Pulses Acreage Outlook 09.07.26
Canada’s pulses sector enters the 2026/27 market year with a significantly smaller seeded area after growers reduced pulse plantings by nearly one million acres compared with 2025. The acreage adjustment reflects weaker market signals for lentils and peas, disease-management considerations, and stronger competition from canola, which expanded to record levels.
Despite reduced acreage, substantial carryover stocks from the previous crop year are expected to keep both lentil and pea markets adequately supplied. However, concerns over disease pressure, excessive moisture and lower global production among competing exporters could tighten supplies more than currently projected.
Canadian Acreage Overview
Statistics Canada’s June acreage report estimated a total Canadian pulse acreage at 7.46 million acres, down from 8.43 million acres in 2025.
| Crop | 2025 Acres | 2026 Acres | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lentils | 4.38 million | 3.90 million | -10.9% |
| Dry Peas | 3.51 million | 3.03 million | -13.7% |
| Chickpeas | 541,000 | 533,000 | -1.5% |
| Total Pulses | 8.43 million | 7.46 million | -11.5% |
The acreage reduction for pulses follows a record 2025 pulse area and reflects grower responses to burdensome inventories, weaker export prospects for peas, and crop rotation challenges. Meanwhile, canola acreage increased by 1.82 million acres, reaching a record 23.4 million acres. This is attracting growers with stronger pricing opportunities and expanding domestic crush demand.
Lentil Market Outlook
Supply Situation
Although lentil acreage declined nearly 11%, the market enters 2026/27 with large carry-in stocks estimated between 1.2 and 1.6 million tonnes. As a result, acreage reductions will only partially offset exiting oversupply.
Industry analysis suggests ending stocks consist of approximately:
- 33% red lentils
- 42% large green lentils
- 24% small green lentils
A major trend this season has been the shift away from green lentil production toward red lentils. Growers responded to shrinking green lentil premiums and the relative ease and yield advantages associated with red varieties. Estimated acreage composition changes include:
- Red lentils: 49% to 58%
- Large/medium green lentils: 35% to 23%
- Small green lentils: 16% to 10%
Market Implications
Under average yield assumptions and exports of approximately 2.15 million tonnes, Canadian lentil ending stocks could decline to just under 1 million tonnes, reducing the stock-use ratio from roughly 50% in 2025/26 to approximately 35% in 2026/27.
Key Risks
- Disease Pressure
- Excess moisture across portions of the Prairies increased disease risks and could significantly impact yields and quality
- Australian Competition
- Australia’s lentil area exceeded 1 million hectares, with production prospects improving toward 2 million tonnes. Strong Australian production would intensify competition in red lentil export markets.
- Indian Monsoon
- India remains a critical demand driver. Monsoon rainfall was reported significantly below normal, potentially increasing future import requirements if domestic production underperforms.
