July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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 - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

U.S. Imposes 50% Tariffs on Certain Canadian Goods Over Dairy Trade Discrimination

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on July 20, 2026, imposing a 50% ad valorem duty on select Canadian products effective August 19. The action, authorized by Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, seeks to address Canada’s tariff-rate quota allocation measures under USMCA and CETA that prioritize EU dairy over U.S. dairy. The duties aim to offset losses faced by U.S. dairy producers and modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Related agencies are authorized to implement and administer the new duties, which are specified to counteract commercial disadvantages caused by Canada’s trade policies.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Farm Credit Administration Removes Troubled Debt Restructurings from Loan Performance Categories

The Farm Credit Administration finalized a rule effective 30 days after Federal Register publication, amending its regulations to remove 'Formally restructured loans (TDR)' as a high-risk loan performance category. This change aligns reporting with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's elimination of TDR guidance in GAAP as of January 2023, following the adoption of the CECL methodology. Farm Credit banks and associations will continue to report high-risk loans within remaining categories. The Office of Management and Budget determined the rule is not a 'significant regulatory action.'

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Renewal and Upcoming Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee at the CFTC

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced the two-year renewal of its Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), which advises on issues relating to agricultural derivatives markets, risk management, and regulation. The AAC comprises 30-40 members with broad sector expertise and is scheduled to meet in-person and virtually at CFTC headquarters, Washington, D.C., on July 29, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT. Discussion topics include Basel III proposal, risk management tools, 24/7 trading, emerging markets, and recent CFTC industry activity. Committee members and the public may submit written statements for consideration.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

FDA Receives Petition for Food Additive Use of Ethyl Cellulose in Ruminant Feed

The Food and Drug Administration has filed a food additive petition from Evonik Corporation proposing amendments to food additive regulations to allow ethyl cellulose as a binder and coating for amino acids in food for ruminant animals. The petition, filed June 16, 2026, indicates the intended regulatory change would be categorically excluded from environmental review unless extraordinary circumstances are found. Background documents and public comments are accessible online or by request to the Dockets Management Staff.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Initiates Investigation and Schedules Hearings on Lamb Meat Imports

The U.S. International Trade Commission initiated Investigation No. TA-201-80 to evaluate whether increased imports of fresh, chilled, or frozen lamb meat have led to or threaten serious injury to the domestic industry. Injury determination is due by November 13, 2026, and the report to the President by January 11, 2027. Public hearings will take place October 16 and December 1, with pre- and post-hearing briefs required. Participation entails electronic filing via the Commission’s EDIS, and confidential business information will be safeguarded under administrative protective order.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

SAFE CATTLE Act

Bill 7466, known as the SAFE CATTLE Act, relates to agriculture and food policy. Subcommittee hearings on the legislation have been held.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Plant Cultivar and Animal Breed Research Enhancement Bill

Bill 5126 seeks to amend grant and reorganization statutes to advance research and commercialization in plant cultivars and animal breeds. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization

Bill 5079 proposes amendments to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize the Genome to Phenome Initiative. Senate referral to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry occurred after the second reading.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance Framework

Bill 9884 aims to amend the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 by establishing a specialty crop emergency assistance framework. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Emergency Watershed Program Inclusion in Regional Conservation Partnership

Bill 9927 (House) and Bill 5115 (Senate) would add the emergency watershed program to covered programs under the Food Security Act of 1985 for the regional conservation partnership program. Both bills were referred for committee consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US tests GMO flies in rush to fight flesh-eating livestock pest: The U.S. deploys genetically modified flies in efforts to combat the screwworm pest threatening livestock.
• Exclusive | U.S. to Resume Cattle Imports From Mexico After Screwworm Ban: U.S. cattle imports from Mexico are set to resume following the lifting of ban imposed to control screwworm outbreaks.
• Diesel Crisis Puts Poor Farmers Around the World at Risk: Global diesel shortages are creating difficulties for low-income farmers, affecting their ability to irrigate and cultivate crops.
• Water hauling is the new chore no rancher asked for: U.S. ranchers increasingly haul water due to local shortages, altering traditional livestock operations.
• Taylor Farms Called White House to Try to Delay Cyclospora Recall: Taylor Farms contacted White House officials seeking to postpone a recall linked to Cyclospora contamination.
• ‘Cancer Doesn't Care What Party You Belong To’: Poisoned Water Is Turning This Rural State Bluer: Contaminated water is influencing political realignments in rural Iowa amid ongoing agriculture and health debates.
• ‘It’s going to decimate the agency’: Agricultural agency faces operational challenges following recent changes to funding and staffing mandates.

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