October 25, 2026 to October 31, 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

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Strengthening Processing for US Ranchers (SPUR) Guaranteed Loan Program FY 2027

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announced the opening of applications for the Strengthening Processing for US Ranchers (SPUR) Guaranteed Loan Program for Fiscal Year 2027. At least $5 billion in loan level will be available to support meat, poultry, and seafood processing, with applications to be submitted electronically starting October 27, 2026. The program aims to diversify domestic protein processing, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and expand local market access. The guaranteed loan terms include a 3% guarantee fee, 0.55% periodic retention fee, 90% loan guarantee percentage, and a 0.5% fee for issuance of Loan Note Guarantee prior to construction completion. No geographic restrictions apply; both rural and urban facilities are eligible.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Organic Program: Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule

The Agricultural Marketing Service issued a final rule amending regulations for the National Organic Program under the Organic Foods Production Act. The new rule strengthens organic control systems with measures to improve certification standards, increase import oversight, and tighten supply chain traceability. Requirements include mandatory certification for handlers, brokers, and traders, expanded traceability procedures, electronic data management, and updated inspection protocols. The rule incorporates recommendations from industry audits and stakeholder feedback, affecting over 51,000 respondents with a total estimated burden of 231,617 hours annually.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program: Proposed Standards Released

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released revised standards for the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Herd Certification Program. Key changes include reducing trace and quarantine periods for specific cervid species, updates to indemnity prioritization, incorporation of science-based clarifications, and guidelines for predictive genetics to reduce herd susceptibility. The proposed standards also allow interstate movement of cervids from CWD-positive herds under specific conditions. Comments are invited on the draft through November 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Foreign-Trade Zone Notification: Proposed Activity for Meatpacking and Processing in Ohio

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board received a notification from Atlantic Veal & Lamb, LLC for proposed production activity at facilities in Creston and Sterling, Ohio (Subzone 40Q). Activities cover meatpacking and processing using bovine and sheep components, with both U.S. and foreign origin materials. Finished products include chilled and frozen carcasses, primal cuts, and prepared dishes. Certain components are subject to Section 301 duties depending on source country. Public comments are open until December 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Signs Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Robotics and Industrial Machinery

President Trump issued a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to address risks posed by imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and related components. The Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative are directed to negotiate agreements with trading partners and report on progress within 180 days. Potential actions include tariffs, quotas, and incentives for domestic production to address reliance on foreign technologies critical to manufacturing, defense, and infrastructure. Ongoing monitoring will continue, and further action may be taken as needed.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• How an Iowa farmer cut back as fuel, fertilizer and health care costs soared: An Iowa farmer describes reductions in operations due to increased fuel, fertilizer, and healthcare costs.
• Farmers fear a crisis coming. America can't afford to ignore them | Opinion: Tariffs and rising diesel prices raise concerns among U.S. farmers about a potential crisis.
• Farmers don't want government aid. They want a level playing field | Opinion: Farmers advocate for fair competition rather than government subsidies.
• How Do You Save the World’s Chocolate Supply? You Reinvent Chocolate: Startups in the U.S. are innovating to address global cocoa supply challenges.
• Animal welfare-focused farm group targets Republicans in rural races: A farm group is funding ads focused on animal welfare, targeting rural Republican races.
• Colombia and Finland to lead effort to reform subsidies to protect biodiversity: Colombia and Finland initiate an international campaign to reform agricultural subsidies for biodiversity protection.
• In Lebanese village near Israeli troops, farmers brave danger to harvest their olives: Farmers in Lebanon near Israeli troops risk safety to continue the olive harvest.
• Why Kalshi Wants to Repeal a 1958 Law About Onions: The article examines Kalshi's campaign to repeal the Onion Futures Act for expanded agricultural hedging.

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