For red lentils, drier is better.
That’s why new rules designed to reduce the moisture content of the crop should put more money into producers’ pockets.
As of Aug. 1, the maximum allowable moisture content for red lentils was reduced to 13 percent from 14 percent.
That seemingly small change could make a big difference in selling red lentils abroad, say industry officials.
“Ultimately it is going to provide a more appealing characteristic for red lentils for buyers around the world to consider buying from Canada versus other competitors’ products,” said Murad Al-Katib, president of Saskcan Pulse Trading Co. of Regina, the only red lentil splitter in Canada.
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“There will be a net benefit for farmers from additional markets and a better brand reputation for Canadian red lentils.”
Garth Patterson of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Association agreed, adding growers and other stakeholders had asked the Canadian Grain Commission for the new rules.
“The 14 percent level was causing some of our potential customers to not want Canadian red lentils,” he said. “We need this to improve our image in the world market.”
Ninety percent of the red lentils consumed in the world are peeled and split, either before they’re shipped for export or after they arrive at their destination. The higher the moisture level, the more difficult it is to process the lentils, especially peeling the seed coat.
Most of the world’s red lentils are produced in warm, dry countries like Turkey, Australia, India and Syria at moisture levels below 12 percent, which put Canada, with its 14 percent moisture rule, at a disadvantage.
A recent survey found that despite good quality characteristics and freedom from insect infestation, Canadian lentils were the least preferred by buyers among the top five suppliers of red lentils.
Al-Katib said while his company has not experienced serious problems handling 14 percent lentils, processors around the world who are not used to higher moisture levels have been complaining for years.
While some in the Canadian industry had pressed for an even lower maximum moisture content, Al-Katib said anything less than 13 percent would have been punitive and a disincentive to grow the crop.
“We’ve taken a step to bring our standard closer to what the world standard is … but it’s still realistic and achievable in a normal crop year in Canada.”
Patterson said producers are in favour of the change and the association doesn’t think meeting the lower moisture requirements will be a problem for most growers in most years.
