General Increase in Special Crop Output

VANCOUVER - Sep 5/08 - SNS -- Agriculture Canada expects total production of pulse and special crops in Canada to inch up to 5.0 million metric tons (MT) this year as higher production for dry peas, lentils, dry beans, mustard, canary and sunflower seed are partly offset by lower production for chickpeas.

Total supply is expected to rise marginally as the increase in production is partially offset by lower carry-in stocks. Exports are forecast to remain unchanged, while domestic use is expected to rise marginally.

Carry-out stocks are expected to rise, but remain historically low for most crops. Average prices, over all types, grades and markets, are forecast to increase for 2008-09 for all pulse and special crops, with the exception of dry peas. The other main factors to watch are crop conditions in the US, the EU, Australia, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

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