Oilseed is one of the fastest growing agricultural markets. The increased demand for vegetable oils and the shifts in demand for healthful oil traits necessitate extensive research efforts. Oilseeds are strategic crops of great importance to central Iran. Oilseed crops are well adapted to cultivation in Iran and some of the oilseeds originated from this country. “Center of Excellence for Oilseed Crops” at Isfahan University of Technology was established in 2005 to develop a comprehensive research plan for increasing the production and quality of oilseeds. The research areas include genetic improvement and crop production and management for oilseed crops.

The First National Conference on Oilseed Crops was held on September 23-24, 2009 at Isfahan University of Technology brought together about 300 Iranian researchers with the view to promoting exchangeof ideas, information and germplasm as well as to enhancing collaborative projects on oilseed crops.