August 02, 2026 to August 08, 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

EPA Grants Exemption for Bacillus thuringiensis eCry1Gb.1Ig Protein Tolerance on Corn

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus thuringiensis eCry1Gb.1Ig protein in multiple corn types, including field, sweet, and pop, when used as a plant-incorporated protectant. Syngenta Seeds, LLC petitioned for this exemption, which eliminates the need for maximum permissible residue levels for eCry1Gb.1Ig protein. EPA's review determined no toxicity or allergenicity for humans and found no adverse health risk from expected dietary exposures. This rule took effect August 7; objections may be submitted by October 6.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Proposes Amendments to National Poultry Improvement Plan Regulations

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a comprehensive proposed rule amending regulations governing the National Poultry Improvement Plan and associated auxiliary provisions. The changes clarify definitions, update disease control standards, align with current industry and international practices, and implement new protocols for importation of products from non-participant flocks abroad. Notable modifications include revised requirements for Newcastle disease clean programs, updated procedures for Pullorum-Typhoid clean status at public exhibitions, and improved compartmentalization definitions. Public comments are open until October 5.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Preliminary Results: Countervailing Duty Administrative Review—Organic Soybean Meal from India

The Department of Commerce released preliminary results for its 2024 countervailing duty administrative review on organic soybean meal from India. Ecopure Specialities Ltd. received a preliminary subsidy rate of 3.57 percent; most other companies had timely withdrawal requests and are rescinded from the review. The review period covers shipments between January and December 2024, and public comments are invited on these preliminary findings. Pending final results, Commerce has outlined planned assessment rates and cash deposit instructions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Grants Nonregulated Status to Bayer/Monsanto MON 87429 Maize

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that MON 87429 maize—engineered for resistance to dicamba, glufosinate, quizalofop, and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, as well as tissue-specific glyphosate resistance—will no longer be considered a regulated article under USDA plant pest regulations. The determination rests on risk assessments and industry data submitted by Bayer/Monsanto. Regulatory status change is effective August 5, allowing for broader commercial introduction.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Finalizes Information Collection Amendments Affecting Livestock Disease Surveillance

USDA submitted revised information collections for specimen submission protocols, updating approval processes for VS Forms 10-4, 10-4A, and 5-38 in support of disease surveillance. The changes update quantitative requirements for reporting animal specimens and enhance compliance with the National Tick Surveillance Program and Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. The renewal consolidates several form numbers and maintains critical surveillance documentation, with new compliance deadlines set for September 8.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

5253 – Emerging Tick-Borne Livestock Disease Research Enhancement

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 was introduced to prioritize research on emerging tick-borne livestock diseases. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

5218 – Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2026

The Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2026 seeks to support veterans in agricultural employment and training. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

5240 – Establishing Tribal Consultation Process for USDA Budget Activities

This bill amends the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act to require formal budgetary consultation with Tribal Governments at USDA. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

1476 – National Farmers Market Week Resolution

A resolution was introduced supporting designation of August 2–8, 2026, as National Farmers Market Week. It was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sources: www.congress.gov

10023 – Asset Limit Elimination in Federal Means-Tested Assistance Programs

A bill proposes eliminating asset limits for certain federally funded means-tested assistance programs. It was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and additionally to Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US farm agency staff warn trade, research, aid programs at risk from reorganization: Reuters reports agency staff concerns over impacts to agricultural trade, research, and aid programs amid federal reorganization.
• EXCLUSIVE: Ukraine turns to alternative grain export routes, counts losses as Russia blocks ports: Ukraine is pursuing alternative export routes after Russian port blockades, affecting global grain trade flows.
• Scared of Cyclospora, Consumers Turn to Local Lettuce: Cyclospora contamination concerns drive increased consumer interest in locally grown lettuce.
• The Cyclospora Mystery: How Human Waste Got on So Much Lettuce: The Daily investigates sources and spread of Cyclospora contamination in US lettuce supplies.
• Why Mexican avocado exports to the US have been stopped again: AP outlines the factors behind recent suspension of Mexican avocado shipments to US markets.

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