cent this year to meet the heightened demand.

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Friesen says some Manitoba farmers have even replaced other crops with the bright blossoms this year, leading the province increase its fields of yellow by more than 150 square kilometres.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2020.

The Canadian Press