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: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 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

CFIA Implements Seven Regulatory Amendments to Support Agri-Food Sector

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has enacted seven regulatory measures designed to reduce administrative burden and enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s agricultural sector. These changes include the removal of prescriptive labelling requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables, a reduction in traceability labelling for hatching eggs and chicks to align with industry practices, and the elimination of mandatory grading for produce destined for processing. Import requirements for veal have been updated to provide producers more flexibility, while certain grade standards for fruits and vegetables will now be managed by the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation, allowing for quicker updates. The agency has also streamlined the process for updating animal import rules, aligning them more closely with international standards. Importation of hatching eggs from the U.S. to Canadian hatcheries now requires Salmonella Enteritidis testing, bringing parity with domestic standards. These amendments are part of CFIA’s ongoing regulatory modernization effort, with the agency indicating continued collaboration with provinces, territories, and industry leaders.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister MacDonald to Lead Agri-Food Trade Mission to Mexico

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald will travel to Mexico from October 14 to 17, 2025, to further develop Canada-Mexico agricultural relations and commercial ties. The visit includes meetings in Mexico City with Mexican agricultural officials and bilateral discussions with key stakeholders, as well as participation in the Tri-National Agricultural Accord. The mission builds on the Canada-Mexico Action Plan 2025-2028, announced by Prime Minister Carney and President Sheinbaum in September, with objectives to diversify and expand agri-food trade. The itinerary includes meetings with Julio Berdegué, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Javier Calderon, Head of Mexico’s National Health Safety and Quality Service. Minister MacDonald will also engage with local business leaders to promote Canadian agri-food products and explore opportunities for sectoral collaboration.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canadian Food and Beverage Exporters Increase European Market Presence

Ten Atlantic Canadian food and beverage companies, led by Taste of Nova Scotia, participated in a trade mission to London and Cologne from October 1-8, 2025. Supported by the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement, the delegation conducted business meetings and participated in the Anuga 2025 trade show in Germany, one of the world’s largest food exhibitions. The mission focused on growing exports, diversifying into new international markets, and building the region’s reputation for high-quality products. The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Atlantic provinces, continues to support initiatives that strengthen business capabilities and foster international trade for the agri-food sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canadian Seafood Companies Seek Opportunities at Spanish Trade Show

Twelve Atlantic Canadian seafood companies participated in the Conxemar International Frozen Seafood Trade Show in Vigo, Spain, from October 7-9, 2025. The mission, led by Food and Beverage Atlantic, aimed to diversify exports and build relationships with European distributors and buyers. Supported by the Government of Canada and the Atlantic provinces, the event showcased the region’s seafood, focusing on quality, traceability, and innovation. The mission leveraged the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to strengthen export ties and promote Atlantic Canada as a trusted supplier of premium seafood.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Food and Beverage Atlantic Receives $1.78 Million Federal Investment for Sector Innovation

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced a $1.78 million investment over three years to support Food and Beverage Atlantic (FBA). The funding will back the Expert Implementation Fund, launch a region-wide training strategy, and expand food safety training for producers and processors. Additional resources aim to improve supply chain efficiency and guide innovation in logistics and product development. This initiative is part of efforts to bolster industry capacity, foster collaboration, and support Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector in meeting evolving regulatory standards and expanding into new markets.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu Engages India on Bilateral Trade and Agri-Food Opportunities

On October 11, 2025, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu spoke with India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, to discuss renewed economic cooperation. The conversation included plans to advance food security, critical minerals, and processed foods trade, with a focus on supply chain resiliency. Minister Sidhu reiterated Canada’s intention to collaborate with India on business opportunities for agri-food and technology sectors, as the two countries seek to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Issues Fifth Green Bond to Fund Clean Infrastructure Projects

The Department of Finance Canada has announced the launch of its fifth Canadian-dollar-denominated green bond, including a new 30-year bond and a re-opening of the 7-year bond issued in February 2025. The program, initiated in 2022, seeks to attract private investment for green infrastructure, nature conservation, and clean growth projects. The February issuance saw more than $3.1 billion in investor orders. The bonds are designed to meet demand from investors seeking green assets, while supporting Canada’s strategy toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Advises on Thanksgiving Border Procedures and Product Restrictions

Ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued travel guidelines for individuals entering Canada. The agency highlights documentation requirements, declaration protocols, and product restrictions, including ongoing limits on the importation of poultry products from the United States due to avian influenza. The advisory also notes that, as of September 1, 2025, counter-tariffs apply only to select U.S. steel, aluminum, and automotive imports. The CBSA encourages travelers to consult official guidelines regarding restricted goods, including agricultural products.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases August 2025 Farm Product Prices

Statistics Canada has published monthly provincial prices for August 2025, covering grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. These data offer insight into commodity price trends across Canadian provinces and are used for farm-level decision-making and sectoral analysis.

