AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Alert: A second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, prompting Canada to temporarily restrict livestock imports from Texas while officials work to contain the pest. Trade Uncertainty: U.S. President Trump again raised the possibility of USMCA expiring, adding pressure on North American farm and food supply chains. National Food Policy: Prime Minister Mark Carney advanced Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, aiming to expand access to affordable food and strengthen resilience. Dairy Pressure: Global whey protein demand is outpacing supply, driving shortages and higher prices that ripple through dairy processing and food manufacturing. Invasive Pest Watch (BC): CFIA is monitoring for spongy moth in British Columbia, warning it could hit forests, orchards and urban trees. Rural Immigration: Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot is drawing strong interest, with hundreds of applicants seeking permanent residency for hard-to-fill jobs. Local Flood Recovery (Manitoba): Volunteers and residents in Minitonas continue cleanup after flash flooding damaged hundreds of homes. World Cup Turf & Hydration: Vancouver’s first World Cup match drew praise, while FIFA’s mandatory hydration breaks highlight growing focus on player welfare in heat.

Rural Immigration Boost: Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot is already delivering results, with 800 people receiving permanent residency in the first two months of 2026 and hundreds more applications pouring in for limited spots. Livestock Biosecurity: Canada is tightening livestock imports from Texas after a second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, with the CFIA restricting entry for cattle, horses and other livestock tied to the state within a 21-day window. Trade Pressure on Farms: U.S. President Donald Trump signalled USMCA could expire in 2036 unless renewed, adding uncertainty for North American agriculture as Canada pushes for renewal ahead of talks. Food Security Strategy: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a $3.2B plan aimed at strengthening Canada’s domestic food supply and competition to help protect grocery prices from global shocks. Drought and Harvest Reality: Kansas wheat harvest results are mixed, with drought cutting yields in some areas while recent rain is also driving weed pressure. Global Protein Watch: Brazil’s beef exports kept rising in May, with China remaining the top destination.

New World screwworm threat: The U.S. confirms another flesh-eating screwworm case in South Texas, prompting Canada to temporarily restrict certain Texas livestock imports while officials work to contain the pest. Trade uncertainty for farmers: Donald Trump says the USMCA with Canada and Mexico could expire, adding fresh risk for agricultural supply chains and market access. Protein squeeze: Global demand for high-protein foods is colliding with a shortage of food-grade whey, pushing prices higher and straining dairy ingredient supply. Prairie pest control update: Alberta and Saskatchewan farmers are getting late-arriving access to two-per-cent liquid strychnine again, after Ottawa lifted a ban that had limited Richardson’s ground squirrel control. On-farm tech in P.E.I.: Prince Edward Island now allows pesticide-spraying drones, aiming to target spots more precisely and reduce overall pesticide use. Canada-Ireland agri-food ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Ireland visit spotlights agri-food cooperation, including investment, supply-chain resilience, and innovation partnerships. Local ag infrastructure: Saskatchewan chambers and towns push for highway and underground water system assessments to keep rural transport and services working for agriculture.

National Food Security Strategy: Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Ireland announcing a new Canada–Ireland bilateral co-operation framework, with agri-food and innovation on the agenda—while Ottawa’s broader push is to boost affordability and resilience through a $3.2B National Food Security Strategy. Crop Outlook: Analysts say Canada’s durum crop may be smaller than forecast, with farmers likely shifting acres into spring wheat as durum prices lagged. Pest & Farm Inputs: Alberta and Saskatchewan producers face a shrinking window to use two-per-cent liquid strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrels, with distribution ramping up but timing running tight. Livestock Biosecurity: Canada has temporarily restricted certain Texas livestock imports after a second New World screwworm detection in South Texas, while officials work to contain spread. Invasive Species Watch: Newfoundland and Labrador continues Japanese beetle monitoring and eradication efforts, including movement restrictions and targeted larvicides. Market Pulse: Commodity coverage highlights strength in canola and other agricultural inputs, alongside mixed performance across staples.

Food Prices Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney is rolling out a C$3.2B National Food Security Strategy aimed at boosting local production and competition to bring down grocery costs, with small grocers and food groups urging Ottawa to keep the plan focused on affordability. Trade Tension: Trump again raised the possibility of letting USMCA expire, rattling agriculture stakeholders who say the deal is critical for market access and stable farm incomes. Screwworm Watch: A second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, prompting Canada’s CFIA to temporarily restrict Texas livestock imports as officials work to contain the flesh-eating pest. Prairie Weather Impacts: Environment Canada confirmed a rare EF3 tornado near Oxbow, Sask., causing major farmstead damage and highlighting how extreme storms keep disrupting rural operations. Agri-Food Policy & Research: Agriculture and food unions are pushing back on Bill C-30 changes, while researchers and nonprofits are challenging proposed U.S. grant-rule shifts that could reshape how science funding is awarded. Market Signals: Global salmon harvest forecasts point to a 15% drop in 2026, adding pressure to seafood supply planning.

