Changing Global Trade Dynamics May Impact Pea and Lentil Sowing in Canada

02-May-2025 04:34 PM

Ottawa.  Global policy shifts and market uncertainty are casting a shadow over pea and lentil sowing plans in Canada, the world’s top exporter of these pulses.

China’s imposition of a 100% import duty on Canadian peas and the approaching deadline for duty-free imports of yellow peas into India (ending May 31, 2025) have led to declining interest in pea shipments. This uncertainty is weighing heavily on Canadian producers.

Lentil growers face similar indecision. Green lentils, though still profitable, have seen falling contract prices for the upcoming crop, raising concerns among farmers.

Red lentils are faring slightly better, maintaining stable prices and decent demand. StatsCan estimates Canada's total lentil sowing area will shrink slightly from 42.1 lakh acres in 2024 to 41.7 lakh acres this year. However, analysts believe actual sowing could fall even lower due to ongoing market changes.

Peas, meanwhile, were expected to see an increase in acreage from 32.1 to 35.2 lakh acres. Yet, sowing so far trails last year’s pace by 16%, reflecting subdued enthusiasm.

Interestingly, despite StatsCan’s projections, industry sources anticipate a rise in green lentil acreage, citing strong seed sales and last winter’s high market prices.

Currently, green lentils are trading at 50–51 cents/lb for existing stock and 40–42 cents/lb for new contracts. Red lentils are priced at 33–34 cents/lb for old stock and 29–30 cents/lb for the upcoming harvest.

In 2024, Canada's lentil production surged 35% to 24.3 lakh tonnes, with India remaining its top buyer—a trend expected to continue this year.