World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day recognizes the importance of pulses as a vital source of plant-based protein and essential nutrients. This special day highlights the significant role pulses play in contributing to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. As a result, it aims to encourage people to incorporate pulses into their daily diets, while also stressing the need for continued research and investment in pulse production.

The United Nations General Assembly designated World Pulses Day in 2018, following the success of the International Year of Pulses in 2016. This observance holds particular relevance for Canada, as the country is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of pulses, including lentils, peas, and beans. The Canadian pulse industry is a valuable contributor to the national economy and supports sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, which promotes biodiversity and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, by engaging with World Pulses Day, Canadians can express support for their local farmers, promote environmental sustainability, and embrace the nutritional benefits of pulses.

Typical customs for World Pulses Day in Canada involve individual and collective efforts to raise awareness of the nutritional value and sustainability of pulses. Various organizations and educational institutions may host events or seminars, offering opportunities for Canadians to learn more about the benefits of incorporating pulses into their diets. Social media platforms also become a hub for sharing recipes, personal experiences, and ideas surrounding the theme. World Pulses Day is observed globally every year on February 10th, Canadians are encouraged to actively embrace the benefits of pulses all year round, both for their own health and the wellbeing of the planet.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 World Pulses Day in Canada

• For the upcoming World Pulses Day on February 10, 2026, the most compelling facts for a Canadian audience center on the country's global dominance in the sector and the unique environmental status of these crops.
  
  Canada enters 2026 as the world's largest exporter of pulses, shipping more than 80 percent of its domestic production to over 120 countries and providing nearly 40 percent of the global pulse trade.
• Statistics Canada projects that the 2025–26 crop year will yield record-breaking harvests, including the largest lentil crop ever recorded at over 3.3 million tonnes and a significant eight-year high for chickpea production.
• A defining point of interest for environmentally conscious Canadians is that pulses grown on the Prairies are considered carbon neutral or even carbon negative because they naturally sequester atmospheric carbon into the soil while performing nitrogen fixation, which eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• National health recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide highlight pulses as a primary protein source, noting they contain twice the protein of whole-grain cereals and are essential for managing blood sugar and heart health.
• Industry leaders are currently focused on Pulse Canada’s 25 by 25 Strategy, an initiative aiming to diversify the sector by directing 25 percent of production into new domestic and international end-use markets by the end of this year.
• Culinary enthusiasts often engage with specialized digital resources such as Pulse Weekly to discover how traditional crops like faba beans are being transformed into innovative plant-based meat alternatives and gluten-free flours.
• Scientific advancement in the field will be a major focal point in Saskatoon this year during the 13th Canadian Pulse Research Workshop, where experts will discuss the role of artificial intelligence in improving crop resilience against climate change.
• Economic growth in the sector is further supported by the Road to $25 Billion campaign, a strategic effort by Protein Industries Canada to bolster value-added processing and ingredient manufacturing within the country.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Pulses Day

• Learn more about pulses and their benefits with an educational video by the FAO.
• Learn about the Global Pulse Confederation, a not for profit hoping to create an inclusive global pulse organization.
• Attend ‘Pulse Feast’ Cooking Demonstrations: These are arranged in various cities across Canada where professional chefs showcase how to use pulses in everyday cooking in a delicious, nutritional, and sustainable way.