Lower Supplies of Specialties in Canada

VANCOUVER - Dec 14/07 - SNS -- Canada's specialty crop harvest ended up 10% higher than last year at 4.51 million metric tons (MT), based on Statistics Canada's (STC) November production estimates.

Commenting on the result, Agriculture Canada said, "Compared to 2006-07, average yields were lower for dry peas, dry beans, mustard seed, canary seed and sunflower seed, but higher for lentils and chickpeas.

"Crop abandonment was generally lower than for 2006-07 and lower than normal. Quality was generally lower than for 2006-07, but higher than normal."

Agriculture Canada reckons total supply of specialty crops decreased by 6% to 5.28 million MT due to lower carry-in stocks, causing exports, domestic use and carry-out stocks to decrease.

Average prices, over all types, grades and markets, are forecast to increase from 2006-07 for dry peas, lentils, dry beans, mustard seed, canary seed, sunflower seed and buckwheat, but decrease marginally for chickpeas. The main factors to watch are currency exchange rates, ocean shipping costs and crop conditions in India, Pakistan, Mexico and the Middle East.

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