Canada’s lentil production falls 27%, but exports expected to remain stable

Canada’s lentil production in the MY 2026/27 declined by 26.6% to 2.47 mln tons, compared with 3.36 mln tons in the previous season. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the decline reflects a reduction in planted area and lower yields. However, substantial carry-in stocks are expected to allow the country to maintain strong export volumes despite the sharp drop in production.

Canada’s lentil planted area decreased by 10.9%, from 1.77 mln ha to 1.58 mln ha, while average yields fell by 17.6%, from 1.93 to 1.59 t/ha. Saskatchewan remains the country’s main producing province, accounting for approximately 83% of national output, while Alberta contributes the remaining 17%. Towards the end of the harvest, farmers also faced quality deterioration, including discoloration and sprouting in lentils harvested from some fields.

Despite the substantial decline in production, Canada’s total lentil supply in the MY 2026/27 is expected to decrease by only 3.7% to 3.83 mln tons, compared with 3.97 mln tons a year earlier. This is largely due to high opening stocks of 1.28 mln tons and a projected increase in imports to 75 thsd tons. Exports are forecast at 2.4 mln tons, just 0.7% below the previous season. Ending stocks could decline to 1.15 mln tons.

In Canada’s domestic market, prices for high-quality lentils remain relatively stable, although quality differences between lots have become more pronounced. Red lentils are currently trading at CAD 0.260–0.265/lb. The average lentil price in the MY 2026/27 is forecast at CAD 520/t, compared with CAD 500/t last season, representing a 4% increase.

Meanwhile, the global market outlook differs between red and green lentils. According to Chelmer Foods, combined red lentil production in Canada and Australia could exceed 4 mln tons, putting pressure on prices, although demand from South Asian countries, particularly India, is expected to provide some support. In contrast, green lentil supplies could tighten due to lower production in Canada, the United States, Russia and Kazakhstan. Together with rising demand from India, this could support higher green lentil prices.

Tags: lentil, Canada