Top Canary Seed Producing Countries

Canary seed (Phalaris canariensis) is primarily cultivated in Canada, which is by far the world’s leading producer, accounting for over 80% of global production, with the province of Saskatchewan at the heart of its cultivation. Other countries such as Argentina and Hungary also contribute to global canary seed output, though at much smaller scales. Historically, canary seed originated in the Mediterranean region and North Africa, where it was first domesticated and grown as a fodder and birdseed crop. Its use spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, largely as bird feed for domesticated songbirds, and eventually reached the Americas with European colonization. In the 20th century, Canada developed improved, hull-less varieties and established itself as the dominant exporter, supplying canary seed for both bird feed and, more recently, for human consumption due to its gluten-free properties.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat