Unseasonal Rains Affect Lentil Quality in Canada

Saskatoon. Compared to last year, not only has the production of lentils in Canada declined significantly this year, but unseasonal rains during the harvest period have also severely compromised the quality of the grains.

While there are substantial carryover stocks from previous seasons, their quality is also reported to be poor. The harvesting of the new lentil crop in Canada is nearly complete, and producers are currently struggling with the complex task of grading the produce.

There remains strong demand for Canadian lentils in the global market, with processors and exporters working together to fulfill short-term contracts. Meanwhile, the major harvest in Australia has yet to begin, and exports from Russia are facing disruptions. In contrast, the harvest in Canada is almost finished, and shipments are proceeding without interruption.

Canadian farmers are facing particular difficulty in grading lentils—specifically green lentils—which must be categorized by grain size (large, medium, and small). Overall, lentil prices in Canada remain firm.