Russia’s pea harvest could decline by 10–15% in 2026

Russia’s pea harvest is expected to decline by 10–15% in 2026 compared to last year’s record crop. The forecast was made by Sergei Pluzhnikov, head of Russian Pulses Analytics, who said the final outcome will depend on harvesting conditions in central Russia and Siberia.

According to the analyst, one of the main reasons for the expected decline is a reduction in planted area. Dry weather in the Altai region and parts of Siberia has also become an additional risk that could negatively affect yields.

Russia harvested a record 5.7 mln tons of peas in 2025, up 50.3% from the previous year. However, the large crop created abundant supplies while prices remained too weak to encourage producers to expand production. As a result, some farmers shifted acreage to oilseed crops, while others are still holding unsold stocks from last season.

Pluzhnikov noted that a similar situation is developing in Canada, where growers are also delaying sales. He believes that lower production in 2026 could help rebalance the market by supporting prices and demand.

According to Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture, pea planting is projected at 2.3 mln hectares in 2026, with production forecast at 4.9 mln tons. However, the country’s statistical agency has not yet published the final official data on planted area.

Tags: Russia, Canada, crop forecast, pea