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, as well as their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers in food manufacturing and processing. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Agri? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Freight & Ports and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-07-27 to 2025-08-02

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Canadian Beef Regains Access to Australian Market

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced the reopening of the Australian market for Canadian beef and beef products, the first such access since 2003. This development provides an entry point to a significant Indo-Pacific market and is expected to generate new revenue opportunities for Canadian beef farmers and processors. The move follows recognition of Canada’s negligible risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which bolsters international perceptions of Canadian beef safety. Officials point to expanded export prospects and the potential for additional investments within Canada’s food sector. The agency states that further engagement with industry partners will be ongoing, with emphasis on maintaining Canada’s standing as a supplier of high-quality beef internationally.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister of Agriculture to Visit Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines on Indo-Pacific Trade Mission

Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald will travel to Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines to pursue trade and sector partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, home to over 4 billion people and valued at $47.19 trillion. The mission includes meetings with senior officials and stakeholders to advance bilateral market access for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products. The trip forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade links with some of Canada's largest partners, exploring opportunities for export diversification and facilitating mutual investment in agri-food innovation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Settlements Reached for Agricultural Benefits Claims with Multiple First Nations

Canada and four Saskatchewan First Nations—Fishing Lake, Big River, One Arrow, and Muscowpetung Saulteaux—have finalized settlement agreements over outstanding agricultural benefits, commonly referenced as 'Cows and Plows' claims. Fishing Lake First Nation receives over $101 million, Big River $208 million, One Arrow $124 million, and Muscowpetung nearly $99 million, aligned with Treaty obligations for provision of farming supplies and livestock historically unmet by the federal government. The settlements include varied investment mechanisms, such as the establishment of long-term trusts and community infrastructure upgrades. Each agreement aims to address the economic effects of prior shortfalls in government support for agricultural activity and will be used to support community development, per capita distributions, and priority socio-economic projects by the Nations involved.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministerial Condition Placed on Livestock Drug Ingredient Avermectin B1

The Department of the Environment has issued a ministerial condition regarding the chemical avermectin B1, which is subject to regulation under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for use in veterinary pharmaceuticals. The approval restricts use of the substance to the manufacture of drugs for export and certain approved domestic animal treatments. The notifier is required to prevent all releases into the environment, collect waste for destruction or proper landfill, and maintain comprehensive records for at least five years. Any transfer of the substance must accompany prior notification and compliance commitments from recipients.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Federal-Provincial Investment in Ontario Honey Bee Health

The governments of Canada and Ontario have jointly announced $1.7 million through the Honey Bee Health Initiative, supporting 206 Ontario beekeeper businesses and 334 projects for hive health and colony resilience. This funding targets the purchase of new bee stock, hive health management, and operational improvements, positioning Ontario beekeepers to better manage disease, pests, and climate-related threats. The investment was made under the five-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, shared 60% federally and 40% provincially, aiming to mitigate the competitive impacts of recent U.S. tariffs and reduce overwintering colony losses.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Universal Broadband Fund Expands Rural Connectivity in British Columbia

A combined $77 million from federal and provincial governments in British Columbia will extend high-speed internet access to more than 7,700 rural and Indigenous households across over 100 communities. This initiative, including $7 million in direct federal investment for targeted projects, is part of the $830 million Connecting Communities BC program. CityWest Cable & Telephone Corp. and TELUS Communications Inc. are designated as major recipients. The Universal Broadband Fund continues to advance toward the federal goal of 98% connectivity by 2026 and 100% by 2030.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Upcoming Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act Regulations: Public Input Requested

The Government of Canada, via the Privy Council Office, is seeking stakeholder feedback to inform regulations for the new Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, which passed royal assent under Bill C-5 but is not yet in force. The Act is focused on recognizing comparable provincial/territorial regulatory requirements regarding interprovincial movement of goods and services, such as food safety under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. Federal requirements may be deemed satisfied if comparable provincial standards are met, reducing overlapping regulation. The consultation addresses possible exceptions where risks to health, safety, or international market access may arise, as well as criteria for comparability and risk mitigation.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Statistics Canada Releases July Poultry and Egg Industry Data

Statistics Canada has published national and provincial-level poultry and egg statistics for July 2025, encompassing frozen egg and poultry stocks, dried egg products, and placement data for hatchery chicks and turkey poults. The release also includes egg production statistics for May 2025, supporting inventory management and market analysis across the sector.

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

Machinery and Equipment, and Freight Rail Services Indexes Updated

The Machinery and Equipment Price Index for May 2025 and the Freight Rail Services Price Index for July 2025 are now available from Statistics Canada. The Machinery and Equipment Price Index tracks cost movements for industry capital investment planning, while the Rail Services Index informs on cost evolution for agricultural shipping logistics.

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

Oilseed Crushing and Grain Deliveries: June 2025 Reporting

Oilseed processors reported 856,100 tonnes of canola crushed in June 2025, an increase of 3% from May and 10.3% over June 2024. Output included 364,600 tonnes of oil and 507,000 tonnes of meal. These figures are relevant for monitoring supply chain flows and processor utilization.

