This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, ranchers and their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers Once a week, 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 & Transport and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2026-01-19 to 2026-01-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee: Reference Prices in the Beef and Pork Supply Chains (January 27, 11:00am–1:00pm): The committee will hear from Canadian Pork Council (René Roy, Stephen Heckbert), Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec (Louis-Philippe Roy, Tristan Deslauriers), Canadian Cattle Association (Dennis Laycraft, Brenna Grant), and Canadian Meat Council (Kyle Larkin, Claire Citeau).

Federal Government News

Health Canada Authorizes Gene-Edited Pigs Resistant to PRRS for Food Use

On January 23, 2026, Health Canada approved pigs genetically edited to resist porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses for use in food and animal feed. This regulatory decision establishes the safety of gene-edited swine for Canadian consumers and producers. PRRS, a significant concern for livestock operations, previously resulted in major production losses and health impacts in pork herds. The approval process covered both food and feed safety, with effect on commercial production, herd management, and supply chains nationwide. Manufacturers can now integrate gene-edited pigs into existing pork operations, which may affect upstream breeding and veterinary protocols, as well as downstream supply of pork products. Further details on permitted applications and safety reviews are available through Health Canada’s statements.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Saskatchewan Transition to Satellite-Based Forage Insurance in 2026 Crop Program

Federal Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister David Marit, on January 21, announced that the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP) will be replaced with Satellite Forage Insurance. Satellite Forage Insurance utilizes remote sensing technology to monitor soil moisture at the township level where hay or pasture is located. Claims and premiums are now determined by satellite measurements, with coverage available in tiered levels according to soil zone. Two monthly weighting options enable producers to fine-tune their insurance to local growing conditions. Existing FRIP policyholders will be automatically enrolled in the satellite-based program. Producer information packages, including coverage options and premiums, will be distributed in February, and support continues under cost-shared federal-provincial Sustainable CAP arrangements.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Ontario Launch $20 Million Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative

On January 20, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a joint $20 million investment through the new initiative supporting farmers, processors, and agribusinesses seeking expanded international market access for Ontario-produced goods. The initiative, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will open for applications on February 17, 2026, with three funding streams targeting planning, marketing, and equipment/technology to facilitate market entry. Increased support will be available for non-U.S. export development projects, although eligible projects in U.S. markets may also apply. Details on cost-share levels and maximum funding amounts depend on project type. The program is integrated with Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Approves Late Applications for AgriStability Support in Newfoundland and Labrador

On January 23, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Newfoundland and Labrador Minister Pleaman Forsey announced late participation for the 2025 AgriStability Program for producers affected by drought. Applications are accepted until September 30, 2026, and coverage addresses income drops due to production loss, costs, and market changes. Other business risk management programs—AgriInsurance and AgriInvest—remain open for 2026, with corresponding deadlines. Producers may contact provincial offices for information and application details.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Saskatchewan Fund 25 New Livestock and Forage Research Projects

Federal Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister David Marit announced on January 21 that $4.5 million has been allocated for 25 new projects via the Agriculture Development Fund. Saskatchewan also renewed $3.9 million in partnerships with the Prairie Swine Centre and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization. Projects include hybrid bromegrass development, Johne’s disease biomarker research, and strategies for sustainable bison production. Thirteen industry groups contributed a further $1.3 million, boosting funding totals. Programs are coordinated under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Manitoba Announce Lower AgriInsurance Premiums and Enhanced Wildlife Compensation

On January 23, federal and provincial ministers launched a new pilot program under Manitoba’s 2026 AgriInsurance plan. Premiums for most insurable crops will drop, with annual crop premiums decreased to $11.46 per acre, down from $13.01 in 2025. The Forage Advantage incentive offers a 15% discount on insurance for designated perennial forage crops. The program adds new coverage for meadow fescue grown for seed and expands the Wildlife Damage Compensation program to include losses from additional bird and animal species. Manitoba farmers may contact Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation for details.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Manitoba Extend Mental Health Support for Farmers

