August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

USDA Releases 2026 Unified Agenda: Regulatory Planning and Updates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture published its semiannual regulatory agenda in the Federal Register, aligning with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 14192, and 14219. Noteworthy actions include a proposed Olive Oil Promotion, Research, and Information Order (RIN: 0581-AE33), and the rescission of specific Packers and Stockyards Act regulations (RINs: 0581-AE49, 0581-AE50, 0581-AE51). The agenda identifies revisions to bioengineered food disclosure standards, ongoing rescissions of organic program rules for mushrooms and pet food, and an advance notice for revising reporting under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act. USDA invites public comments on these pending changes affecting marketing, competition, and reporting across various agri-food sectors. Small entities are covered under the Regulatory Flexibility Act provisions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Issues Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Safeguard Supply Chains

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation imposing tariffs on imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components, citing national security risks and supply chain vulnerabilities. The Section 232 investigation by Commerce determined foreign reliance and cybersecurity concerns warranted import adjustments. Tariffs include a 100% ad valorem rate for larger drones with sensitive capabilities, 25% for smaller drones and components, and reduced rates for imports from allied countries. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to monitor compliance and initiate an onshoring incentive program for drone manufacturing. Tariffs become effective 21 days after signing, with some exemptions delayed by 180 days. The measures aim to reduce dependency on adversarial nations and encourage domestic production.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Schedules Section 610 Reviews Impacting Agri-Food Sector Emission Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency published its 2026 Unified Agenda, confirming the initiation and completion timelines for Section 610 reviews under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Reviews target rules with significant economic impacts on small entities, including brick and structural clay products manufacturing, formaldehyde emission standards, risk management programs, and oil and natural gas sector emission standards. Regulatory entries detail affected sectors, statutory authority, and projected comment periods. The EPA has initiated reviews for formaldehyde standards under TSCA and oil and gas sector emission standards, while the review for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants in brick and ceramics manufacturing is listed as ongoing. Stakeholders may access related dockets and submit comments during designated periods.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Preliminarily Assigns Antidumping Duty Margin to Organic Soybean Meal Imports From India

The Department of Commerce reported preliminary antidumping duty administrative review results for organic soybean meal from India covering May 2024 to April 2025. Ecopure Specialities Ltd. received a weighted-average dumping margin of 26.60%, which applies to non-individually reviewed companies. Commerce rescinded reviews for 145 companies following timely withdrawal requests. Case and rebuttal briefs are invited, and assessment instructions will be issued to U.S. Customs and Border Protection after the review is finalized. Duties will be assessed at the final results' rates, affecting future imports and supply chain cost structures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Modifications to NPDES General Permit for Aquaculture Facilities in Washington

EPA Region 10 issued a notice to modify the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for federal aquaculture facilities and those located in Indian Country in Washington. Proposed modifications address facility-specific conditions for Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and adjust chlorine monitoring for all permit holders. The draft permit and fact sheet are available for public comment until September 28, 2026. Administrative record requests and further information may be obtained from EPA Region 10. Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act is discussed in the fact sheet addendum.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act

Bill 10083, titled Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act, has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill proposes updates to water technology standards and programs aimed at improving agricultural and industrial water resilience.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

Bill 6500, titled Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, covers economics and public finance. The latest action saw a message on Senate action sent to the House, indicating ongoing budget negotiations for government programs including those affecting agri-food operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Expressing Support for Warehouse Worker Recognition Week

Bill 1483 supports recognition of August 17–23, 2026 as Warehouse Worker Recognition Week and celebrates logistics industry workers. The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and could influence industry labor narratives.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Disapproval of EPA Rule on California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards

Bill 214 provides for congressional disapproval of the EPA rule relating to California's small off-road engines standards. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, this action signals ongoing debates over federal versus state regulatory authority in ag machinery.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Decades of farm gains, inventories strengthen food system against 'super' El Nino: Recent farm yield advances and inventory buildup help mitigate El Nino impacts.
• Fear of lettuce: Concerns about produce safety spark renewed regulatory scrutiny in U.S. agriculture.
• RFK Jr. is targeting a decades-old loophole allowing chemicals in food supply: Political initiatives seek to change food chemical regulations.
• Chicken Surplus Squeezes Poultry Companies; New Food Rules Proposed: Poultry oversupply reshapes market dynamics as regulatory changes are advanced.
• UK PM Burnham announces more funding for drought-hit farmers: British government expands financial aid for drought-affected agriculture.
• FDA inspects Taylor Farms Mexico plant linked to outbreak: FDA conducts inspection of Taylor Farms following lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak.
• In rural Wisconsin, frustrations over Trump ag policies heat up House race: Wisconsin farmers express concerns over recent agricultural policy impacts.
• Tractor Supply Retrenches; Strong Earnings Power Stocks to New Highs: Tractor Supply adjusts strategic operations amid robust market performance.

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