Canada's Dry Bean Industry

There are several types of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) produced in Canada including: white pea beans (navy beans); red and white kidney beans; black, red, and pink beans, as well as pinto and cranberry (Romano) beans. A warm-season crop, sensitive to frost, dry bean quality is evaluated on the basis of three main criteria: size, shape, and colour. Dry beans are a leguminous crop and are able to fix their own nitrogen. Crop rotation with cereals grains or corn is recommended to reduce disease, improve soil fertility, and help in overall weed control.

Area of Production

The harvested area of Canadian dry beans is concentrated in Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. The harvested area of Canadian dry beans has followed an upward path since 1996, increasing 156% from 84 thousand hectares to 215 thousand hectares in 2002. This upward trend slowed in 2003 when the area of production fell 25% from the 2002 level to 162 thousand hectares, although still 93% above the 1996 level. The forecast for 2004 proves that the decrease experienced in area harvested in 2003 is not temporary, as the harvested area is expected to decrease further to 150 thousand hectares ⁽¹⁾. In Western Canada, there is potential for a long-term expansion in the harvested area of dry beans mainly due to the availability of new varieties (pinto and black beans) that mature over a shorter growing season.

Yield

Dry bean yield fluctuated moderately over the last several years. Yield was held relatively constant throughout 1998 and 1999 at 1.97 and 1.90 tonnes per hectare, respectively. Yield fell 13% in 2000, down to 1.65 tonnes per hectare. Since 2000, however, yield has increased almost 30% to 2.14 in 2003. Yield is expected to decline to 1.9 tonnes per hectare in 2004 ⁽¹⁾

Volume of Production

Canadian dry bean production levels have fluctuated recently. Production rose 54% from 1998 to 1999, increasing from 185 thousand tonnes to 285 thousand tonnes. In 2000, production decreased to 261 thousand tonnes, followed by an increase in 2001 to 289 thousand tonnes. Production continued to rise in 2002, increasing 41% to 407 thousand tonnes. However, this upswing in production was short-lived, as production decreased to 347 thousand tonnes in 2003. Production is forecast to decrease sharply in 2004 to 285 thousand tonnes, due to a decrease in seeded area and an expected lower yield. Production is expected to decrease for all types of dry beans, including white pea, pinto, black, red kidney, cranberry, Great Northern, and small red and pink ⁽¹⁾

Disposition

Among the world's five leading exporters of dry beans, Canada exported its crop to 115 countries in 2003. Since 1998, Canadian exports of dry beans have increased annually from 162.7 thousand tonnes to 314.5 thousand tonnes in 2003, a 93% increase. In 2004, exports are forecast to decrease due to lower supply ⁽¹⁾. The majority of Canadian dry bean exports are exported in unprocessed bulk form.

The United States was the largest market for Canadian dry beans, importing 35% of total Canadian exports in 2003. The next largest market is the United Kingdom, which imported 21% of Canadian dry bean exports in 2003.

Additional Information

Canadian domestic use has increased over the past several years, partly as a result of an increase in dry bean use in the dishes of the increasing ethnic population, the increase in health conscious consumers, and the development of quick-cooking and speciality products. Dry beans may be sold canned or packaged dry, as well as further processed into pork and beans, refried beans, soups, chili, bean paste, and bean flour.

Dry beans are used almost exclusively for human consumption; with only a minimal amount of weather-damaged, low grade beans being used for livestock feed. As well as being an excellent source of protein, dry beans are high in fibre and complex carbohydrates. They are also low in sodium and are gluten-free. Given the content and quality of the protein in dry beans, they may be used as an effective meat extender and/or as a meat substitute. Some medical research has also shown that dry beans assist in lowering cholesterol, and may even help to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Dry beans also possess appetite suppressant qualities slowing digestion and delaying the reappearance of hunger.

For the latest market information and analysis available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, please consult the following publications:

• Canada: Pulse and Special Crops Outlook
• Bi-weekly Bulletin
• Drought Watch

⁽¹⁾  Forecast based on August-July crop year, Market Analysis Division, Strategic Policy Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, April 28, 2004.