EU imports will continue to be pressured by lower hog numbers in the Netherlands. However, peas are a traditional feed ingredient for hogs in Europe and the lower prices will support Canadian pea exports. Lower prices will also support sales of peas for human consumption in Asia and Latin America. Low prices of feed grains and protein meal have also had a negative impact on pea prices. Yields are forecast to be slightly lower than in 1997-98.
Total use is forecast to decrease slightly.
Carry-out stocks are expected to increase, but still remain low. Mt. Demand is expected to increase only slightly due to competition from Hungary and other central European countries. EU production is expected to decrease to 3.69 Mt from 4.17 Mt in 1997-98.