AAFC Projects Reduced Pulse Plantings and Output in MY 2026–27

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released its initial outlook for Canadian pulse and special crops for the 2026–27 marketing year (MY) on January 21, 2026. According to the forecast, the total seeded area for pulses and special crops is projected to decline significantly to 3.44 million hectares (Mha), compared with 3.89 Mha planted during the previous 2025–26 marketing year. As a result of the reduced acreage, total production for MY 2026–27 is estimated at 6.07 million metric tonnes (MMT), down sharply from 8.66 MMT recorded in MY 2025–26.

The overall pulse crop outlook for MY 2026–27 reflects lower plantings across major pulse crops. The area seeded to peas is forecast at 1.2 Mha, a notable reduction from 1.42 Mha in MY 2025–26. This decline is largely attributed to weaker returns compared with competing crops, as well as the continued impact of import tariffs imposed by India. Consequently, pea production for MY 2026–27 is projected at 2.85 MMT, representing a 28 percent decrease from the previous marketing year.

Similarly, lentil acreage is expected to decrease in MY 2026–27. AAFC forecasts lentil-seeded area at 1.6 Mha, down from 1.77 Mha in MY 2025–26. Correspondingly, lentil production is estimated at 2.25 MMT, a substantial decline from the 3.36 MMT produced in the prior marketing year.

Chickpea plantings are also anticipated to fall in MY 2026–27. The chickpea-seeded area is forecast at 180 thousand hectares (kha), compared with 219 kha in MY 2025–26. Production is projected at 260 thousand metric tonnes (kmt), a significant decrease from the 482 kmt harvested in the previous marketing year.

Overall, the AAFC outlook for MY 2026–27 points to reduced seeded area and lower production across Canada’s major pulse crops, driven by market pressures, trade challenges, and relative profitability compared with alternative crops.

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