Pulse Farming in Canada: 12 Facts & Statistics

Pulse Farming in Canada: 12 Facts & Statistics

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Canadian pulse farming facts and statistics

Did you know that Canada is one of the world's largest pulse producers and exporters? Canada ships more than 80% of pulses grown domestically to buyers abroad – a testament to how much Canadians contribute to global food security. Four main types of pulses are grown in Canada, including dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans.

With peas undergoing tariffs in recent months, we figured it’s a great time to explore some fun and interesting facts about the pulse industry in Canada. Also, be sure to check out the following related blogs for more educational information on Canadian agriculture:

More than 10,000 Canadian farms grow pulse crops

12 Canadian Pulse Farming Facts

  1. The four main types of pulses grown by Canadian farmers are dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry/faba beans [1]
  2. Canada is the largest exporter of pulses in the world [1]
  3. Canada exports significant volumes of dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas to more than 120 countries every year [2]
  4. Canada is considered the world’s top producer of dry peas, the second largest producer of lentils, and one of the top ten producers of chickpeas and dry beans [3]
  5. Canada ships more than 80% of its production of pulses to buyers abroad [1]
  6. Canada’s pulse exports account for a significant share of global pulse trade – at 40% for the latest data available (2009) [3]
  7. The largest overseas markets for Canadian pulses typically include China and India, with the latter accounting for 29% of Canada’s lentil exports in 2021 [4]
  8. Saskatchewan is home to the largest pulse area according to the latest available data, representing 79.3% of total pulse growing area in Canada [5]
  9. Canada was home to more than 12,000 pulse farms according ot the latest data available (2011), up from nearly 6,400 in 1981 [5]
  10. Canada’s prairie provinces have a particular advantage in pulse crop growing due to fertile soil, exceptional climate, and the development of innovative networks [5]
  11. While Canadians are eating more lentils now than they were a decade ago, much of the pulses sold in Canada are also destined to be fed to cows, pigs or other livestock raised on farms domestically and overseas [4]
  12. Increasingly challenging trade relationships with some of the world’s top pulse markets have created uncertainty among farmers [4]

Canada exports pulses to more than 120 countries abroad every year

Canada’s Pulse Farming Regulations

Pulse farming in Canada is subject to various agricultural regulations designed to maintain crop quality and food safety. Farmers must comply with federal standards, including those set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), for seed certification and the grading of harvested pulses [1].

Seed import, export, and sale are controlled through licensing systems and rigorous quality testing, ensuring only approved varieties are cultivated and traded. Additionally, crop protection regulations govern the use of inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, and proper documentation is required for traceability throughout the supply chain. These measures help support Canada’s role as a major exporter, with over 80% of pulses produced being shipped internationally [1].

Pulse farmers also follow provincial regulations regarding land use, farm management, and transportation of agricultural goods. Adherence to these rules is critical for market access and maintaining Canada’s reputation as a high-quality global pulse producer and exporter [1]. Overall, Canada’s leading regulations position our country as a go-to supplier of pulses, a critical diet staple for many cultures around the world.

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Canada is the number one pulse exporter in the world

Canada’s pulse farmers help put food on the table for millions of families here at home and worldwide, something all Canadians should support.

Join us today to learn more about Canada’s world-class natural resource industries and the hard-working families that make these key economic sectors possible.

SOURCES:

1 - https://pulsecanada.com/pulse/what-is-a-pulse

2 - https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-funding-to-strengthen-the-pulse-sector-and-mitigate-climate-change.html

3 - https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2010/agr/A71-15-2009-eng.pdf

4 - https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/347-taking-pulse-pulses-world-pulses-day

5 - https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/96-325-x/2014001/article/14041-eng.pdf?st=lMKc2s__