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

StatsCan Provides 2024/2025 Supply and Disposition Data for Major Grains

Data on the supply and disposition of soybeans and corn for the 2024/2025 crop year are now available from Statistics Canada. The release includes information on domestic production, use, and exports, serving as a resource for grain market analysis.

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

Farm Input Price Index for Q2 2025 Now Available

Statistics Canada has released the Farm Input Price Index for the second quarter of 2025. The index tracks changes in the prices of inputs purchased by Canadian farmers, providing benchmarks for input cost trends in the sector.

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

US Federal GR News

EPA Seeks Public Comment on Reconsideration of TSCA Rule for Carbon Tetrachloride

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is initiating a public comment period to reconsider its risk management rule for carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule, finalized in December 2024, imposed workplace exposure controls and prohibited certain uses of CTC. Following legal challenges and consolidated petitions for review in the Eighth Circuit, EPA announced on September 12, 2025 that it would revisit the rule. The agency is soliciting feedback on implementation, feasibility of monitoring, and potential alternative exposure limits, with particular attention to the Existing Chemical Exposure Limit of 0.03 ppm (8-hour TWA). Comments are due by November 10, 2025, via regulations.gov. The agency’s action is authorized under TSCA Section 6(a) and is in line with EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Allocates $41 Million to Agri-Food Research Infrastructure

Ontario is investing over $41 million over four years to modernize Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure, including $10.5 million for a new Poultry Research Centre and $15.5 million for a Feed Innovation Centre at the Elora Research Station. Additional upgrades will be made to the Dairy Education Centre and other ARIO facilities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Supports Mustard Mill Expansion with Investment Tax Credit

G.S. Dunn Limited is expanding its Bow Island mustard milling facility with a $3.1 million Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) from the Alberta government, part of a $30 million project that has created 34 new jobs and expanded raw mustard seed purchases from western Canada.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Extends Agricultural Crown Land Rent Freeze into 2026

Manitoba has extended the rent freeze for Agricultural Crown Lands forage leases into the 2026 growing season, maintaining the rate at $3.66 per animal unit month, the lowest in Western Canada. The province has also launched a public engagement process on the future of the ACL program.

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

Nova Scotia Enhances Loan Board Flexibility for Resource Sectors

Nova Scotia has amended regulations for its farm, timber, and fisheries loan boards to provide more flexible financing options, including greater flexibility in security requirements, lump sum payments, and loan deferrals, particularly for loans over $5 million.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Quebec Régie Submits Annual Management Report Highlighting Service Improvements

The Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec's 2024-2025 annual report details improved service processing times, a new regulatory agenda, and enhanced engagement frameworks with stakeholders.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Opens Consultation on Isocycloseram and Seed Treatment Products

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency is seeking feedback until November 8, 2025, on the proposed registration of isocycloseram and related products, including VANECTO Cockroach Gel Bait and seed treatments EQUENTO and A23128 ST, for pest control in commercial, residential, and crop settings.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• How AI is accelerating innovation in agriculture: Coverage of artificial intelligence applications driving agricultural innovation.
• New program helps farmers go green without going broke, launches in southwestern Ontario with hopes to expand: New financial supports for sustainable farm practices launch in Ontario.
• RBC pledges $5-million to university agriculture initiative: A major Canadian bank invests in agricultural education and research.
• Three new budget measures: Automatic benefits, food program, Canada Strong pass: Overview of recent federal budget measures affecting families and food programs.
• The EU offers new protections for farmers as it seeks to build support for Mercosur trade deal: The EU introduces farmer protections as part of ongoing trade negotiations.
• How a former city slicker learned to embrace the farm life and eat more plants: A personal look at adapting to rural life and plant-based diets.
• Canadian companies serve growing appetites for eating local: Canadian agri-businesses respond to increased demand for local foods.
• Greenhouses in Tulı́t'a, N.W.T., grow free produce that 'always tastes better': Community greenhouses provide fresh produce in Northern Canada.
• In America’s farm belt, the lowly soybean becomes a litmus test for Trump’s tariffs: The impact of U.S. tariffs on soybean growers and broader trade dynamics.

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