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.

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Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

White House Announces US–India Trade Deal

The United States and India agreed to an interim framework to facilitate reciprocal trade, including the removal of a 25% tariff on Indian imports and reduction of the reciprocal tariff on India from 25% to 18%. India commits to purchasing over $500 billion in U.S. goods and will lift barriers on industrial, agricultural, and food products, as well as remove digital services taxes. Both countries will negotiate rules of origin and expand bilateral cooperation on technology, supply chains, and national security. President Trump aims to eliminate practices viewed as unfair in previous trade relationships.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Final Rule: Rice Bran Wax Exempted from Pesticide Tolerance

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a regulation exempting rice bran wax (CAS No. 8016-60-2) from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert lubricant ingredient in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, raw agricultural commodities, and animals, and in antimicrobial formulations for food-contact surfaces. The exemption applies to all uses specified and eliminates the need for a maximum permissible residue level. EPA referenced extensive toxicological data, reporting low toxicity and no carcinogenicity risk. The rule is effective February 13, 2026; objections can be filed by April 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Revises Domestic Sugar Marketing Allotments for FY 2026

The Commodity Credit Corporation adjusted marketing allotments for cane and beet sugar for FY 2026. Florida's cane sugar allotment decreased by 315,464 short tons, reassigned to Louisiana. Louisiana's allotment increased to 2,339,675 short tons, while Florida's moved to 2,301,104 short tons. Beet sugar processor allocations saw increases for Amalgamated Sugar Co., American Crystal Sugar Co., Michigan Sugar Co., Western Sugar Co., and Wyoming Sugar Company, with decreases for Minn-Dak Farmers Co-op and So. Minn Beet Sugar Co-op. The Overall Allotment Quantity remains at 10,166,000 short tons for the year. USDA continues to monitor the market for possible future adjustments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Expands US Beef Import Quota for 2026

President Trump issued Proclamation 11010 to increase the US in-quota beef import quantities by 80,000 metric tons for calendar year 2026, specifically for lean beef trimmings, allocated entirely to Argentina. The adjustment, driven by supply constraints following drought, wildfires, and restrictions on Mexican cattle imports, intends to bolster ground beef availability and moderate prices. The additional quota is distributed in four quarterly tranches, starting February 13. The Secretary of Agriculture will monitor domestic supply and advise on further actions if necessary.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Increases Afidopyropen Tolerance in Strawberries

The Environmental Protection Agency published a rule raising afidopyropen tolerance in strawberries from 0.15 ppm to 0.3 ppm, based on a petition by BASF Corporation. The rule removes the previous time-limited tolerance and harmonizes US standards based on OECD MRL calculations. No Canadian MRL currently exists for afidopyropen on strawberries. EPA evaluated aggregate exposure risks and found no concern for human health. Rule is effective February 13, 2026; objections may be submitted until April 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

ACRES Act

Bill 204, the ACRES Act, was reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings were held last week on proposed changes affecting public lands and natural resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• USDA's reputation suffers after massive revisions in US corn acres: USDA faces criticism after large changes to US corn acreage estimates.
• The surprising reason why Americans could face high beef prices for years: US beef prices are expected to remain elevated, with supply challenges as a primary factor.
• Opinion | We Shouldn’t Want to Eat Like Our Great-Great-Grandparents: The article explores differences between modern and historical food production preferences.
• South African farmers count mounting losses as foot-and-mouth disease rages: Outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease causes significant losses for South African farmers.
• Photos show hunger and water scarcity as drought grips northern Kenya: Drought intensifies food and water shortages for communities and livestock in northern Kenya.
• Ghana cuts farmgate cocoa price, introduces new financing model: Ghana lowers cocoa prices at the farm gate and implements a new financing system.
• The single crushing problem American cattle ranchers wish Trump would fix instead: US cattle ranchers express key concerns about obstacles impacting their operations.
• India allows wheat and sugar exports to placate farmers amid US trade deal protests: India approves wheat and sugar exports in response to protests over US trade deals.
• From cocoa to coffee, collaborating on climate action yields results: Efforts on climate action produce supply chain improvements in cocoa and coffee sectors.
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