Last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the U.S., Jeff Van Pevenage was often quoted in media reports about the resulting spike in pulse demand. In this interview, we delve into CGI’s experience last year and also discuss the outlook for 2021.
0:54 Let’s start off with what happened last year. Give us a timeline of the surge and ebb and flow of demand, both domestic and for export, that you experienced in 2020.
3:59 Was there ever a time when it looked like you weren’t going to be able to satisfy the demand? And if so, how did you handle it?
4:40 Let’s talk about domestic demand specifically. We spoke last year and at that time you pegged average domestic demand for all pulses at 1.45 million MT. How much do you expect domestic consumption will end up at in 2020/21?
4:55 Was any one pulse crop in more demand than the others?
05:25 How about on the export side? How does this marketing year’s export volume compare to the norm?
06:45 And what is your anticipated carryout for each of the different pulse crops?
8:40 U.S. pulse crops are planted in May, starting with chickpeas, right? What are the expectations for seeding this year? Do you expect to see an expansion in the area seeded to pulses?
10:24 How about seed supplies? Are they sufficient to meet grower interest or are they a limiting factor?
10:59 What do you expect in terms of demand both domestically and internationally in MY 2021/22?
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.
