July 26, 2026 to August 01, 2026

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 & Ports and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Agri-Food - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Minister Heath MacDonald marks Food Day Canada, citing ongoing government support for local food systems

On August 1, Minister Heath MacDonald of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada issued a statement commemorating Food Day Canada’s 23rd anniversary. The origin of this event traces back to 2003 as a show of solidarity for beef farmers and ranchers, which has since expanded to a national celebration of Canada’s food system. MacDonald referenced the government’s continued investments in local food systems, pointing to the launch of the new National Food Security Strategy. This strategy is intended to enhance domestic food production and processing, promote access to affordable and nutritious food, and create jobs across the sector. The government’s approach aims to bolster Canada's food self-sufficiency by processing more Canadian-grown crops domestically. MacDonald’s remarks recognized the contributions of farmers, producers, processors, and chefs, stressing the role of their work in economic growth and job creation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government announces $50 million federal investment in Natural Products Canada for agri-food sector capacity building

On July 28, Minister Heath MacDonald (Agriculture and Agri-Food), acting for Mélanie Joly (Industry and Economic Development), unveiled a $50 million Strategic Response Fund investment in Natural Products Canada (NPC). The NPC’s $94.8 million project is expected to generate more than 550 jobs and $1.8 billion in GDP, establishing a Capacity Building Fund dedicated to food-related manufacturing and domestic processing. The government’s support targets improved supply chain resilience and positions Canada as a leader in agri-food innovation. The investment forms part of the National Food Security Strategy, with an emphasis on ensuring affordable, nutritious food and supporting the commercialization of breakthrough agri-food technologies. NPC operates as an industry-led, not-for-profit entity, engaging Canadian innovators and businesses for faster technology adoption in global markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CFIA enables fresh blueberry exports from British Columbia to the Philippines through pilot program

On July 28, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced approval for exports of fresh British Columbia blueberries to the Philippines. This development follows a trade mission to Indo-Pacific markets in 2025. Exporters must register with CFIA, obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate, and comply with plant health and packaging standards, including inspection to ensure fruit is free from soil and pests. A pilot program starts in 2026, with broader eligibility anticipated for 2027. The expanded export access supports market diversification initiatives, aiming to increase trade volume and strengthen Canada’s blueberry sector. The CFIA’s framework also includes rigorous plant health protocols to mitigate environmental and economic risks posed by invasive species.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal infrastructure investment launches biochar production project using biosolids in Greater Victoria

On July 30, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada announced over $152 million for 54 infrastructure projects in British Columbia under the Strategic Priorities Fund. The Capital Regional District receives $7 million for a biochar production project converting wastewater biosolids into carbon-rich material via new carbonization technology. The initiative is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate contaminants, and establish permanent carbon storage. Biochar products may serve the agricultural, construction, industrial, and forestry sectors. Additionally, the investment covers various local projects such as fire halls and water systems. Provincial administration will allocate more than $326 million to British Columbia in 2026-27, with a portion devoted to capacity-building in asset management and integrated sustainability planning.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan reports robust June grain deliveries led by canola, wheat, and barley increases

Statistics Canada published data demonstrating a 17.8% year-over-year increase in major grain deliveries for June, totaling 5.9 million tonnes. Canola deliveries grew by 28.1% to 2.1 million tonnes, total wheat by 10.4% to 3.2 million tonnes, and barley by 51.9% to 333.4 thousand tonnes. Saskatchewan accounted for 50% of these totals, Alberta 29.7%, and Manitoba 18.2%. The surge reflects a strong performance in crop output across key provinces, providing updated insight into grain supply for food processing and export sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Oilseed processors report canola crushing volumes up 36.6%, supporting increased oil and meal production

Statistics Canada’s release covering June 2026 shows oilseed processors crushed 1.2 million tonnes of canola, marking a 12.8% increase from May and a 36.6% rise over June 2025. Resultant oil production reached 494.6 thousand tonnes, while meal output was 684.1 thousand tonnes. These figures point to expanded processing capacity and supply chain activity within Canada’s oilseed industry.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Certified organic fruit and vegetable production data for 2025 published

