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: 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-22

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House AGRI Committee Considers Regulatory Reform in Agriculture and Agri-Food: The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food will meet on November 24 from 3:30–5:30 p.m. to discuss the Government’s Regulatory Reform Initiative in the sector and review a draft report.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee Examines Food Security with AAFC Officials: On November 25, the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee will study the sector’s role in Canadian food security. Witnesses include four senior officials from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Food and Beverage Canada, Canadian Cattle Association, and Canadian Produce Marketing Association.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee Continues Food Security Hearings: A second session is scheduled for November 27 at 8 a.m. to further examine agriculture’s role in national food security, with witnesses to be confirmed.

Canadian Federal Government News

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage 2 Final Rule and Milk Loss Program Announced

The US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency issued the final rule implementing Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), along with updates to the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program (OFSCLP) and Milk Loss Program (MLP). SDRP Stage 2 makes $2.7 billion available for eligible crop, tree, bush, and vine losses in 2023 and 2024 not indemnified under Stage 1, with payments factored by 35%. OFSCLP allocates $5 million for on-farm commodity storage losses, with payments at 75% of the loss and additional factoring for limited funds. The MLP will use $1.65 million to compensate for dumped milk, factored to 75% of loss. The rule details application documentation requirements, payment calculations, and eligibility parameters. Applications for these relief programs begin on November 24, 2025, with varying deadlines into January and April 2026, depending on the program.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act: Regulations and Sectoral Exceptions

The Government of Canada finalized regulations under the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, which will take effect January 1, 2026. Goods produced or services delivered in line with provincial or territorial regulations will be accepted as meeting comparable federal standards, reducing duplication. While this move lifts barriers for most internal trade and professional mobility, significant exceptions remain: food products governed by the Safe Food for Canadians Act and activities supporting the supply management system (dairy, poultry, eggs) remain under federal oversight. The federal government will provide a guide for businesses in December 2025 and continue collaboration with the provinces and territories to address additional barriers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Advances Internal Trade and Labour Mobility; Federal/Provincial Efforts Continue

Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced new regulations formalizing the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. The changes set mutual recognition for goods, services, and worker certifications across federal and provincial jurisdictions, streamlining business expansion and worker mobility. Exceptions, notably for food subject to the Safe Food for Canadians Act, remain to maintain food safety and market access. The Committee on Internal Trade will examine further harmonization opportunities on consumer goods standards and trucking, aiming to reduce red tape. The federal government and provinces will continue targeted initiatives to assist businesses in obtaining required federal food licenses for Canada-wide and international trade.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests in Agri-Food Trade and Resilience in Southeast Asia

Global Affairs Canada announced over $76 million for 12 projects in the Philippines and the broader ASEAN region. The Climate Resilient Agri-Food Trade Promotion Support project and Economic Linkages for Enhance Value, Trade and Exports will support SMEs and trade capacity, including climate-resilient technologies and export readiness. The Disaster Resilient and Climate Adaptive Food Systems initiative and the Agsama Kape coffee project—aimed at empowering Indigenous women—target climate resilience and market access for smallholder farmers. Investments also include partnerships advancing energy policy, disaster response, and gender-responsive infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Examines Free Trade Agreements and Export Infrastructure

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry reviewed the impact of free trade agreements, with testimony from Global Affairs Canada officials. Canada exports nearly half of its agricultural output with 15 FTAs covering 51 countries. The Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aims to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on agri-food. Preparations are underway for the 2026 CUSMA joint review due to ongoing trade challenges with the US. Senators raised issues around supply management in CUSMA, difficulties in the Chinese market, logistical bottlenecks in exporting, and the need to diversify trade and maintain strong US relations. Challenges in infrastructure and labor for export logistics were highlighted.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Transport Committee: Ag Groups Call for Stronger Dispute Resolution in Transport Strikes

The Senate Transport and Communications Committee received testimony from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Grain Growers of Canada, Canadian Meat Council, and others regarding the severe impacts labor disruptions have had on agri-food exports. Rail stoppages and port strikes in 2024 damaged Canada’s grain reputation and disrupted meat shipments. Industry representatives urged legislative amendments for improved dispute resolution under the Canada Labour Code and considered designating port and rail services as essential. Recommendations included adopting U.S. labor code standards or a special sectoral mediator to maintain logistics continuity. Loss of trade volume to overseas competitors was cited as a business risk.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Transport Committee Focuses on Fuel and Propane Supply Chain Resilience

The Senate Transport and Communications Committee continued discussions on logistics stability. Witnesses from the Canadian Fuels Association and Canadian Propane Association stressed the need for classifying rail as essential for fuel and propane movement. Suggestions included minimum service levels for energy commodities and increased coordination in port and rail infrastructure. The Canada Industrial Relations Board noted resource constraints affecting dispute decision timelines. Senators considered the feasibility of binding arbitration and mediators for future strikes. Stakeholders pointed to reputation and economic losses when inventories run low.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Reviews Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Global Affairs Canada representatives briefed the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on progress in the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Focus included trade agreement negotiations with ASEAN and Indonesia, commercial returns from trade missions, and recalibrating relations with China and India. Professors from UBC and Asia Pacific Foundation discussed opportunities in energy, minerals, and food security. Senators inquired about private sector participation and alignment with US interests. The updated strategy aligns with the Prime Minister’s priorities and ongoing trade diversification in agri-food.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Capital Expenditures on Environmental Protection: New Data Published

Statistics Canada released estimates for business capital expenditures on environmental protection for 2022 and 2023. These data sets cover sectors not included in the regular Environmental Protection Expenditures Survey and outline industry investments in environmental management, compliance, and pollution control, providing additional baseline information for industry benchmarking.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

