Brazil Steady Special Crops Customer

WINNIPEG - Jul 19/06 - SNS -- Brazil is a steady, if not massive, buyer of Canadian specialty crops, notes Bobby Morgan, Coarse Grains Analyst with Agriculture Canada's Market Analysis Division office here.

In a review of the Brazilian agriculture situation, Morgan said:

Brazil is the second or third largest, depending on the year, market for Canadian canary seed. In 2004-2005 Canadian exports were 24,000 metric tons (MT) and are expected to increase to 25,000 MT in 2005-2006.

For 2006-2007, Canadian exports are forecast to remain at about 25,000 MT. Although Argentina is the preferred supplier of canary seed to Brazil because of the free trade agreement, its production is only about 18,000 MT. Therefore, Canada supplies most of the canary seed used in Brazil.

Canada exported 8,000 MT of dry peas to Brazil in 2004-2005. Exports for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 are expected to be similar to 2004-2005. Brazil imports green peas for food use. Imports have been relatively stable during the past 5 years at about 22,000 MT. Argentina is the main supplier.

Canada exported 13,000 MT of lentils to Brazil in 2004-2005. Exports for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 are expected to be similar to 2004-2005. Brazil imports mostly large green lentils. Nearly all of Brazilian lentil imports were from Canada. Imports have been relatively stable.

Canada exported 1,400 MT of chickpeas to Brazil in 2004-2005. Exports for 2005-2006 are expected to be similar to 2004-2005, but increase to 2,000 MT in 2006-2007, as Canadian production increases. Brazil imports mostly large kabuli chickpeas. Imports have been relatively stable during the past 5 years at about 4,000 MT. Mexico and Canada are the main suppliers.