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-Food? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Freight & Ports and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-08-24 to 2025-08-30

📋 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

Federal Investment in Manitoba Agricultural & Manufacturing Innovation

Minister Eleanor Olszewski announced over $21 million in federal support for nine Manitoba companies through Prairies Economic Development Canada on August 28. PhiBer Manufacturing will receive $4.1 million to expand its agricultural equipment production, while Prairie Fava Ltd. is awarded $1.5 million to optimize fava bean processing and expand its grower network. Decor Cabinets Ltd. will receive $3.2 million for manufacturing capacity and market expansion, ICON Technologies Limited secures nearly $5 million to bolster RV plastic component production and marketing, and Schnell Industries will develop a fully electric transloader with $423,699 in support. Manitoba Organic Alliance is developing a digital marketplace for organic grain, aided by $278,438, and Northquip ($3.3 million) and UKKÖ Robotics ($529,284) are both expanding automated ag-equipment production. Security Glass receives $2.7 million for local glass manufacturing. The investments are earmarked to foster productivity and supply chain resilience in Manitoba, with a focus on agricultural equipment innovation and expansion into new markets.

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

Regional Tariff Response Initiative Targets Prairie Trade Disruptions

Federal support for Prairie businesses impacted by global tariffs was launched August 29 under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), as announced by Minister Eleanor Olszewski. Aid will flow to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta businesses dealing with disrupted export markets and supply chains. RTRI will back firms seeking to diversify, improve productivity, and strengthen local and interprovincial trade networks. Not-for-profit groups that help businesses manage the impact are also eligible. Complementary measures include the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program, and Strategic Innovation Fund updates. Further details, including eligibility requirements and application processes, are expected in the coming days.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Tariff Support Rolled Out for Atlantic Canadian Exporters

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced August 29 the RTRI program is now open for Atlantic businesses facing trade disruptions. Small and medium enterprises may apply for assistance to upgrade productivity, diversify markets, and bolster supply chains. Dedicated information sessions will outline eligibility and application steps. This program, administered by Minister Sean Fraser, complements existing federal support mechanisms for the steel sector and large enterprises, and aims to shield Atlantic exporters from volatility in global markets.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Crop Volume Shifts Forecasted: StatsCan Model-Based Field Crop Estimates, July 2025

Statistics Canada’s July 2025 model-based field crop estimate, drawing on satellite imagery and agroclimatic data, projects higher national output of canola, corn for grain, oats, and lentils versus 2024. In contrast, spring wheat, durum wheat, soybeans, and barley are expected to see reduced production. The data indicate shifting planting patterns and climate effects on yields, with industry implications for crop pricing, storage allocation, and supply chain planning.

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

Farm Cash Receipts Increase: January-June 2025

Farm cash receipts reached $49.6 billion in the first half of 2025, representing a $1.6 billion or 3.3% increase over the same period in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. Livestock sales led gains (+$2.1 billion), while program payments declined by $584.5 million. Crop receipts held steady (+$80.2 million, up 0.3%). The relatively flat crop sales may affect input purchasing and pricing decisions for processors and manufacturers.

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

CFIA Expands Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Regulated Zone in Ontario

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has increased the regulated area for hemlock woolly adelgid, now covering Niagara, Haldimand County, Hamilton, and Alnwick/Haldimand. The change follows recent off-zone insect detections and means that hemlock and related materials, including firewood, cannot be moved out of the regulated zone without CFIA authorization. Businesses engaged in the sale or movement of restricted materials are directed to consult CFIA offices for required permits.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

FedNor Invests $1 Million in Northern Ontario Innovation and AI Initiatives

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) provided $1,050,000 on August 26 for two NORCAT projects. Of this, $700,000 finances regional AI advisory and commercialization services for SMEs, targeting skill and productivity gaps. Another $350,000 renews NORCAT’s Innovation Acceleration Program, offering technical and business assistance to over 35 SMEs. Funds will support capital purchases, research and development, and expansion activities focused on modernization and competitiveness.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

July 2025 Oilseed Crushing Data Released

Canadian oilseed processors crushed 968,500 tonnes of canola in July, a 13.1% increase from June but 3.6% below July 2024 levels. July oil output reached 408,900 tonnes, while meal production was 571,000 tonnes. These figures will affect supply forecasts for feed, processing, and export contracts.

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

Machinery and Equipment Price Index Updated for June 2025

Statistics Canada published the latest Machinery and Equipment Price Index for June, updating cost benchmarks for agricultural machinery acquisition. The index serves as a reference point for capital investment and equipment financing decisions across the agricultural manufacturing and farm sectors.

