News Capsule: Canada Lentils: Outlook for 2025-26 and 2026-27
19-Feb-2026 11:08 AM
News Capsule: Canada Lentils: Outlook for 2025-26 and 2026-27
2025-26 Season
★ For 2025-26, Canadian lentil exports are projected to increase to 2.1 million tonnes. The rise is mainly supported by strong import demand from Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
★ Despite higher supplies and increased exports, ending stocks are expected to reach a record 1.7 million tonnes. As a result, lentil prices may remain under pressure throughout the 2025-26 season.
★ During January, on-farm prices for large green lentils declined by $10 per tonne, while red lentil prices in Saskatchewan increased by $10 per tonne.
★ The premium of No.1 grade large green lentils over red lentils is projected at $95 per tonne, compared to a much wider $465 per tonne premium in 2024-25.
★ In the United States, lentil production (mainly green varieties) for 2025-26 is estimated at 479,000 tonnes, up 17% from last year. Canadian lentil exports to the U.S. are expected to remain steady at 75,000 tonnes, similar to 2024-25.
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2026-27 Season (Preliminary Estimates)
★ For 2026-27, Canadian seeded area is projected to decline by 10% to 1.6 million hectares, as other crops are expected to offer better returns.
★ Production is forecast to drop by 33% to 2.25 million tonnes, assuming yields return to normal (trend yield) levels.
★ Total supply is expected to be around 4.02 million tonnes, as lower production may be partly offset by record beginning stocks.
★ Exports are projected to increase to 2.2 million tonnes.
★ Ending stocks are expected to decline compared to the previous year.
★ Overall, average lentil prices in 2026-27 are projected to be higher than in 2025-26, supported by lower ending stocks in Canada, although stock levels are still expected to remain relatively high.