Canaryseed

Canaryseed.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis), or annual canarygrass, is a major component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. The seedlings resemble green foxtail or corn seedlings; they are finely leafed, and purple to red at the base of the stem. Mature plants are approximately one metre in height and have small compact heads. The major canaryseed producing countries are Canada, the USA, Hungary, and Argentina. World canaryseed production has ranged from 150,000 to 347,000 tonnes in recent years. World exports ranged from 148,000 to 233,000 tonnes during the period from 1992 to 2002. Plantings in Canada have ranged from 95,000 to 247,000 ha in the past ten years, with over 90% grown in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan is the largest producer and exporter of canaryseed in the world, and provides over one-half of total annual world production and world trade. Fluctuations in production of canaryseed in Saskatchewan can have a major impact on world price, and the market is characterized by large price swings. Birds are popular pets for apartment dwellers, and large markets exist in countries with high urban populations such as the USA, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil.

Ray McVicar