Canada
January 12, 2010
What crop-related issues are keeping you awake at night? This was one of the questions posed in the second “Finger on the Pulse” survey conducted by Syngenta Canada, in which nearly 500 Canadian pulse growers were asked to share some of their biggest crop-related concerns. Pest pressures topped the list, with nearly a third (31 per cent) citing pests such as weeds, disease and insects as their number one concern. Second to pests, pulse growers expressed concern about marketing (20 per cent) and export markets (14 per cent).
According to Jason Pickering, Customer Marketing Manager, Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc., these statistics illustrate the blend of challenges pulse producers need to balance on a regular basis. “Like all producers, pulse growers are looking for the right blend of solutions to help them get the best results for their crop and maximize the return on their investment,” says Pickering. “For many, this includes everything from the right crop protection products and agronomic best practices to effective marketing and strategic business planning.”
Despite the challenges, the vast majority of pulse growers expressed satisfaction with their career choice, with 70 per cent saying they would recommend a career in farming to their family (up from 60 per cent in 2007). Of those who would recommend it, 50 per cent would do so because it is a “good lifestyle”.
The majority of pulse growers surveyed also showed no intention of minimizing their acreage. In fact, nearly a third of pulse growers said they plan on growing a larger acreage of pulses next year, and 60 per cent intend to grow the same amount.
“Pulse producers’ commitment to pulses is good news for Canadians,” says Amanda Olekson of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Association. “Pulse producers not only provide Canadians with many nutritious and tasty products, they are a major contributor to the Canadian economy. Canada is the world’s number one exporter of peas and lentils and is a world leader in exports of chickpeas and beans. The total Canadian sales of lentils, peas, mustard and canaryseed for 2008 added up to approximately $1.9 billion, with most of that coming from Saskatchewan. That is a significant contribution to the agriculture market and the Canadian economy as a whole.”
Survey respondents identified several key areas where they believe the industry can help support pulse producers. Many respondents (39 per cent) said the number one thing the industry should do to help pulse growers is to create government and industry-lead marketing initiatives, followed by campaigning for improved transportation (32 per cent).
When it comes to boosting demand for pulse crops, many (42 per cent) would like to see industry initiatives that educate consumers on the health benefits of pulse crops. Others would like the industry help create new export markets (38 per cent), and develop new uses for pulse products (32 per cent).
Says Pickering, “The survey results demonstrate the remarkable commitment and tenacity of our pulse producers, and the importance of industry efforts that support them. One of the top priorities at Syngenta is to help Canadian producers – including pulse growers –overcome the crop-related challenges they face and run profitable, sustainable farm businesses.
About the Survey
The Syngenta Finger on the Pulse survey was an online survey of 473 Canadian pulse growers conducted on behalf of Syngenta during the period December 11 – 21, 2009. Syngenta previously conducted The Finger on the Pulse survey in December 2007, among 170 pulse growers, primarily from Saskatchewan.
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.
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