Pea and Lentil Stocks Down 39%

OTTAWA - Feb 4/15 - SNS -- Inventories of all grains, oilseeds and special crops included by Statistics Canada in its December 31 stocks in all position report were down 14.5% from the same date in 2013. However, pea and lentil inventories were down 39% on lower production and strong export movement for the August through December period.

It is important to note that Statistics Canada performs the only official surveys of farmers for grain stocks, seeding intentions and area, and production. The December survey covered 8,683 Canadian farms between January 2 to 12. Data on commercial stocks of western major crops originate from the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and include intransit stocks. Data on commercial stocks of special crops originate from a survey of handlers and agents of special crops.

Specialty crop markets continue to be disappointed with the fact Statistics Canada no longer includes inventory estimates for canaryseed, chickpeas, mustard and sunflower seed. Production of those crops is at levels which make it difficult to develop accurate estimates. This reflects the fact area is small and production tends to occur in pockets, which makes it harder to extrapolate survey samples to a national level.