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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Final SNAP-Ed Reporting Ahead of Program Closeout

The Food and Nutrition Service announced that, following the legislative end of mandated SNAP-Ed funding with FY2025, states must submit final annual reports under the SNAP-Ed program. USDA utilizes the N-PEARS electronic system for Nutrition Education Plan and Annual Report submissions; 197 state, local, tribal, and partner agencies participate. Data supports program oversight, compliance verification, and technical assistance. Total reporting burden for agencies is estimated at 186,455 hours. Agencies are required to submit reports by January 31, 2026, preceding program closure, as mandated by amendments in the Food and Nutrition Act via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Extension of Information Collection: Plant Protection Act Special Need Requests

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking a three-year extension for information collection activities supporting State-level special need requests under the Plant Protection Act. States are permitted to request approval from APHIS to impose additional interstate restrictions on plant articles identified through pest risk analyses. The process includes pest detection surveys and risk assessment documentation. Estimated annual burden is 160 hours, with one respondent per year. Comments are invited through June 22, 2026, to evaluate the necessity and minimization measures for the information collection.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Importation of Glasswort Fresh Leaves and Stems from Israel Authorized

USDA’s APHIS announced its authorization to permit the import of Salicornia europaea (glasswort) leaves and stems for human consumption from Israel. Following a pest risk analysis and a 60-day public comment period concluding June 10, 2025, APHIS determined that international phytosanitary measures mitigate plant pest risk for this commodity. Conditions for import are specified in the APHIS Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database. Shipments labeled for pet food use will be refused entry. The import authorization takes effect April 21, 2026, and recordkeeping requirements fall under OMB control number 0579-0049.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Summer EBT for Children: 2026 Benefit Levels Adjusted

The Food and Nutrition Service published updated monthly benefit levels for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program, reflecting Thrifty Food Plan cost changes. For 2026, contiguous U.S. states retain $40 per child per month ($120 total summer), Alaska’s benefits increase to $54/$69/$84 for urban/rural regions, Hawaii moves to $63 monthly, and U.S. territories receive $60 monthly. The adjustments result from a 0.49% change in food costs (contiguous), 3.30% (Alaska), and 6.20% (Hawaii). The notice confirms that adjusted benefit levels are rounded downward, effective January 1–December 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Revision Request for Rural Development Loan Servicing and Reporting

USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service seeks revision approval for information collection supporting loan servicing under the Intermediary Relending Program and Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. Financial reporting from intermediaries is used for program monitoring, congressional reporting, and oversight. The estimated total annual burden is 8,000 hours from 500 respondents, averaging four responses each. Comments on the information collection are open until June 22, 2026. Prudent loan servicing and program expansion depend on receipt of timely financial and performance information.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Experimental Use Permit Application: Wolbachia Mosquito Biopesticide

The EPA received an application from Google LLC seeking an experimental use permit for the biopesticide Wolbachia pipientis wPip, delivered via live adult Aedes albopictus males. The proposed trial is scheduled for three years in New Jersey, and two years each in California and Florida, with up to 16 million Debug albo males released per state per year over 800 acres. This is intended to gather efficacy data regarding mating with wild-type mosquitoes and population suppression. EPA invites public comments by May 20, 2026, and will decide on permit issuance based on response and review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIH West Nile Virus Neutralizing Antibodies Available for Licensing

The National Institutes of Health announced availability for licensing human monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics and diagnostics against West Nile Virus, identified by NIAID with collaborators at Sheba Medical Center. Five antibodies potently bind to the viral envelope protein and are in pre-clinical development. Intellectual property includes U.S. provisional and PCT patent applications, and technology transfer for commercial development is open under HHS Reference No. E-200-2024-0. Licensing and research collaboration inquiries can be directed to Brian Bailey at NIAID.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Extension Request for Spongy Moth Identification and Transport Checklists

USDA APHIS is requesting extension of information collection related to its spongy moth detection and identification program. Activities include specimen tracking worksheets and self-inspection checklists for individuals moving outdoor household articles from quarantined zones, aiming to prevent moth spread. Annually, 2,500,100 respondents submit 7,500,250 responses, with a combined burden of 2,711,543 hours. Public comments on collection utility and efficiency are open until June 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Rural Health Program Data Collection Tool Revision Proposed

HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration proposed revisions for its State Offices of Rural Health Program data collection, with 50 award recipients annually providing technical assistance reporting. The updated form measures information disseminated, collaborations, and client engagement, aiming for accurate depiction of rural health outreach efforts. Total estimated annualized burden is 675 hours. Comments should be sent to OMB by May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Renewal for Environmental Research Involving Human Subjects

EPA submitted an Information Collection Request renewal for requirements governing protocols and study reports related to human subjects in environmental research. Respondents submitting information under FIFRA and FFDCA must have protocol clearance before initiating studies for pesticide product registration or exposure data. The annual burden is estimated at 6,237 hours for 13 respondents. The number of anticipated responses drops from four to three annually, resulting in a reduction of total burden hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Arbor Day Message: Chestnut Tree Planting at White House

The White House issued an Arbor Day message noting the 154th national observation and the planting of two American chestnut trees at the White House. The message references trees’ contributions to air and water quality, shelter, manufacturing, and recreation, and calls for continued tree planting nationwide.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 Advances

H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, addressing agriculture and food policy, was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 537, on April 21. The bill awaits further floor action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Expedited Farm Ownership Loan Pilot Program Proposed

H.R. 8472 seeks to establish a pilot program for expedited qualification and approval for direct farm ownership loans and guaranteed loans serviced by Preferred Certified Lenders. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture on April 23.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act

H.R. 8473 proposes improving veterinary services for rural communities. The bill was referred to the Committees on Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture for jurisdictional review on April 23.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act

H.R. 8430, introduced April 22, aims to enhance information sharing between federal and state entities regarding food safety. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Grants and Loans for Domestic Fertilizer Production

H.R. 8457 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants and direct or guaranteed loans to expand domestic fertilizer production for U.S. farmers. The measure was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture on April 22.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Buffalo's Silo City to Host FIFA World Cup 2026 Public Viewings

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Silo City, Buffalo, will host FIFA World Cup 2026 match projections and soccer clinics. The project is part of New York's Community World Cup Grant Program supporting tourism and local businesses.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

California Joins International Union for Conservation of Nature

Governor Newsom announced California's official membership in the IUCN, the world's largest environmental network, positioning the state among national partners for global environmental policy and ecosystem protection.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Delta Conveyance Project Achieves Consistency Certification

California’s Delta Conveyance Project received certification of consistency from the Delta Stewardship Council, validating compliance with Delta ecosystem protections and water supply reliability standards.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New York’s EXPRESS NY Initiative Receives 3,700 Submissions

Governor Hochul reported overwhelming response to the EXPRESS NY regulatory improvement portal, with over 3,700 suggestions for cutting red tape, chiefly from small businesses, health, childcare, and housing sectors.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas Launches Rural Health Funding for Prevention, Wellness, and Nutrition

Governor Abbott announced $60 million in federal funding for rural hospital districts to establish wellness, nutrition, and disease prevention programs, part of the Rural Texas Strong plan.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

New York Dedicates $240 Million to On-Farm Environmental Projects

During Earth Week, New York State reported over $240 million allocated since 2021 for soil health, cover crops, methane reduction, and water conservation projects via state agricultural programs.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The future of WIC’s fruit and veggie benefit: Congress debates continued WIC fruit and vegetable benefit increases for U.S. low-income families.
• Breakingviews - Shaky US farmers put Syngenta in trade crossfire: U.S. farmers face uncertainty amid Syngenta's trade tensions and shifting China policy.
• Fertilizer crunch prompts Trump admin to consider Biden-era program: Fertilizer shortages prompt Trump's USDA to explore options including revival of prior administration's domestic production grants.
• Forecast for strong El Nino fans worries about global crops as Iran war bites: Global crop yields face new risks amid predicted strong El Niño and conflict in Iran.
• US farm agency to move research and food safety staff from Washington: USDA prepares to relocate research and food safety staff as part of agency restructuring.

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