Statistics Canada released new estimates on certified organic fruit and vegetable production for 2025. This update provides stakeholders with current benchmarks for market and production trends in the organic sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Poultry and egg statistics for July 2026 now available, covering stocks and production metrics

Statistics Canada issued the July poultry and egg statistics, detailing stocks of frozen eggs and poultry meats, edible dried egg products for May–July 2026, placements of hatchery chicks and turkey poults (April–June 2026), and egg production (March–May 2026). These figures contribute to market planning for both producers and processors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Machinery and Equipment Price Index released for May 2026, tracking agricultural inputs

Statistics Canada published the Machinery and Equipment Price Index for May 2026, providing an updated benchmark for pricing on agricultural machinery and equipment, relevant for cost assessments in farm operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Milled wheat and wheat flour production statistics released for Q2 2026

Statistics Canada’s latest report indicates wheat millers processed 875,000 tonnes of wheat in the second quarter of 2026. Wheat flour production was 695,000 tonnes, reflecting steady activity in grain processing and supply for downstream food manufacturing.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Minister Tara Sawyer recognizes Food Day Canada and province’s agri-food contributions

On July 31, Tara Sawyer, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, issued a statement celebrating Food Day Canada and Alberta’s ongoing role as a leading producer of beef, honey, processed potatoes, canola, wheat, oats, barley, and pork.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

BC supports Salish Soils expansion with manufacturing jobs fund to boost soil production and waste diversion

The Province of British Columbia is providing up to $300,000 to Salish Soils, aiding expansion that aims to double production and increase efficiency by 30%, while converting more organic waste into high-quality soil for agricultural and community use.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC issues temporary protection order restricting water use for forage crops to protect Chinook salmon in Salmon River

A temporary order was made on July 28 to restrict irrigation and industrial water use for forage crops in Salmon River, Thompson Okanagan, in response to persistent drought and low river flows threatening Chinook salmon.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Health initiates mosquito spraying to combat West Nile virus

On July 30, Manitoba Health ordered mosquito spraying using DeltaGard 20EW across several communities, following surveillance data indicating high counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes with West Nile virus activity.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec announces call for projects targeting territorial innovation via Regions and Rurality Fund

The Government of Quebec opened applications for targeted initiatives in territorial innovation under the Regions and Rurality Fund, with a $3.1 million budget.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

CFIA seeks public input on amended livestock feed ingredients for carotenoid-based pigments

Canadian Food Inspection Agency is soliciting comments from July 31 to August 30, 2026 on amendments affecting 13 carotenoid-based pigment ingredients for livestock feed.

Sources: inspection.canada.ca

CFIA consults on proposed single ingredient feed description for Quillaja saponaria wood powder

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency opened consultation on Quillaja saponaria wood powder as a new livestock feed ingredient from July 22 to August 4, 2026.

Sources: inspection.canada.ca

Consultations launched on due diligence and civil liability measures for labour exploitation in supply chains

Employment and Social Development Canada is seeking feedback from July 27 to August 21, 2026 regarding potential due diligence and civil liability measures to address labour exploitation in Canadian business supply chains.

Sources: Share your views: Measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains

Global Affairs Canada seeks input on regulatory approaches to forced labour in supply chains

Global Affairs Canada is requesting comments on regulatory measures under Bill C-35 and other approaches to address forced labour and labour exploitation in supply chains, open from July 27 to August 21.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada could add billions to its economy by processing more food. Here's what it's trying: Overview of policy and trends targeting food processing growth.
• CN Releases 2026–2027 Grain Plan: Strengthening Canada’s Supply Chain: Assessment of CN's grain movement plans and supply chain strategies.
• How CNH precision technology is helping family farms turn data into better decisions: Report on the role of data-driven precision ag solutions on family farms.

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