Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, fertilizers, ranchers, cattlemen and cattlewomen, and their upstream suppliers and downstream .buyers.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-04-20
End Date: 2025-04-26

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Chicken Production Quotas Set for June–July 2025

Amendments to the Canadian Chicken Marketing Quota Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part II (SOR/2025-121), establishing production and marketing limits for chicken across Canada for period A-196, running from June 1, 2025, to July 26, 2025. These regulatory changes, authorized under the Farm Products Agencies Act, define the volume of chicken that may be produced and marketed within the specified period. The regulation affects the allocation of supply among producers and is part of the routine quota-setting process for the sector.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Egg Producer Levies Adjusted in Six Provinces

The Order Amending the Canadian Egg Marketing Levies Order (SOR/2025-120) sets new provincial levy rates for egg producers in Quebec ($0.5495), New Brunswick ($0.5555), Manitoba ($0.5595), British Columbia ($0.5579), Prince Edward Island ($0.5295), and Alberta ($0.5705). These rates, enacted under the Farm Products Agencies Act, apply to producers' contributions to marketing boards. The regulatory change impacts cost structures for egg producers in these jurisdictions.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

AgriStability Enrolment Deadlines Extended in Response to Market Disruptions

In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have extended the AgriStability program enrolment deadline for 2025 from April 30 to July 31. The extension responds to current market disruptions, including tariffs, and gives producers additional time to assess their risk management options. The Manitoba government highlighted earlier funding increases, while Saskatchewan noted the continued availability of interim payments for losses. Both announcements stress that the existing program parameters remain in effect.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca, Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Nova Scotia Launches Food Safety Support Pilot Program

Nova Scotia introduced a two-year Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program, partnering with Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp. The initiative provides funding for local food and beverage producers to meet compliance requirements for provincial and federal food safety standards, including training, assessments, and facility upgrades. The program covers 100% of eligible training costs and 70% of other eligible expenses, up to $20,000 per company.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

New Funding for Agricultural Water Management Projects in Saskatchewan

The Water Security Agency announced that the Agricultural Water Management Fund is open for 2025 applications. The fund provides up to $95,000 per project to support qualified technical, engineering, and mitigation works for agricultural water management. Since 2022, over $2 million has funded 93 projects. Eligible recipients include individual producers, First Nations, rural municipalities, and other local authorities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Ontario Increases Support for Research in Agri-Food and Other Sectors

Ontario is investing over $75 million in 162 research projects, including $209,000 for Western University's Plant Stress Biology Facility and $150,000 for University of Guelph's soil sensing technology.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Provides $7.4 Million to Regional Agricultural Societies

Alberta announced a one-time $7.4 million funding package to help regional agricultural societies address cost pressures and plan for business transformation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Funds Facility Expansion to Improve Food Access in the North

Ontario is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to expand the Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario, increasing storage and food security for remote communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia Invests $5 Million in Neptune BioInnovation Centre

Nova Scotia announced $5 million in funding for the Neptune BioInnovation Centre, a biofermentation facility in Dartmouth aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and boost biotechnology capabilities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

B.C. Tree-Fruit Growers Receive Support for Climate Resiliency

B.C. launched a $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program supporting 67 projects in the Okanagan and Kootenay regions, with investments in equipment like wind machines and hail netting.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program Funds Municipal Growth

The Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development (GRID) Program will provide nearly $26.8 million to 35 municipal projects, supporting water, sewer, stormwater, and disaster mitigation initiatives.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Invests in Bioinnovation Centre

The province provided $5 million to the Neptune BioInnovation Centre, which is expected to create more than 2,400 jobs and contribute $334 million annually to Nova Scotia's GDP.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan Announces Scheduled Maintenance for Online Services

The Government of Saskatchewan scheduled maintenance for its online forms and services from April 26–27, which may affect access to agricultural program applications.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Arpan Khanna Visits TCF Processing Plant in Ingersoll

MP Arpan Khanna shared his visit to TCF processing plant in Ingersoll, praising its Canadian ownership and contribution to national food production.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Heath MacDonald Commends Beef Industry Conservation Efforts

MP Heath MacDonald noted ongoing conservation initiatives within the beef sector, referencing Atlantic Beef.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Michael Barrett Discusses Dairy Sector Challenges

MP Michael Barrett met with Leeds and Grenville Milk Committees and local dairy farmers to discuss supporting the sector amid challenging conditions.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Kevin Vuong Comments on Thin Grocery and Distribution Margins

MP Kevin Vuong stated that grocery and distributor margins are under significant pressure, which affects farmers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Robert Oliphant Attends Urban Farm Garden Opening

MP Robert Oliphant attended the Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers garden opening, acknowledging their vegetable production for the community.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Marks National Soil Conservation Week

Senator Robert Black posted about National Soil Conservation Week, directing attention to soil health and referencing the AGFO soil study.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Highlights Nuffield Canada Scholarship Applications

Senator Robert Black noted the opening of applications for the Nuffield Canada agricultural scholarship, which supports travel study for established agricultural professionals.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Recognizes Earth Day and Biodiversity

Senator Robert Black posted about Earth Day, referencing biodiversity and encouraging awareness of local species at risk.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Patrick Brazeau Signals Support for Ending Live Horse Exports

Senator Patrick Brazeau stated his ongoing support for ending live horse exports and indicated intention to reintroduce related Senate bills.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Farmers Edge Laboratories and Taurus Agricultural Marketing Inc. Partner to Expand Soil Testing Solutions Across Canada: New partnership aims to expand soil testing technology nationwide.
• Farm Management Canada Celebrates a Year of Partnership, Growth and Impact: Farm Management Canada reviews recent achievements in industry collaboration.
• From horse racing to honeybees and lettuce: How this family-run business is pivoting for future generations: The Globe and Mail profiles a multi-generational agri-business adapting to new markets.
• As tariffs from U.S. and China bite, Canadian agriculture needs help: CFIB: Global News examines the pressures on Canadian agriculture from international tariffs.
• Farm Management Canada Celebrates a Year of Partnership, Growth and Impact: Coverage on Farm Management Canada's report of expanded industry partnerships.