LONDON, ENGLAND – The International Grains Council (IGC) announced on Nov. 1 that pulses, such as lentils, dry peas, chickpeas and dry beans, will be included in the Council’s definition of “grains” under Article 2(1)(e) of the Grains Trade Convention.

As a result, the IGC Secretariat will expand its market information for pulses.

In many regions around the world, pulses are a basic staple food and a vital source of plant-based protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, with global trade in the commodity increasing continuously over the last five years to reach 16 to 17 million tonnes in 2021.

The IGC currently provides updates on pulses trade and estimates of production in the GMR (Grain Market Report) on a bimonthly basis. Supply and demand balances are published for the major exporters for dry peas, lentils and chickpeas.

The Secretariat is also currently constructing global supply and demand balances and developing a pulses-specific area on the IGC member website which would include an FOB prices matrix.

By extending the definition of grains to include pulses, the IGC said it is “seeking to increase market transparency for pulses and to enhance co-operation to increase the global trade of this commodity which plays an essential role in achieving food security.”