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.

Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Business Meeting on Glen Smith Nomination: The Senate Agriculture Committee is scheduled to hold a business meeting on March 16, 2026, to consider Glen Smith's nomination for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development (Capitol, 216, 9:30pm ET).
• Senate Energy & Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power: Hearings on Multiple Water and Power Bills: On March 17, 2026, the subcommittee will hold hearings on S.1034 (Southwestern Power Administration Fund), S.1242 (watershed pilots), water recycling, rural water systems, hydropower licensing, and more (Dirksen 366, 2:00pm ET).

Federal Government News

Final Rule Implements Popcorn Promotion Order Assessment Rate Update and Late Fees

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service finalized updates to the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order. The assessment rate is formally increased from 5 cents to 6 cents per hundredweight, ratifying a change in effect since 2001, and new late payment/interest charges are codified. Processors failing to remit payments within 30 days will pay a one-time $250 late fee, increasing to $500 after 90 days. Interest accrues monthly at 1.25% on overdue balances. Most affected businesses are classified as small entities by SBA standards. Mandatory assessment collections totaled $686,339 in 2022; estimated average revenue per popcorn farm was $716,994, and most processors fall under exemption criteria if they handle less than four million pounds annually. Regulatory flexibility analysis confirms no disproportionate burden on small businesses. No changes to information collection requirements are needed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Proposes Amended Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Regulations

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service released a proposed rule revising the Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Program. Key proposed changes include updating terminology to reference ATLAS instead of DAIRIES, moving the surrender deadline from October 1 to September 1 for quota years, and tightening transfer provisions so licenses cannot be transferred if business ownership changes, allowing broader reallocation of quota quantities. The regulation clarifies eligibility criteria, recordkeeping, and application procedures. The Licensing Authority gains explicit authority to debar, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations. The rule supports greater utilization and distribution of import quota among participants. Comments are due April 8, 2026; appendices listing TRQ allotments are to be published annually.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Request for Revision to Cooperative State-Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program Information Collection

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced intentions to revise and extend approval for information collection tied to the Cooperative State-Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program. The program focuses on surveillance, investigation, and annual reporting to eliminate brucellosis in livestock. Certification and classification of states rely on infection rates and effectiveness per Uniform Methods and Rules. Information is obtained by state and federal officials, veterinarians, and contractors during testing and vaccination. Annual collection burden is estimated at 246,575 hours for 87,974 respondents. Comments on necessity and burden are open until May 12, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Requests Renewal of Meat and Poultry Nutrition Labeling Information Collection

The Food Safety and Inspection Service seeks comment on a request to renew its information collection regarding nutrition labeling for major cuts of single-ingredient raw meat, poultry, and ground products under FMIA and PPIA. The current approval expires July 31, 2026. The renewal entails no substantive changes. Nutrition labeling may be on packages or at point of sale; requirements align with regulations for multi-ingredient products. Estimated respondent burden is 67,861 hours for 76,439 entities. Comments on necessity and burden are due May 11, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pest Risk Analysis for Importation of Fresh Sweet Potato Roots from Republic of Korea

APHIS has completed and made available a pest risk analysis evaluating importation risks for fresh sweet potato roots (Ipomoea batatas) from Korea into the US. Designated phytosanitary measures are proposed to allow national importation (previously permitted only for Guam and Northern Mariana Islands). Public comments are open until May 12, 2026; imports would be subject to requirements specified in the risk management document if authorized.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Honey Packers and Importers Assessment Rate Increase Proposed

The Agricultural Marketing Service proposed a staged increase to the assessment rate for first handlers and importers of honey, moving from $0.015 to $0.0175 per pound on June 1, 2026, then $0.02 per pound on January 1, 2027. The increase, recommended by the National Honey Board, aims to sustain research and promotional funding amid inflation and reimbursement pressures. The change is projected to boost budget resources by $2.99 million, based on past handling volumes. AMS reviewed small business impacts and invites comment until April 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Correction to Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Dairy Margin Coverage Program Regulations

The Farm Service Agency issued technical corrections to SDRP and Dairy Margin Coverage regulations. Eligible producers with Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage crop insurance policies (previously omitted) can access Stage 2 disaster relief payments in cases where units included grazing and forage crops. Quality loss percentage calculations for forage crops are revised; the maximum loss now capped at 100%. Stage 2 payment calculations for insured, NAP-covered, and uninsured crops have updated steps and references. DMC eligibility now clarified for operations ceasing milk production during the 2026 annual election period, ensuring prorated coverage for marketed days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Annual Notice of Guarantee Fee Rates and Loan Guarantee Percentage for Rural Development Programs FY 2026

USDA Rural Development published its annual notice on guarantee fee rates, retention fees, loan guarantee percentages, and construction note guarantee fees for FY 2026. Programs include Community Facilities (RHS), Water and Waste Disposal (RUS), Business and Industry, and Rural Energy for America Program (RBCS). Guarantee fees range from 1–3% based on loan size and program, periodic retention fees from 0.25–0.55%, and guarantee percentages from 80–90%. Rates effective October 1, 2025, unless modified by subsequent appropriations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Modification to Handling Regulations for Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington

AMS issued a proposed rule modifying the handling regulations for Washington sweet cherries. The minimum size requirement for all varieties, except Rainier and Royal Anne, is raised from 54/64 inch to 57/64 inch diameter; the corresponding 12-row pack designation is eliminated. Two new larger pack size designations (7-row and 7.5-row) are added, facilitating differentiation for premium fruit. The Committee stated small cherries comprise only 1–2% of the crop and are seldom marketable, while crop insurance often compels harvest of small fruit. Comments are open until April 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FDA Proposes Revised Animal Food and Egg Regulatory Program Standards Information Collection

FDA is seeking comment on proposed revisions to the Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS) information collection, with no changes to the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards. The revision incorporates updated definitions, standards, appendices, and streamlined program guidance for state, local, Tribal, and Territorial governments participating in regulatory program standards for eggs and animal food safety. Estimated annual reporting and recordkeeping burden totals 15,363 hours and 11,800 hours, respectively. Comments are accepted until April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Company to cease production of toxic herbicide banned in more than 70 countries: A manufacturer announces the end of production of a herbicide prohibited in over 70 nations.
• Iran war deprives US farmers of affordable fertilizer as spring planting looms: U.S. farmers face higher fertilizer costs amid supply disruptions linked to Iran conflict.
• Brazil's Agrion aims to make 500,000 metric tons of fertilizer per year from waste sugarcane: Brazil's Agrion intends to produce 500,000 metric tons of fertilizer annually from waste sugarcane.
• Opinion | India’s Boundless Biotech Potential: India's biotechnology sector is poised for expansion according to industry observations.
• Her Lab Worked to Future-Proof Fruits and Vegetables: Research efforts focus on developing fruit and vegetable varieties resilient to future environmental challenges.
• How a ‘polluted, dysfunctional’ farm let wildlife back in: A UK farm's restoration project saw a return of native wildlife populations.

.