Increasing acreage in Canada

In Canada, it is planned to increase the area under legumes by reducing the area under wheat by 3% and barley by 5%. The area under rapeseed will be reduced by 1.5%, and under flax - by 19%.

According to the forecast, prices for peas will increase by 5%, lentils - by 8%, chickpeas - by 17% compared to last year. The report suggests that pulses will generate higher returns than other crops.

Kevin Hirsch, a farmer and agricultural commentator, agrees with official estimates and believes that the increase in legume acreage is driven by economic reasons. However, he notes that the forecast does not contain information about specific types of legumes.

Although the reduction in the area under wheat and rapeseed may seem small in percentage terms, in absolute terms it is a significant reduction. Canada has lost its position in the Chinese market to Australia, and US corn is competing fiercely in the domestic market.

According to the forecast, the area under durum wheat will increase by 1.5%, despite the expected decline in prices. This is due to the continued high premium for spring wheat, Hirsch explained.

Farmers' final decision on acreage selection will depend on the cost and availability of seeds.