Safflower is becoming increasingly profitable as growers begin to recognise its multiple benefits as a tactical crop, apart from the economic returns.

If last seasons market prices are a guide, growers can expect more than $500 a tonne this summer.

Unusual and little known in Australia, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) - genetically a thistle with characteristic spiky appearance - has historically been inconsistent in production.

This is due to unfavourable seasons, minimal varietal choice and market competition from mainstream oilseed crops such as canola.

However, recent international research into variety development has improved disease resistance and yield.

"Internationally, safflower is a significant oilseed crop for three main markets - edible and industrial oil, confectionery birdseed and feed meal, plus a small niche for cut flowers," Moree East district agronomist, Rebecca Byrne, said.

"Safflower enables a diversified cropping system, does not compete with cereals for markets or off-farm storage, breaks hard pans and dries soil water profiles.

"The later planting window also spreads sowing and harvesting workloads and allows a wider range of options for winter weed control."

Its spiky form also deters pests.

The current season has been suitable for production in many areas as excessive autumn rain has inhibited the sowing of some mainstream winter crops.

Australian growers are producing around 500,000 tonnes under contract, Ms Byrne said.

"In northern NSW, a handful of them grow their speciality crop for oil, almost all of it destined for export, mostly to India after crushing and processing," she said.

"Linoleic varieties produce more valuable oil, while the high protein content of others is best for meal production."

Growing conditions also influence end use.

While warmer climates produce higher quality oil, water damage by summer storms during harvest often discolours the seed and renders it unsuitable for the Japanese birdseed market.

In southern NSW, Victoria and South Australia, using less water enables production of aesthetically pleasing unstained birdseed and, while less prized, oleic oil too.

"We found safflower beneficial as a break crop," said northern NSW grower, Stuart Tighe, Pallamallawa.

"It temporarily splits harvest labour - after cereals in spring, we then do the safflower in December."

Brian Goldsmith, "Collymongle", a Twynam group property near Collarenebri, took advantage of the flexible sowing window to put in 1200 hectares this season.

"Its a good option for country that wasnt suitable for a winter crop due to prevailing conditions, as well as breaking up the profile," Mr Goldsmith said.

While many varieties remain under contract in closed loop production systems that aim to accumulate Australian seed stores, some varieties are available for commercial production.

The Summer Crop Production Guide 2009, published by the Primary Industries division of Industry and Investment NSW, contains more on safflower production in the State.

Contact Rebecca Byrne, district agronomist, Moree East, (02) 6750 6300, rebecca.byrne@industry.nsw.gov.au