It has always been one of our key commitments to buy Australian (and certified organic) whenever possible. This is why we have always supplied Australian Sunflower Seeds, even though they are more expensive than the imported ones.
[As an aside - is that fact alone not an indicator of how crazy our world is at the moment? How else can we explain that transporting something half way around the world ends up cheaper than buying the same product grown locally?!]
We were told by our suppliers, and by the processors when we contacted them some time ago, that there would be a delay in the harvest. Then later on that turned in to there would be no harvest at all.
The hot and dry summer we had meant that not only were crops struggling for water, but even irrigated cropland was limited by water rationing. This has led to a 14% decrease in overall summer crop yields (there aren't any specific data for organic farmland).
As a result, we made the decision to use imported Sunflower Seeds for this year (they come from Bulgaria), and cross fingers and toes that all is well this summer. Then the farmers can relax again, and us consumers can enjoy our Aussie seeds again!
Another Totally Nuts commitment is to operate with integrity in all areas. This is why we have reduced the price on these imported Sunflower Seeds to reflect the lower price that we have paid for them.
So the bottom line is - get in there and enjoy Sunflower Seeds again!!