A factor to watch is spring precipitation in Alberta and western Saskatchewan, areas which are dry. However, the extent of the increase in seeded areas for dry peas, lentils and chick peas could be limited by the availability of inoculant, which is used to maximize nitrogen fixation. Exports are forecast to remain stable, while domestic use increases, resulting in only slightly higher carry-out stocks. Average prices, compared to 2000-01, are forecast to increase for dry beans, mustard seed, canary seed and sunflower seed, decrease for lentils and be similar for dry peas, chick peas and buckwheat. Canadian exports are being supported by decreased competition from France, because of lower production, and strong demand in both the feed and food markets.
Total supply is forecast to increase only slightly because of lower carry-in stocks.
Canadian exports are forecast to decrease because of increased production in the EU, while domestic use increases because of increased use for livestock feed. Prices are expected to be supported by stable feed grain prices and strong demand in both the feed and food markets, but pressured by lower protein meal prices and higher world supply. Therefore, the average price over all types, grades and markets is forecast to be the same as in 2000-01. Total world supply is expected to increase slightly to about 3.56 Mt and Canada's share of total world supply is expected to increase. Therefore, Canadian exports are expected to increase.