Dried Lentil from Canada

History

Lentil cultivation in Canada began in the 1970s, gaining traction in Saskatchewan, which became a global hub by the 1990s. Through varietal innovation and efficient supply chains, Canada transformed into a major global supplier, especially after expanding trade with South Asia and the Middle East.

Production Regions

• Saskatchewan: Accounts for over 90% of national lentil production.
• Alberta: Smaller production, often integrated with cereal rotations.
• Manitoba: Limited lentil acreage; focus is more on peas and soybeans.

Growing Conditions

• Altitude: 400 to 700 m in the Prairies.
• Climate: Semi-arid with cold winters and warm summers; low humidity favors lentils.
• Soils: Loamy, well-drained soils rich in nutrients.
• Irrigation: Mostly rainfed with good soil moisture retention.
• Crop Cycle: 85 to 110 days, planted in spring and harvested late summer.

Harvesting Process

• Harvesting: Mechanized using combines; desiccation used to dry uniformly.
• Drying Methods: Field-dried with occasional aeration post-harvest.
• Moisture Target: Below 14% for long-term storage and export.

Cultivation Methods

• Farming Structure: Large-scale farms with rotation systems.
• Crop Rotation: Lentils are rotated with cereals like wheat, barley, and canola.
• Input Use: Minimal nitrogen fertilizers due to nitrogen-fixing capacity; herbicide-tolerant varieties common.
• Pest Management: Focused on fungal diseases, aphids, and cutworms.

Supply Chain

• Producers: Commercial farmers in Saskatchewan manage most volume.
• Processors: Facilities clean, sort, split, and grade lentils for export.
• Exporters: Companies specialize in destination-based packing (e.g., bagged, bulk, containers).
• Traceability: Fully traceable via Canadian Grain Commission systems.

Local Logistics

• Transport: Grain trucks to cleaning facilities; rail and containerized shipping to ports.
• Export Ports: Vancouver (containerized), Thunder Bay (bulk rail), and Montreal.

Regulations and Certifications

• Regulatory Bodies: Canadian Grain Commission (CGC), CFIA.
• Certifications: Non-GMO, Halal, Kosher, Organic, GlobalG.A.P., and FDA-compliant.

Quality Standards

• Moisture Content: <14% for export-grade.
• Defect Allowance: Limited tolerance for splits, discolored seeds, or foreign matter.
• Grading: CGC provides official grade standards based on size, color, purity.

Trade Terms

• Exports (2023): Over 2 million metric tons.
• HS Code: 0713.40 (Dried lentils).
• Top Export Markets: India, Turkey, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, and Algeria.

Environmental Impact

• Pesticide Use: Moderate and regulated; emphasis on pre-harvest intervals.
• Water Use: Low water intensity crop; improves soil health.
• Land Use: Lentils are grown on rotational lands, enhancing sustainability.

Social Impact

• Rural Employment: Major crop in Prairie Provinces, supports regional economies.
• Indigenous Communities: Some involvement in agricultural cooperatives.
• Farmer Income: High value crop, stable export contracts help maintain margins.

Uses

• Domestic Use: Limited, mostly in ethnic cuisines and plant-based products.
• Industrial Use: Protein extraction, soups, pastas, bakery enrichment.
• Export: Whole and split lentils for human consumption and animal feed.