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

US Federal GR News

White House Suspends Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries

On July 30, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order ending duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value imports under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for all countries, effective August 29, 2025. The executive order cites national emergencies pertaining to illicit shipments and trade deficits. The order mandates assessment of duties on all qualifying shipments, requires compliance by carriers with new collection and reporting rules, and retains certain exclusions for international postal shipments. Implementation will be coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These actions are positioned to close perceived loopholes in border tariff assessment.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Further Modification of Reciprocal Tariff Rates on Global Imports

President Trump issued a new executive order on July 31, 2025, to further modify reciprocal tariffs under authorities including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This order revises ad valorem rates for designated goods and adjusts duty application where trade imbalances are determined. Exceptions are made for goods in transit before the effective date. Anti-transshipment measures have been strengthened, imposing a 40% penalty rate on goods rerouted to evade duties. Implementation details involve multiple federal agencies and establish monitoring, enforcement, and penalty procedures.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Food Safety Modernization Act: FDA Sets User Fees for Reinspection, Recall, and Importer Activities (FY2026)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published fee rates for Fiscal Year 2026 related to domestic and foreign facility reinspections, recall order compliance, and importer reinspections under the Food Safety Modernization Act. Rates are set at $339 per hour for domestic travel activities and $376 per hour for foreign travel. Invoicing is triggered post-activity, with payment due within 30 days. Small business fee relief continues to be under separate consideration, with existing guidance explaining possible eligibility criteria.

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

Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) Fiscal Year 2026 User Fee Announced

The FDA published its annual notice setting the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) fee at $9,620 for FY2026, effective August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The fee calculation is based on estimated FDA staff costs and program activities such as application review and onsite evaluations. The VQIP provides expedited import review for approved food importers. Further details are provided regarding payment schedules, adjustment for small businesses, and possible inspection cost additions.

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

EPA Receives Requests to Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations

On July 31, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency posted public notices regarding registrant-initiated requests to voluntarily cancel multiple pesticide product registrations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The agency will permit continued sale and distribution of existing stocks for a set period—either 30 or 180 days for comment—before cancellation takes effect. Stakeholders are able to submit substantive comments or withdrawal requests within the specified windows before EPA finalizes the orders.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Cuts Red Tape for Ag Marketing Boards

The Alberta government is repealing 20 redundant rules governing provincial marketing boards and commissions, reducing the regulatory burden for farmers and processors across 19 regulated sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Appoints New Chair for Farm Products Marketing Commission

Brendan Byrne has been appointed chair of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission, assuming oversight of 25 commodity marketing boards and associations amid ongoing challenges such as U.S. trade measures.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Consults on Transition from Marked to Clear Fuel Tax Exemptions

Alberta is seeking input from fuel sellers and purchasers on replacing the marked fuel program with a tax exemption model for clear fuel, aiming for simpler administration for agricultural and other eligible sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Saskatchewan Crop Report: Mixed Rainfall and Hay Shortages

Sporadic rainfall has brought some relief in Saskatchewan, yet hay shortages persist in drier regions. Harvest prospects may be affected for certain advanced crops, and additional moisture is unlikely to change yields at this stage.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Eases Water Licensing Requirements for Riparian Restoration

A temporary diversion license is no longer required to water plants for small-scale riparian restoration in Alberta, reducing administrative time for restoration projects along rivers and lakes.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Maximum Residue Limit for Trinexapac-ethyl

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is accepting comments until October 12, 2025, on a proposed maximum residue limit (MRL) for trinexapac-ethyl.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Consultation: Modifications to Livestock Feed Ingredients

CFIA is seeking feedback by August 8, 2025, on amendments to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table for various livestock feed ingredients, affecting products such as hydrolyzed chicken feathers, camelina meal, and dairy powders.

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

Consultation: New Livestock Feed Ingredient—Saponified Marigold and Paprika Oleoresin

The CFIA requests comments through August 8, 2025, on proposed new feed ingredient descriptions for saponified marigold and paprika oleoresin.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

Consultation: Amended Single Ingredient Feed—Vitamin E Acetate

The CFIA is collecting public input on proposed amendments to the single ingredient feed description for Vitamin E acetate, with the consultation closing August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

Consultation: Eugenol and Vanillin as Livestock Feed Gut Modifiers

CFIA invites input on new and revised single ingredient feed descriptions for eugenol and vanillin, including their use as gut modifier components, open until August 8, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Protein Industries Canada and Nurasa Launch Program to Expand Global Reach of Canadian Plant-Based Companies into the Asia-Pacific Market: Focus on global expansion for Canadian plant-based sector.
• What the U.S. dairy industry really wants from Canada: Analysis explores U.S. objectives concerning Canadian dairy markets and trade barriers.
• Hot weather pushes Quebec produce to early harvest: Climate conditions lead to earlier-than-usual picking schedules for numerous Quebec farms.

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