National and Provincial Input-Output Multipliers Released for 2022

Statistics Canada made available updated 2022 national and provincial input-output multipliers. These data are used for economic impact evaluations of industry shocks and policy changes, including in the agri-food production and processing sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister MacDonald to Attend Canadian Western Agribition

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald announced he will visit Regina, Saskatchewan, for the Canadian Western Agribition on November 24, 2025. The minister is scheduled for public remarks and media availability, expected to address industry stakeholders at the Burning of the Brand ceremony.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

B.C. Extends Agriculture Water Infrastructure Funding

British Columbia has reopened its Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program for applications, supporting farm-based and community-led water storage projects. The current intake is open until December 18, 2025.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Continues Ag Society Facility Revitalization Grants

Alberta maintained a $2.5-million annual investment in rural agricultural society facility upgrades, funding projects such as kitchen renovations, HVAC replacements, and arena improvements.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Launches IDEA Program to Boost Local Food in Institutions

Nova Scotia introduced the Institutional Development Expansion and Advancement (IDEA) program, making funding available for public institutions to purchase local food and for farmers and processors to scale up for institutional sales.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Introduces Buy Ontario Act Prioritizing Local Procurement

The Ontario government has tabled the Buy Ontario Act, which, if passed, will require public sector organizations to prioritize Ontario and then Canadian goods and services in procurement for infrastructure and public projects.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Launches Chronic Wasting Disease Dashboard

Manitoba has released the CWD Dashboard, offering real-time data on Chronic Wasting Disease for hunters to improve sample submission and wildlife management.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

US Federal Government News

EPA Finalizes Glufosinate Tolerance Actions; Lowers Rice Residue Limits

The EPA established new pesticide tolerance levels for glufosinate in rice (grain and hull) and tea, aligning rice tolerances with Codex MRLs for imported commodities. The tolerance for rice grain imported to the US is set at 0.9 ppm, with a 6-month phase-out of the prior 1.0 ppm tolerance. A tolerance for chlorantraniliprole on rice grain was set at 15 ppm in response to Louisiana's stem borer emergency exemption.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Seeks Comments on Renewals: Worker Protection Standard, Certification of Pesticide Applicators, and FIFRA Grant Database Reporting

The EPA has requested public comments on proposed renewals for the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Training, Notification, and Recordkeeping, Certification of Pesticide Applicators, and FIFRA Grant Database reporting requirements. WPS affects over 10 million respondents annually, with focus on ensuring compliance and safety training within agriculture. Feedback also sought specific input on minimizing burden for small businesses.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Requests Comments on Rice Standards Revisions

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking public input on possible revisions to the United States Standards for Rough Rice, Brown Rice for Processing, and Milled Rice. Topics include aromatic odor acceptability, moisture limits for brown and milled rice, grading criteria for broken kernels, and inspection for paddy kernels. Comments are due by January 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Modifies Brazilian Tariff List: Some Ag Imports No Longer Face 40% Duties

President Trump issued an executive order revising the scope of tariffs on certain imports from Brazil, amending a previous 40% ad valorem duty imposed under a national emergency declaration. Following bilateral discussions, some Brazilian agricultural imports have been exempted as of November 13, 2025, with customs to process duty refunds as appropriate.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Government Consultations

Health Canada Proposes Authorization for Exo-Inulinase Food Enzyme

Health Canada announced a proposal to permit the use of exo-inulinase from Trichoderma reesei as a food enzyme. Public comments may be submitted until February 3, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CFIA Seeks Feedback on Deregulation of Phytophthora abietivora

The CFIA opened consultation on whether to deregulate Phytophthora abietivora, gathering input until January 16, 2026.

Sources: Share your thoughts: Proposal to deregulate Phytophthora abietivora in Canada - inspection.canada.ca

Health Canada Consultation: Proposed MRL for Spidoxamat

Health Canada is soliciting comments on a proposed maximum residue limit for spidoxamat, with submissions accepted until February 1, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Consults on Registration of Spidoxamat and Related Insecticides

Health Canada’s PMRA is consulting on proposed registration for the insecticide spidoxamat in Plenexos and Velancor products for pest control in various fruit and nut crops. Feedback accepted until December 18, 2025.

Sources: www.canada.ca

DFO Consults on Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Great Slave Lake

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will hold townhall meetings with commercial fishers to inform the development of an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Great Slave Lake. Input will inform updated management measures.

Sources: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Federal budget introduces measures affecting training, investment and farm programs relevant to landscape horticulture: New budget measures target training and investment in landscape horticulture.
• Canadian dairy: How choosing local makes a national impact: A review of local dairy choices and national supply chain dynamics.
• Globe Climate: What’s the beef?: Reporting on beef industry developments in the climate policy context.
• ‘Crunching carrots’ – why more northern communities are growing food in greenhouses: Northern communities increase food production using greenhouse technology.
• Food sovereignty on menu as farmers from across Canada gather in New Brunswick: Canadian farmers convene in New Brunswick to discuss food sovereignty.
• Farmers talk food prices, cloning at national convention in Moncton: National farm convention covers food pricing and cloning policy.
• Health Matters: Cloned meat could soon enter Canadian food supply: Analysts consider the potential of cloned meat in Canadian markets.
• Why Ontario researchers want more people to eat fermented food: Ontario researchers advocate for increased fermented food consumption.
• Confusion over best-before dates drives $600 in annual food waste per Quebec household: Quebec households lose $600 annually to confusion about food expiry dates.

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