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.

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Dates: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

AgriStability Expanded to Support Pasture-Related Feed Costs for Livestock Producers

On February 25, 2026, Minister Heath MacDonald announced that AgriStability guidelines have been amended to include pasture-related feed costs as an allowable expense starting with the 2026 program year. This change will impact producers who graze animals on rented land, such as cow-calf, sheep, and goat farmers, enhancing support for those reliant on non-owned pastureland. The amendment follows collaboration among federal, provincial, and territorial governments, strengthening the program’s risk management toolkit. The adjustment is intended to level the treatment of feed costs and is part of ongoing efforts to improve the resilience of Canada’s livestock sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Gains Expanded Market Access for Beef and Pork in Indonesia Through CEPA

Following a ministerial mission led by Minister Heath MacDonald in August 2025 and the historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signing, Canadian exporters now have clearance to ship over-thirty-month (OTM) bone-in beef, as well as pork and pork products, to Indonesia. The CEPA deal, announced February 23, 2026, removes tariffs and addresses non-tariff barriers, and Indonesia has approved more Canadian processing facilities. Indonesia’s removal of residency restrictions on imported cattle is expected to boost Canadian trade, as 2024 market values for beef and pork imports stood at $1.1 billion and $42 million, respectively. Canadian Food Inspection Agency technical collaboration and a recent facility audit supported this expanded access.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Livestock Inventories Rise as of January 2026, Hog Numbers Down

Statistics Canada reported on February 27, 2026, that Canadian cattle and sheep inventories were up on January 1, 2026, compared to the previous year, while hog inventories declined. The data, based on national surveys, provide a snapshot of herd trends relevant to both livestock producers and feed suppliers. Fluctuations in herd sizes may impact input purchasing, processing, and export logistics along the supply chain.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan: Farm Cash Receipts Reach $101.4 Billion in 2025, Driven by Livestock

On February 26, 2026, new Statistics Canada figures placed national farm cash receipts at $101.4 billion for 2025, an increase of $3.3 billion from 2024. Livestock receipts rose by $5.3 billion, outpacing a decline of $871.5 million in crop receipts and a $1.1 billion fall in program payments. Shifts in crop and livestock receipts signal changing revenue dynamics across Canadian agriculture, with implications for capital planning and input purchases.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program Launched to Address Labour Pressures

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced support for B.C. farmers through the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program on February 24, 2026. The initiative funds technology such as autonomous robotic arms, precision planters, and automated harvesters, with applications open until April 6, 2026. The program, delivered by Innovate BC and funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to support businesses facing workforce shortages and to improve packing, harvesting, and storage processes. Previously awarded projects include automated harvesters and autonomous vehicles for labor-intensive farm operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Grows Indigenous Circular Economy in Saskatchewan Agro-Tech

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced on February 23, 2026, an $855,000 investment for Cowessess Ventures Ltd. to build a composting and bio-fertilizer facility on Cowessess First Nation land. In partnership with B-Nature Biotech and Pro Metal Industries, the project targets organic waste processing, fertilizer manufacturing, and year-round greenhouse food production. The initiative is designed to generate jobs in manufacturing and agri-tech, support local food production, and offer scalable waste solutions for rural and Indigenous communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Freshwater Ecosystem Investment Funds Agriculture-Related Pollution Reduction on Wolastoq/Saint John River

The Canada Water Agency announced funding for 14 projects under the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, totaling over $2.3 million for 2024-2026. Projects include riparian buffer restoration, real-time cyanobacteria monitoring, farm management best practices on the Kennebecasis tributary, and capacity-building on Indigenous water monitoring. Multiple organizations, including the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council and Nature New Brunswick, are recipients, with a portion of projects focused on reducing nutrient and pesticide runoff from agriculture.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Q4 2025 Dairy Statistics

Dairy production and provincial breakdowns for the fourth quarter of 2025 were made available by Statistics Canada on February 26, 2026. The latest figures provide processors and stakeholders with up-to-date information on volumes and trends crucial to supply management and production planning.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan: Oilseed Crushing and Grain Deliveries Update for January 2026

Oilseed processors crushed 1.1 million tonnes of canola in January 2026, down 2.2% from the previous month and up 4.2% over January 2025, according to Statistics Canada data published February 25, 2026. Oil production for the month stood at 449,200 tonnes, with meal output at 618,300 tonnes. These metrics serve as indicators for canola supply, processor utilization, and feed ingredient availability.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Foodpreneur Lab Receives $2 Million to Support Entrepreneurs in Southern Ontario

FedDev Ontario invested $2 million in Foodpreneur Lab, announced February 27, 2026, with the aim of assisting up to 75 food and beverage sector entrepreneurs in southern Ontario. The funding will provide hands-on product development and market access support, prioritizing Black and equity-deserving business owners. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to foster innovation and resiliency across the region’s food value chain.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Updates Veterinary Assistance Program to Expand Livestock Producer Access

Ontario is expanding eligibility and increasing compensation rates for its Veterinary Assistance Program beginning April 1, 2026, adding honeybees and fish, updating application processes, and increasing travel compensation for veterinarians.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Launches New Funding Round for On-Farm Technology Adoption Program

British Columbia opened applications for its On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, which supports projects that automate labor-intensive farm tasks and introduce technology for efficiency.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Budget 2026 Includes Investments for Seed Processors, Agri-business Infrastructure

Alberta Budget 2026 allots $9 million over three years for the Cooperative Seed Processors Program and commits to new infrastructure investments affecting agri-business competitiveness.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Introduces Meat Inspection Act Amendments for Risk-Based Model

Nova Scotia’s Financial Measures (2026) Act includes changes to enable a risk-based inspection regime for provincially licensed abattoirs; coming into force alongside other Budget 2026-27 measures.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

B.C. Continues Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance in Kootenays Through Targeted Deer Hunt

B.C. reported no chronic wasting disease found in 228 deer harvested near Cranbrook in January 2026, supporting ongoing wildlife disease management measures.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consultation on Pesticide Application by Drones (RPAS)

Health Canada opened public consultation on February 23, 2026, for permitting the application of currently registered aerial-use pesticides by remotely piloted aircraft systems, with comments accepted until March 25, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Consultations on Maximum Residue Limits Announced by Health Canada

Health Canada is seeking input on proposed maximum residue limits for fluazaindolizine, acynonapyr, and ethylene bisdithiocarbamate fungicides; all consultations began February 26, 2026, and run until May 12, 2026.

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

What We're Reading This Week

• Potato Expo returns as P.E.I. growers consider drought recovery and trade risks: P.E.I. growers gather to assess drought recovery and evolving trade risks at industry's Potato Expo.
• What to know about glyphosate, the herbicide behind a Trump executive order that’s angered MAHA moms: Glyphosate remains in the spotlight amid regulatory change and advocacy debate.
• Farmers in Mirabel vying to stop a high-speed rail in its tracks: Mirabel producers organize against proposed infrastructure project over farmland concerns.
• Migrant farm workers’ class-action suit against Canadian government certified: Legal action advances over treatment of migrant farm workers in Canada.
• Eastern Ontario residents raise concerns proposed high-speed rail will impact farms: Community voices opposition to rail development over potential farm impacts.
• RFK Jr. fought pesticides for years. Now he’s backing their production: U.S. independent candidate shifts stance on pesticide production.

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