Concerns Persist Regarding Pea Yield and Quality in Canada

Vancouver. Global market prices for peas saw some fluctuations last week. Prices improved slightly in Canada. Heavy, unseasonal rains there are not only hindering harvest preparations but also fueling growing concerns about average pea yields and quality. This situation is likely to lead to a reduction in the supply and availability of export-quality produce.

Processors and exporters are skeptical about the projected average pea yields at both provincial and national levels. In a model-based report, the government agency Statistics Canada (StatCan) estimated Canada's pea production for the current season at 3.26 million tonnes, a figure consistent with data received from producing regions. Last year, Canada's pea production was estimated at 3.93 million tonnes.

Thus, while pea production is expected to decline slightly this year compared to last, the availability of a massive carryover stock of 1.18 million tonnes is expected to boost total supply to 4.46 million tonnes—surpassing the projected total availability for the 2025-26 season (4.44 million tonnes) by 20,000 tonnes.

In the international export market—particularly in top importing nations like India and China—Canada faces stiff competition and significant challenges from Russia, while several other countries, including Ukraine, are also major pea exporters. India imports only yellow peas.