August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Executive Order Promotes Fair Competition and Market Access in Livestock and Meat Sectors

On September 4, 2026, the White House issued an executive order that directs the Secretary of Agriculture to enhance enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act by prioritizing investigations into unfair livestock market practices, increasing related resources, and revising regulations to strengthen producer protections. The order also instructs agencies to expand interstate shipment opportunities for meat products, streamline state participation in inspection programs, and modernize meat inspection procedures. A guaranteed loan program for small and regional beef processors is to be established, and technical assistance for small processors is included. The Departments of Agriculture and Justice will coordinate these efforts, with mandated reports on enforcement and regulatory barriers to be submitted to the administration.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Orders Comprehensive Policy Review to Support America’s Ranchers

On September 4, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order addressing ranchers' financial viability and market access, citing a 75-year low in the national herd. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to review the status of gray and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act, assess possible adjustments to lethal takings and depredation claim standards, and collaborate with states on predation issues. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with reviewing and proposing new regulations for country-of-origin labeling for beef. Departments must submit policy recommendations within 90 days, and all measures are subject to budget and legal constraints.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

USDA Issues Final Rule to Increase Honey Assessment Rates

The Agricultural Marketing Service finalized a rule increasing the assessment rate for honey packers and importers under the Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education, and Industry Information Order. Rates will rise from $0.015 per pound to $0.0175 per pound starting September 1, 2026, and to $0.02 per pound effective January 1, 2027. The change, recommended by the National Honey Board, is intended to offset inflation and operational cost increases, generating an estimated $2.99 million in additional annual revenue. Organic honey remains exempt from these assessments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Proclamation Temporarily Increases In-Quota Imports of Lean Beef Trimmings

A presidential proclamation dated August 26, 2026, increases the in-quota quantity for lean beef trimmings under the U.S. tariff-rate quota by 300,000 metric tons for calendar year 2026. The additional import tranches will become available between September 1 and November 30, 2026, administered on a first-come, first-served basis. The action responds to high beef prices amid a supply contraction and is aimed at ensuring sufficient ground beef at reasonable prices for U.S. consumers. The USDA will continue monitoring domestic supply and imports, with provisions to adjust the quota if the price effect does not materialize.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Finalizes Adjustments to Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing for 2027

On September 2, 2026, the Foreign Agricultural Service published notice of adjustments to Appendices for certain dairy articles under the Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) Import Licensing Regulation for the 2027 quota year. The changes reflect transfers of amounts from historical license categories to nonhistorical (lottery) categories in accordance with 7 CFR 6.34, following license surrender, revocation, or non-issuance. These modifications apply to products such as butter, dried milk, and a range of cheese types as detailed in the notice, revising the licensing tables used for quota allocations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• As US agriculture wilts under financial pressure, former Arkansas farmer cultivates US Senate bid: Reporting examines the financial difficulties faced by U.S. agricultural producers and one farmer's political campaign.
• Climate shocks hit EU maize heartland in Hungary and Romania: Drought and weather volatility disrupt maize production in key EU regions.
• France gives farmers €1 billion to recover from record heatwaves: France pledges significant aid for farmers after heatwaves impact agricultural output.
• El Nino Is Yet to Peak, Bringing Heat and Agricultural Damage in Tow, UN Says: The UN warns continued El Nino conditions may exacerbate agricultural losses globally.

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