September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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 Targets Tick and Mosquito Control Using Non-Chemical Technologies

President Trump issued Executive Order 14433 on September 29, directing federal agencies to pursue non-chemical, technology-enabled measures to suppress tick and invasive mosquito populations, with a target of reducing D.C.-area invasive mosquitoes by 90% and ticks by 50% by 2028. The order calls upon the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the General Services Administration to implement these objectives using landscape management, targeted pest control, and advanced technologies such as sterile insect techniques and biotechnologies. Agencies are required to develop a regulatory framework and support new diagnostics, treatments, and labeling for alpha-galactose food allergens. Implementation must comply with relevant law and available appropriations, with the Department of the Interior covering publication costs.

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

USDA Requests Comments on Field Crops Production Data Changes

On October 2, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service published notice in the Federal Register seeking public comments by November 2 regarding a proposed substantive change to its Field Crops Production data collection (OMB No. 0535-0002). The adjustment involves adding questions to January and June Sugarcane Inquiry surveys and adopting reminder notifications by text and email, resulting in an increase of 483 annual burden hours for respondents. State and national crop and livestock production, disposition, pricing, and environmental factors are gathered through a combination of internet, mail, telephone, and personal interviews. The updated process will continue to support USDA’s ability to administer farm programs and monitor changes in the national food supply.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Grants Phosphatidylcholine Tolerance Exemption in Animal Contraceptive Pesticides

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule on October 2, exempting phosphatidylcholine from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert ingredient in contraceptive pesticide formulations for cervid, porcine, raccoon, and bovine. The exemption, effective immediately, was established under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, following a petition submitted on behalf of SpayVac-for-Wildlife, Inc. The exemption does not extend to species not sold as food, such as dogs, cats, elephants, and pinnipeds. Comments or hearing requests regarding the rule must be submitted by December 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Glyphosate Risk Assessment: EPA Extends Comment Period for Open Literature Search

The Environmental Protection Agency extended the public comment period for its glyphosate open literature search related to human health risk assessment. Initially closing on September 24, comments are now accepted until November 23, 2026. This extension allows additional stakeholder input on research relevant to the ongoing risk assessment under docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0361. Further instructions for submitting comments are available in the Federal Register notices dated August 25, 2026, and September 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Nebraska Proposes SNAP Demonstration Project to Exclude Soda, Candy, Energy Drinks

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration has opened a public comment period, closing November 2, 2026, on Nebraska’s proposed SNAP demonstration project. The project would amend the SNAP definition of food for purchase to exclude soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks effective December 1, 2026, and candy effective March 1, 2027, as authorized under Section 17(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The request follows a district court vacatur and is open for comments on implementation and operational plans via regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• RFK Jr.’s Push to Revamp American Food Runs Into White House Resistance: Presidential opposition meets ongoing efforts to change U.S. food safety regulations.
• Health Brief: The fight over ultra-processed foods: Policymakers and industry groups consider new approaches to the regulation of ultra-processed foods.
• Opinion | American Buffalo Roam Again Thanks to Privatization: Private investment supports the restoration of buffalo compared to public conservation strategies.
• FDA found cyclospora at Taylor Farms Mexico site and where lettuce was grown: FDA investigation confirms cyclospora contamination at a major Mexican lettuce production facility.
• What is a USDA loan and is it right for you?: USDA-backed loans remain a financing option for rural property buyers and farm operators.
• Opinion | How Much More Can American Farmers Take?: Ongoing economic pressures challenge U.S. farmers amid shifting policy and trade outcomes.
• Protein in Every Food: Rising demand drives new product launches and industry innovations targeting increased protein in consumer foods.

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