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

Poultry and Egg Statistics Available: August 2025

Fresh data from Statistics Canada detail August 2025 stocks of frozen eggs, poultry meats, and dried egg products, along with chick and turkey poult placements for July and egg production figures for June. These sector-specific figures feed into allocation, inventory, and production strategy decisions among processors and marketers.

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

US Federal GR News

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Removes Obsolete Regulations

On August 27, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, under the USDA, removed seven outdated crop insurance provisions from the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR 457). The rescinded regulations—covering Texas citrus trees, sugarcane, macadamia, peanuts, and various nursery insurance endorsements—have been replaced by alternate policies approved under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

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

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program: Revised Information Collection

The USDA Farm Service Agency launched a revision and extension of the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program’s data collection on August 29. Producers requesting payments now submit the FSA-888-1 form including business size and certification expenses, with a reduced overall respondent burden—2,500 estimated respondents and 3,500 annual responses, averaging 1.06 hours per submission.

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

Designation of Keokuk and Ohio Valley Grain Inspection Agencies Under US Grain Standards Act

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of USDA designated Keokuk Grain Inspection Service (Keokuk, IA) and Ohio Valley Grain Inspection (Evansville, IN) to provide official inspection services under the US Grain Standards Act, effective April and August 2025 respectively.

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

EPA Seeks Comments on Minimum Risk Pesticide Labeling Requirements Renewal

The Environmental Protection Agency on August 28 requested public comment concerning an extension of labeling rules for minimum risk pesticides under FIFRA Section 25(b). These products, exempt from formal FIFRA registration, require specific labeling to maintain exempt status.

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

Experimental Use Permit Application Received for SpCas9 Protein in Gene-Edited Mosquitoes

Synvect, Inc. has applied for an EPA experimental use permit to release roughly 3.6 billion gene-edited Aedes aegypti eggs containing the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 protein across 15,100 acres in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico over two years.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Increases Lending Limit to Feeder Associations

Alberta’s government raised the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program cap from $150 million to $225 million, expanding access to low-cost financing for livestock producers seeking herd growth and capital in the beef sector.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Sod Farm and Director Fined for Water and Nutrient Management Violations

Strathroy Turf Farms Ltd. and director James Glover were fined $26,000 in total after convictions for submitting misleading nutrient management information and failing to submit water-taking and well records, with offenses dating to 2018–2024.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Greenhouse Facility in Ontario Fined for Water Resources Act Violations

Golden Acre Farms Inc. was fined $27,000 for operating stormwater management ponds on its Kingsville greenhouse site without proper Environmental Compliance Approvals, with unrelated water sampling showing no harm to the environment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Releases Statement on Drought Conditions

The Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture reported severe drought conditions affecting farms, with outreach underway to connect producers to support programs and evaluate possible federal assistance.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan Crop Report: August 19-25, 2025 Harvest Progress

Saskatchewan’s August crop report detailed that 12% of provincial crops are harvested, with storm damage in select areas and pulse crop harvests advancing; pasture and cropland moisture remains above historic averages.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Announced on Maximum Residue Limit for Florylpicoxamid

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is conducting a consultation on specifying maximum residue limits for florylpicoxamid on imported bananas and mangoes that target Black Sigatoka, ending August 31.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Linuron Reinstatement for Celery Announced

The PMRA opened consultations regarding reinstating linuron use on celery for broadleaf and grassy weed control as an early postemergent foliar treatment, open through August 31.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Weston-controlled Wittington Investments launching $100-million fund to back Canadian food producers: Investment firm announces new capital for Canadian agri-food ventures.
• Georgian College opens doors to agriculture jobs with new affordable 7-week training program: Short-term agri-labor training offered for Ontario farm sector.
• Why a Quebec food can maker reshored its supply chain back to Canada from the U.S.: Case study on food manufacturing supply chain reshoring.
• Global BC Curious Minds: How beekeeping supports biodiversity: Feature on beekeeping industry and its ecological benefits.
• Expanding Food Programs in Schools: More school-based food initiatives announced in British Columbia.
• Smith calls Alberta slaughterhouse accused of exploiting foreign workers 'positive example' for other businesses: Alberta labor practices draw national attention after recent events.
• Canadian grain giant Richardson plans U.S. expansion with $375-million acquisition of pasta business: Richardson International expands market reach via major US acquisition.
• Gillian Steward: Carney’s conundrum: Will he abandon some 40,000 farmers to save Canada’s auto industry?: Opinion on policy trade-offs impacting Canadian agriculture.
• Why a Quebec food can maker reshored its supply chain back to Canada from the U.S.: Manufacturing sector discussed through the lens of a Quebec food can producer.
• Global BC Curious Minds: How beekeeping supports biodiversity: Video segment highlights beekeeping and biodiversity issues.

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