Canary Seed
Canary seed (Phalaris canariensis) is a cereal grain grown primarily as a cool‑season crop and exported in bulk or bagged form. It is used mainly in bird feed but is also processed into whole groats, flakes and flour for human food applications.
Prices, specifications and international trade for canary seed under HS 100830.
Canary Seed Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Canary seed is quoted in USD/t at CAN. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Canada led reported canary seed exports in 2025, at $93.7M.
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Canary seed grading factors include Degree of soundness, Fireburnt %, and Heated and binburnt %.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for canary seed considers Degree of soundness, Fireburnt %, and Heated and binburnt %.
- Degree of soundness
Assesses maturity and kernel integrity; buyers prefer well‑mature, sweet kernels.
- Fireburnt %
Measures proportion of kernels damaged by fire; high values reduce market value.
- Heated and binburnt %
Indicates heat damage during handling; excessive heat damage is a quality defect.
- Ergot %
Presence of ergot sclerotia; buyers limit ergot because it is a toxic contaminant.
- Excreta %
Measures animal excreta contamination; high levels affect cleanliness.
- Inert material %
Fraction of non‑seed material such as straw or debris; lower inert material improves purity.
- Total foreign material %
Overall percentage of non‑seed contaminants; limits are set for export specifications.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for canary seed include Dehulled seed (dockage), Silica hair dust, and Septoria leaf mottle.
- Dehulled seed (dockage)
Hull removal produces dark brown seed that is classified as dockage and reduces grade.
- Silica hair dust
Tiny trichomes on older varieties create irritating dust during handling and dehulling.
- Septoria leaf mottle
Residue‑borne fungal disease that can reduce yield and seed quality if conditions are wet.
Canary Seed Facts and HS Code
Canary seed belongs to other cereals within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 100830.
Canary Seed HS Code
| Also known as | canary seed, canary grain |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phalaris canariensis |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Other cereals — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 100830 |
| HS6 description | Cereals; canary seeds |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | CAN |
Production & Handling
Canary seed storage guidance: Stored at about 13 % moisture, kept dry and protected from dust, and shipped in bulk or bagged containers.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Stored at about 13 % moisture, kept dry and protected from dust, and shipped in bulk or bagged containers. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical canary seed packaging includes Bulk or bagged.
- Bulk or bagged
Most exports are shipped in bulk or in standard export bags, meeting a minimum 99 % purity.
Uses & Risks
Canary seed is used in Bird feed, Human food ingredients, and Pet and livestock feed.
End Uses
- Bird feed
Major component of feed mixes for caged and wild birds.
- Human food ingredients
Used as whole groats, flakes, flour, or milled products in bakery, cereal, pasta and snack applications.
- Pet and livestock feed
Inclusion in pet food formulations and livestock rations.
- Specialty starch and vermicelli noodles
Emerging uses in specialty starch products and noodle manufacturing.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Bird feed manufacturers, Pet food producers, Bakery and cereal manufacturers, Pasta and snack producers, Feed manufacturers |
|---|---|
| Leading origins | Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Morocco, Thailand, Türkiye, Uruguay |
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Heat sensitivity ClimateMedium Canary seed is less tolerant to high temperatures, drought and salinity than wheat. | Planting in cool‑season regions and adhering to optimal sowing windows reduces stress. |
Septoria leaf mottle DiseaseMedium A residue‑borne fungal disease that can reduce yields under wet conditions. | Crop rotation with at least a two‑year break from canary seed is recommended. |
Aphid infestation PestLow Aphids are attracted to canary seed and can cause localized damage. | Monitoring and appropriate insecticide applications are used where needed. |
Canary Seed Questions
- What moisture level is recommended for storing canary seed?
- Canary seed is considered safe for storage at about 13 % moisture. Maintaining this moisture level helps prevent deterioration during storage and transport.
- How is canary seed processed for human food use?
- After cleaning, the seed can be dehulled to produce groats, which are then milled by pin, roller or hammer milling into flour, or tempered and flaked for use in bakery, cereal, pasta and snack products.
- What are the main quality defects buyers look for?
- Buyers monitor for dehulled seed (dockage), silica hair dust that irritates handlers, and foreign material such as ergot, excreta or inert matter. Excess heat damage (fireburnt or binburnt) is also a concern.