World Markets Watch Canadian Seeding

VANCOUVER - May 26/06 - SNS -- Canadian seeding progress remains the focus of international lentil markets, with end users worried about the level of decrease which will be recorded in Canadian green lentils.

Saskatchewan's Walker Seeds Ltd. notes that seeding this year's specialty crops is nearly complete in southern Saskatchewan, but only about 65% complete in central area. "Timely rains have been received in most locales so the crop should be off to a good start."

Even so, Walker Seeds expects prices for large green or Laird lentils to continue advancing "until new crop. Lentils will trade at levels way superior than today. The expectancy of a cut back in seeding intentions will for sure lift price."

The company said Eston lentils are still experiencing "good demand from Europe, the Middle East, Mexico and South America. There is very little good color Eston lentils. Markets will remain steady with prices going up until new crop."

In the case of red lentils, the company said, "The consuming markets are patiently waiting for the Syrian and Turkish crops. The market in Canada should weaken as the demand is very limited now, but as the stocks are limited, the prices are not going down in Canada yet."

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