Stocks of Peas, Lentils, and Canola Rise in Canada
08-May-2026 01:54 PM
Ottawa. The latest data released by the federal agency—Statistics Canada (Stats Can)—reveals that, driven by robust domestic production during the current marketing season, the country's stocks of peas, lentils, canola, and flaxseed as of March 31, 2026, were significantly higher compared to March 31, 2025; however, soybean stocks witnessed a decline. The export performance across all commodities remained relatively strong.
According to available data, during the period under review, Canada's pea stocks surged by 84.7 percent—rising from 1.356 million tonnes to 2.505 million tonnes—while lentil stocks jumped by 126.7 percent, climbing from 1.048 million tonnes to reach 2.376 million tonnes.
Canada continues to be the world's largest combined producer and exporter of these two major pulses. In the international export market, the country faces stiff competition and formidable challenges from Russia regarding peas, and from Australia regarding lentils.
Within the oilseed category, Canada stands as the world's leading producer and exporter of canola. According to the Stats Can report, a massive stock of 9.985 million tonnes of canola was present in Canada as of March 31, 2026—an increase of 27.4 percent over the 7.835 million tonnes available on March 31, 2025. Similarly, flaxseed stocks rose by 50.2 percent during the same period, climbing from 253,000 tonnes to reach 380,000 tonnes.
However, soybean stocks experienced a sharp decline of 45.7 percent, dropping from 2.756 million tonnes on March 31, 2025, to 1.427 million tonnes on March 31, 2026. The sowing of all pulses and oilseeds has commenced in Canada, and the harvesting and preparation of the new crop are set to begin in August and September.
A substantial carryover stock of peas and lentils remains available there, raising concerns that this could have some impact on sowing activities. Furthermore, market prices for these commodities are currently trading significantly lower compared to the 2024-25 season.