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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Agriculture Committee Markup on Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026: The House Agriculture Committee will hold a markup session to consider H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, on February 23 at 1300 Longworth House Office Building.
• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing: Water and Power Legislation: On February 24 at 3:30 p.m. in Dirksen 366, the Subcommittee will examine bills covering water supply forecasting, maintenance for urban canals, rural water system reauthorizations, drought relief, and water recycling program extensions.
• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Drinking Water Challenges: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment will host a hearing titled “From Source to Tap: Challenges and Opportunities for Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Drinking Water” on February 24 at 3:15 p.m. in Rayburn 2123.

Federal Government News

Executive Order Ensures Domestic Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides

President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order on February 18, invoking the Defense Production Act to secure domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to manage contracts, allocate resources, and issue regulations for market stability. Elemental phosphorus is described as vital for defense technologies, including semiconductors, weapon systems, and batteries; glyphosate-based herbicides are deemed essential for agricultural productivity and food security. The U.S. relies heavily on imports for both materials, with only one domestic producer of elemental phosphorus. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with prioritizing contracts, safeguarding producers, and ensuring compliance with the Defense Production Act. Immunity provisions and regulatory requirements are attached, with implementation overseen by USDA. This move follows prior Executive Orders targeting mineral production and manufacturing supply chain resilience.

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

EPA Final Rule on Pesticide Tolerances Following Registration Review Decisions

On February 20, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized multiple pesticide tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The rule implements updated tolerance levels and commodity definitions for a range of pesticides including Terbacil, Bromacil, Metolachlor, Etridiazole, Triclopyr, Deltamethrin, Cyfluthrin, Cyproconazole, Fluroxypyr, Pyraflufen-Ethyl, Etoxazole, Acequinocyl, Pinoxaden, Flonicamid, and d-Phenothrin. The revisions harmonize U.S. tolerance values with Codex MRLs and OECD rounding practices, expand livestock and crop commodity coverage, and adjust several tolerances in response to new data and public comments. The rule is effective as of February 20, with certain lowered tolerances set to expire August 19 to allow adaptation, particularly for exporting WTO members. The action is exempt from major regulatory, economic, and paperwork review requirements, as specified by various Executive Orders.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service Proposes Increased Poultry Line Speeds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service proposed changes to the New Poultry Inspection System on February 19, enabling young chicken establishments to operate at speeds up to 175 birds per minute and turkey establishments at 60 bpm. The amendment clarifies maximum line speeds and conditions for reductions, and removes the annual attestation requirement on worker safety programs, citing OSHA jurisdiction. FSIS’s risk analysis notes no significant increase in Salmonella contamination or process control issues at higher speeds. Projected costs for establishments increasing line speeds include labor, training, equipment, and HACCP plan changes, estimated at $127–$309 million annually, while benefits range from $223–$534 million annually. Public comments on operational impacts, alternatives, and economic projections are requested.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Establishes Pesticide Tolerance for Imidacloprid in Black Pepper

The EPA published a final rule establishing a tolerance for imidacloprid residues in or on black pepper at 0.05 ppm, acting on a petition by the American Spice Trade Association. No Codex or Canadian maximum residue limits exist for imidacloprid in black pepper. EPA's review concluded there is no evidence of carcinogenicity or unsafe aggregate exposure, including for children. Enforcement methodologies and analytical procedures are validated and available. The rule is effective February 20, 2026, and is not classified as a major regulatory action.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

APHIS Opens Public Comment Period for GMO Maize and Soybean Petitions

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service received four petitions from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Bayer U.S.-Crop Science, and Syngenta Seeds, LLC. for a determination of nonregulated status on insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant maize (DAS-01131-3, DP-910521-2, MZIR260) and MON 94637 Lepidopteran-Protected Soybean. Draft plant pest risk assessments conclude these genetically engineered crops are unlikely to pose increased pest risks compared to conventional varieties. Petitions and assessments are available for public comment until April 20, 2026. Scientific data addressing biological and ecological issues are encouraged.

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

Trump Administration Finalizes Trade Deal with Indonesia

The Trump Administration finalized a trade agreement with Indonesia, eliminating tariffs on over 99% of U.S. exports and tackling non-tariff barriers. The deal includes $33 billion in commercial agreements, $4.5 billion allocated for agricultural products, and maintains a reciprocal tariff rate of 19% for most Indonesian goods. Freeport-McMoRan will expand in the Grasberg mine, boosting annual revenue by $10 billion. Indonesia will join the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity and implement a forced labor import ban. The agreement is expected to reduce the $23.7 billion trade deficit and secure market access for U.S. agriculture and digital sectors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of Emergency Management Response System

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a request for extension of approval for information collection related to the Emergency Management Response System (EMRS). EMRS is a web-based system for managing and investigating incidents of foreign animal diseases. Diagnosticians conducting field investigations electronically submit epidemiological data, including animal health, premises information, and biosecurity practices. USDA estimates an annual burden of 24,703 hours across 158 respondents, with the extension seeking approval for continued use over the next three years. Comments are due April 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of ASF Movement Restrictions in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands

APHIS issued a notice seeking revision and extension of information collection regarding African swine fever (ASF) control, with ongoing restrictions on movement of swine and related products from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Commercial producers must comply with Federal Orders, including completion of VS Form 16-3 for permits, to mitigate ASF risk. Comments on collection burden and necessity are due by April 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Request for Extension of Broadband Technical Assistance Program Information Collection

The USDA's Rural Utilities Service issued a notice regarding the extension of information collection for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. BTA provides financial support for rural broadband expansion, project planning, and community engagement. The annual burden is estimated at 2,335 hours across 95 respondents. Comments must be submitted by April 20, 2026; respondents include tribes, governments, institutions, non-profits, and cooperatives.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Issues Draft Guidance on Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods

The Food and Drug Administration released draft guidance to supplement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act rule on traceability record requirements for entities handling foods listed on the Food Traceability List. The guidance addresses topics such as farm recordkeeping, initial packing, commingling, transformation, and traceability plans. Entities may submit comments until May 21, 2026. The document is not binding, and alternative approaches are permitted if compliant with statutory regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• USDA defends $12 billion subsidy amid farm economy challenges: USDA maintains subsidy support in response to ongoing farm financial stress.
• Big windmills mean big money for a small town: Wind energy investments significantly impact rural county finances in Indiana.
• Bankruptcy: Coverage of recent transportation and logistics bankruptcies impacts agricultural supply chains.
• An Annotated Analysis of the Supreme Court’s Tariff Decision: Supreme Court decision on tariffs may alter agricultural commodity flows.
• US farmers to sow more soybeans in 2026, less corn, USDA says: USDA forecasts a shift towards increased soybean acreage with reduced corn planting.
• Brazil seeks to broaden chicken trade with India: Brazil negotiating expansion of poultry trade routes with India.
• Trump Order Aims to Boost Weedkiller Targeted in Health Lawsuits: President Trump's Executive Order intends to bolster glyphosate supply amid ongoing litigation.

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