★ Despite lower lentil plantings in North America this year, overall supplies are expected to remain comfortable. Combined lentil area in Canada and the United States has declined from 5.485 million acres to 4.671 million acres. However, favourable soil moisture and crop conditions are expected to limit the decline in production relative to the reduction in acreage.

★ If average yields are achieved, Canada's lentil production is projected to fall from 3.36 million metric tonnes (MMT) to about 2.16 MMT, while U.S. production could decline from 492,000 tonnes to around 302,000 tonnes. Based on three-year average yields, production could reach approximately 2.39 MMT in Canada and 348,000 tonnes in the United States. Large carry-in stocks are expected to keep global lentil supplies well supported.

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★ Combined chickpea area in Canada and the United States has declined from 1.11 million acres last year to 1.02 million acres. In Canada, planted area fell to 532,700 acres from the intended 575,000 acres, while U.S. farmers planted 484,100 acres compared with the intended 501,300 acres.

★ In the United States, small-calibre chickpea area declined from 128,000 acres to 112,000 acres, while large Kabuli chickpea area fell from 408,000 acres to 370,000 acres. Although acreage is lower, final production will largely depend on weather conditions and yields, leaving uncertainty over North American chickpea output this season.