Saskatchewan Continues to Dominate Lentil Production
For the 2024-25 crop year, Canada's lentil supply is forecast to reach 2.7 million tonnes (Mt), while exports are projected at 2.1 Mt, both of which are higher than the previous year. The main export markets for Canadian lentils continue to be Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Carry-out stocks are forecast to rise to 0.3 Mt, supporting overall supply stability.
The average price of lentils in Canada is expected to decline sharply to $815 per tonne (t), mainly due to an increase in global supply. For green lentils, large green varieties are expected to maintain a $625/t premium over red lentils, though this is down from the record $785/t premium seen in 2023-24.
In April, Saskatchewan farm gate prices for large green lentils fell by $65/t, while red lentil prices saw a $35/t increase.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, producers plan to slightly reduce the area seeded to lentils, with an estimated 1.69 million hectares (Mha) to be planted. Saskatchewan will continue to dominate lentil production, accounting for 86% of the seeded area, with the remainder planted in Alberta and Manitoba.
Production is forecast to fall by 4% to 2.3 Mt, while total supply is expected to remain stable at 2.7 Mt. Exports are projected to remain unchanged at 2.1 Mt, and carry-out stocks are expected to stay at 0.3 Mt. The average price for lentils is forecast to be lower than in 2024-25, influenced by lower prices for No.1 red and green lentil grades.
In the U.S., lentil production area is expected to increase by 18%, with seeded area rising to 1.1 million acres (0.44 Mha), mainly due to expansion in Montana.
This report provides an update to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) April outlook for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 crop years, which run from August 1 to July 31 for lentils. AAFC notes that the projections are based on market conditions and trade policies in effect as of May 13, 2025.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling