Good morning! This is 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.

Dates: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Expansion of Emerald Ash Borer Regulated Areas in British Columbia

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded emerald ash borer (EAB) regulated areas in British Columbia to include Surrey and New Westminster, following detection of infested trees in Surrey. While EAB has not yet been found in New Westminster, its location between other regulated zones suggests likely presence. Effective immediately as of July 7, ash material and all firewood within these areas cannot be transported outside without CFIA authorization. This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to contain the highly destructive beetle, which poses substantial economic and environmental threats to urban and forested regions. CFIA will continue surveys and surveillance in partnership with federal, provincial, and First Nations authorities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Canada and Ontario Launch $3 Million Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Intake

On July 8, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in partnership with Ontario, announced a third intake for the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). With up to $3 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the program will fund Ontario farmers implementing energy efficiency upgrades. Eligible projects include replacing inefficient on-farm technologies, geothermal installation, and upgrading motor, cooling, drying, and lighting systems. Grants range from $10,000 to $90,000 per project, with applications accepted August 13–September 3. The ASI has already provided $12.5 million to over 870 projects since 2023, aiming to bolster sector competitiveness and reduce operational costs amid ongoing U.S. tariff pressures.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Horticulture Diversification Program for PEI Growers

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada introduced the Horticulture Diversification Program on July 11, offering Prince Edward Island producers cost-shared support under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Eligible uses include expanding controlled environment agriculture and greenhouses, adopting technologies to boost efficiency, enhancing post-harvest storage, and accessing agronomic advisory services. The program supports four streams: season extension, productivity improvements, post-harvest cooling/freezing/storage, and on-farm agronomy. Producers may access funds to diversify crops, adapt to evolving climate conditions, and extend market reach across Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal “Red Tape” Review Initiated Across Regulatory Departments

On July 9, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat began a government-wide Red Tape review, with all regulatory Ministers required to evaluate and propose actions to eliminate duplicative or outdated regulations. The Red Tape Reduction Office, created earlier in 2025, will oversee the review process. Within 60 days, departments must report progress, targeting efficiencies including the reduction of overlapping federal-provincial rules and improved service delivery. This initiative is framed as an opportunity to remove regulatory barriers and streamline frameworks affecting Canadian businesses—including agriculture and agri-food.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases May 2025 Farm Product Prices

Statistics Canada released updated data on July 11 showing provincial farm prices for May 2025 across grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs, and dairy. These figures allow producers and industry participants to monitor price trends against historical benchmarks, supporting contract negotiations and analytical reporting.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Farm Input Price Index Posted for Q1 2025

New Farm Input Price Index data for the first quarter of 2025 was published July 9, giving an updated view of costs such as fertilizer, feed, and other key production expenses. Sector participants may compare this index to previous quarters for budgeting and risk management.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Remote Work Opportunities in Rural Labour Markets: New Data

Data released July 11 by Statistics Canada outlines remote work potential in rural labour markets from late 2024 through mid-2025. Derived from the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, the dataset includes sectoral breakdowns and highlights spatial patterns in rural workforce flexibility, mapped using small area geographic concepts.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada Funds Technical Assistance Project in Moldova’s Agroforestry Sector

On July 9, Global Affairs Canada committed $6.5 million to support a technical partnership with Moldova aimed at advancing climate resilience and economic participation by rural women in agroforestry. Delivered with the UNDP and UN Women, the project provides targeted capacity-building on climate-smart agriculture, business development, and leadership for female entrepreneurs in Moldova.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

Trump Administration’s 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Enacted

President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" into law on July 4, introducing permanent tax relief for small businesses.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage 1 Final Rule Issued

The Farm Service Agency implemented SDRP Stage 1 as of July 10, offering financial assistance to producers with 2023–2024 losses from events such as floods, droughts, wildfires, excessive heat, and storms. Payments are calculated based on existing crop insurance or NAP indemnities, subject to caps of $125,000 per crop category, or higher if 75% of a producer’s income is farm-derived. Producers must agree to take out future insurance or NAP coverage and adhere to eligibility rules. Stage 2 will cover uninsured losses and is set for later announcement.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. Launches Review of Antidumping Duties on Indian Organic Soybean Meal

On July 11, the U.S. Department of Commerce released preliminary results for the 2023-2024 administrative review of antidumping duties on organic soybean meal from India.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Extension and Update of U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs

On July 7, President Trump signed an executive order extending reciprocal tariff rates for several trading partners through August 1, 2025. The order modifies certain ad valorem duties under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Countries such as Japan, Korea, South Africa, Laos, and others are assigned new or continued tariff levels.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Signs Three-Year 4R Nutrient Stewardship Agreement

Alberta’s government and industry partners, including Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains, entered a three-year memorandum to expand 4R Nutrient Stewardship adoption, supporting best practices in fertilizer use and data collection.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Opens Nominations for 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards

Ontario is accepting nominations for its 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards until September 2, covering categories from Youth to Urban Agriculture, with details and forms available online.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Saskatchewan Publishes Weekly Crop Report for July 1–7, 2025

Saskatchewan’s crop report notes varying conditions, with some areas receiving beneficial rainfall and others experiencing ongoing moisture deficits. Crop staging and hay quality show regional variability.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta to Invest $7 Million in Watershed Resilience and Flood/Drought Protection

Alberta announced $3.5 million for new watershed projects and opened applications for an additional $3.5 million to expand flood and drought resilience measures, aiming to support municipal and non-profit partnerships.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

CFIA Opens Consultation on Livestock Feed Ingredients Table Amendments

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency began consultation July 9, seeking input on miscellaneous single ingredient feed (SIF) amendments, including whey, calcium iodate, hydrolyzed chicken feathers, and more. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: Share your thoughts: Proposed amended livestock feed ingredients – Miscellaneous changes to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table - inspection.canada.ca

CFIA Consultation: New Single Ingredient Feed—Saponified Marigold and Paprika Oleoresin

As of July 9, CFIA invites comments on introducing saponified marigold and paprika oleoresin as new livestock feed ingredients. The comment period ends August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

CFIA Consultation: Modified Single Ingredient Feed—Vitamin E Acetate

CFIA opened a consultation July 9 regarding amendments to Vitamin E acetate feed ingredient descriptions, with industry and public feedback accepted through August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

CFIA Consultation: Modified L-lysine, L-lysine monohydrochloride and L-lysine solution

A consultation was launched July 9 for proposed amendments to the SIF descriptions for L-lysine and related compounds, closing August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

CFIA Seeks Input on New and Amended Feed Ingredients—Eugenol and Vanillin

As of July 9, CFIA is requesting feedback on new and amended SIF descriptions for eugenol and vanillin, including for gut modifier and flavour ingredient uses. Submissions close August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Robert Black acknowledged the Soil Conservation Council’s endorsement of Bill S-230, the National Strategy for Soil Health Act, in a post on July 8.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Mary Robinson shared a resource for sourcing in-season Prince Edward Island food products on July 9, noting the province’s nickname as Canada's 'Food Island.'

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On July 9, Senator Robert Black posted about his visit to Arva Flour Mills, recognized as Canada’s oldest continuously operating flour mill.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Protecting agricultural land is food security, says Ontario farm family backing private member's bill: Ontario farm family supports new legislation for farmland protection.
• Investment into Saskatchewan pea protein processing to create new Canadian food options: Expansion in pea protein capacity brings new options to Canadian food manufacturing.
• ‘Everything is dying’: Prairie farmers, crops struggling with yearly droughts: Feature on ongoing drought impacts across the prairies.
• The dairy industry’s outsized political influence, explained in charts: Visual analysis of the dairy sector’s role in Canadian politics.