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced a two-year, $300,000 extension to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program on January 21. The support is delivered under the Sustainable CAP partnership and provides confidential, no-cost counselling by agricultural specialists, with coverage for farmers, families, and employees. Services address challenges such as market volatility, input costs, and operational stress. Farmers may access resources and inquire about participation through the program’s website.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister MacDonald Launches Consultations for Next Agricultural Policy Framework

On January 20 in Ottawa, Minister Heath MacDonald convened a roundtable with industry to begin consultations for the Next Policy Framework (NPF), which will follow the current Sustainable CAP as the main support mechanism for Canadian agriculture from 2028-2033. Ongoing stakeholder sessions—including regional meetings and a national online consultation—will seek sector input on current and emerging challenges. Interested parties can provide feedback via the NPF webpage.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Visit Advances Indo-Pacific Agricultural Trade and Food Safety Projects

On January 21, Secretary of State Randeep Sarai announced over $123 million in project support for Vietnam, Indonesia, and Fiji, including several major agri-food initiatives. Projects include climate-resilient agri-food trade and food safety systems via Canadian technical exchange with ASEAN, and funding for processed food SMEs in Indonesia to bolster international market access. Details on grant values and target sectors (technology adoption, value chain diversification, food safety and standards harmonization) are available in the full release.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International Agri-Trade and Development Cooperation During Southeast Asia Mission

Secretary of State Sarai concluded a Southeast Asian visit from January 6 to 16, emphasizing expanded trade opportunities and development projects in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Fiji, with special attention given to supply chain recovery and food safety partnerships. Meetings involved local agricultural authorities and Canadian private sector representatives, with site tours at projects supporting climate-resilient agriculture and export initiatives for ethnic minority farmers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Q4 2025 Wheat Milling and Flour Production Data

On January 23, 2026, figures released by Statistics Canada report that millers processed 877,000 tonnes of wheat in the fourth quarter of 2025. Wheat flour production totaled 683,000 tonnes for the same period. The data informs industry tracking of wheat throughput and derived product output for supply chain stakeholders.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Lower AgriInsurance Premiums for Manitoba Producers Announced

Manitoba’s 2026 AgriInsurance program introduces reduced premium rates, new coverage for meadow fescue, and wildlife damage compensation for additional species.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario and Canada Launch $20 Million Agri-Food Trade Diversification Initiative

Ontario agribusinesses may apply to the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative starting February 17, with funding to support market expansion and equipment upgrades.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Extends Funding for Farmer Wellness Program

Manitoba and Canada provide a two-year, $300,000 extension to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, focusing on confidential counselling for producers and farm families.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Invests in Agricultural Equipment Interoperability Initiatives

The government is allocating $25,000 to Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute to advance machine-to-machine connectivity and mixed-fleet digital integration for farm operations.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Implements New Water Act Exemptions to Aid Agricultural Water Storage

Alberta farmers can now build dugouts up to 7,500 m³ without special approval, allowing increased water storage for agricultural use and expanded exemptions for stormwater ponds and wetlands.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Opens Consultation on Prohexadione-Calcium Re-evaluation

Launched January 19, Health Canada seeks input regarding continued registration of prohexadione-calcium and its end-use products, with updated label statements under review through April 19, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Gene-edited pigs deemed safe to eat by Health Canada: Health Canada authorizes CRISPR-engineered pigs for pork production.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announces closure of research operations, jobs cuts: Federal research facilities face downsizing.
• New report urges Canada to take a closer look at the benefits of fermented foods: Calls for further assessment of market opportunities for fermented food products.
• Adding more veggies to your diet is easy with these tips from Jasmine Mangalaseril: Consumer-focused advice on plant-based foods sees continued media traction.
• This new equipment at Canada's Smartest Kitchen in P.E.I. will help food innovators: New kitchen equipment aims to support product development for food startups.
• How grocery giants control who can sell food in your neighbourhood: Report analyzes the extent of market power held by large Canadian grocery chains.
• Canada-China deal on canola limited by anti-dumping steel tariffs: agriculture minister: Trade agreement discussions continue to be affected by cross-sector tariffs.

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