Farmers have largely wrapped up harvest, with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture reporting that 98% of this year’s harvest is complete as of October 13. Reports from governments, market analysts, and others have been that realized yields this year for many crops were higher than average. It is exciting to see the potential of new genetics when precision agronomy, favourable growing conditions, and grower expertise all align. But we do not produce crops for yield alone. We aim for maximum profitability per acre for the crops we produce.

With 85% of what we produce exported and highly reliant on a few large markets, maintaining access to our existing markets is critical for strong prices. SPG has been very active trying to preserve the market access we have and to restore access where we are currently shut out through collaboration with national associations, with a focus on China and India.

With leadership from Pulse Canada Board Chair (and SPG board member and Nipawin-area farmer) Terry Youzwa and President Greg Cherewyk, we have been active through several missions to India and China in 2025. The aim has been to maintain and strengthen business relationships with customers, industry associations, and governments in these markets which have been developed over 25 years. Closer relationships and more regular presence in these markets are needed. SPG also ensured that market access for peas was top of mind for Premier Moe’s trip to China in September.

We have had very frequent engagement with federal and provincial ministers with responsibilities for agriculture, international trade, and export development to ensure they understand the critical importance of restoring access for Canadian peas to China, which is normally Canada’s largest market for peas. China imposed 100% tariffs on peas, canola meal, and canola oil after Canada placed 100% tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. China has been clear, in private and in public, that its anti-discriminatory tariffs on peas and other agriculture products will be reconsidered if Canada removes its tariffs on Chinese EVs. Our message to the federal government is that farmers will not stand for the loss of billions of dollars of agri-food exports developed over decades because the federal government chooses to protect another sector of the Canadian economy. We continue to call on the Government of Canada to engage with China, resolve the tariff war, and restore access for Canadian peas.

Major efforts continue to build and diversify demand for pulses outside of these major markets. These include diversifying use in the foodservice and ingredient sectors in food, pet food, feed, and aquaculture markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America. This market diversification work had accelerated recently due to competition from new origins. This is long-term work, however, and we can not replace the demand from large markets quickly.

So, as you market this year’s crop and plan for next year, know that SPG and its partner organizations continue to do everything possible to maintain the markets of today and build diversified, robust demand for pulses for the future. As always, we welcome feedback and input from growers. Please watch for upcoming SPG meetings and events over the winter.

– Carl Potts, Executive Director
​Saskatchewan Pulse Growers