Food Security Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney launched Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy, backed by $3.2B over 10 years, aiming to cut grocery costs and boost domestic production through more processing funding, $1B for food hubs to strengthen grocery competition, $750M for greenhouses/indoor growing, and red-tape streamlining for farmers. Agri-Food Policy Watch: A commentary notes the plan has solid funding ideas, but argues Ottawa still needs a clearer competitiveness and productivity focus to translate dollars into lower prices. Biosecurity & Trade: New World screwworm continues to spread in the U.S.; Canada moved to restrict certain Texas livestock imports after a second case in South Texas, while U.S. officials release sterile flies and warn the pest could hit cattle markets. Sustainable Inputs: CTK Bio Canada unveiled an Earth Edition home compostable paper mulch film, designed to deliver weed suppression and moisture benefits while reducing plastic waste and post-harvest removal labour. Weather Impacts: A tornado in southeast Saskatchewan destroyed a farm and triggered community fundraising and temporary local disruptions, including a co-op store closure.

Food Security Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, backed by about $3.2B over 10 years, aiming to boost competition, expand food infrastructure (terminals and hubs), and lower grocery costs. Livestock Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed a second New World screwworm case in South Texas, prompting Canada’s CFIA to temporarily restrict certain Texas livestock imports while containment efforts ramp up. Prairie Weather Impacts: Severe storms and hail are driving fresh insurance claims across the Prairies, with reports of tennis-ball hail, tornado warnings, and widespread crop damage. Flood Recovery: Manitoba premier Josh Kinew announced provincewide disaster financial assistance for homes hit by recent flooding, including heavy rain in Stonewall. Ag Community & Stewardship: Saskatchewan Stock Growers highlighted trade and stewardship at their annual convention, with leadership changes and a focus on sustainable rangelands. Local Weed Control: Grazing goats returned to Lethbridge-area parks to reduce leafy spurge, cutting dense patches dramatically over multiple years.

New World screwworm: A second case has been confirmed in South Texas, prompting Canada to temporarily restrict imports of certain Texas livestock (cattle, horses and other animals present in the state within 21 days). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the move is precautionary as officials work to contain the flesh-eating parasite. Food security & policy: Health Canada has changed rules so pesticide safety information for agricultural workers is now optional for employers, drawing criticism from UFCW Canada and Ecojustice. Trade uncertainty: Trump again cast doubt on renewing USMCA/CUSMA, reviving concerns for North American farm and food supply chains ahead of the 2026 review. Weather risk: El Niño has officially formed and is expected to be particularly strong, raising the odds of extreme weather that can hit agriculture and food prices. Farm sector updates: Egg Farmers of Canada was named Food Banks Canada’s 2025 Product Partner of the Year for major egg donations. Invasive pests: Newfoundland and Labrador is on alert for Japanese beetles, which can damage hundreds of plant species, including blueberries.

Livestock Biosecurity: A second New World screwworm case has been confirmed in South Texas, prompting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to temporarily restrict cattle, horses and other livestock entering Canada from Texas (including animals present in the state within the prior 21 days) while officials work to contain the pest. Trade Politics for Farmers: U.S. President Donald Trump said he may not renew USMCA, with agriculture a key focus in upcoming talks; U.S. lawmakers and farm groups warn uncertainty could disrupt cross-border ag markets. Flood Recovery in Manitoba: Premier Wab Kinew toured Swan Valley after severe flooding and road washouts, with Manitoba set to activate disaster assistance and coordinate with Ottawa. Severe Weather Impacts: Saskatchewan saw major tornado damage near Oxbow, while local officials also reported missing livestock and urged producers to report losses. Rural Protest: Farmers and rural residents marched on Parliament Hill against the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, arguing environmental and property impacts and high costs. Tech for Farms: A Canadian orchard/specialty-crop event highlighted remote sensing and collaborative robots aimed at reducing errors and saving growers’ time. Local Community: Cambridge’s Canada Day plans include a fishing derby, parade and fireworks, with federal Celebrate Canada funding and ag-related sponsors.

New World screwworm alert: Canada’s CFIA has temporarily restricted livestock imports from Texas after a second case was confirmed in South Texas, barring cattle, horses and other livestock that originated in Texas (or were there within 21 days) from entering Canada while officials contain the pest. Trade politics: At a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing, an American Soybean Association leader urged lawmakers to keep long-term USMCA stability, warning that uncertainty threatens duty-free access and science-based rules. CUSMA uncertainty: U.S. President Donald Trump said he’s “not looking to renew” CUSMA/USMCA, arguing the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada or Mexico. Prairie crop tracking: Cereals Canada resumed its interactive Growing Season Progress Report for 2026 spring wheat across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Wildfire response: A Senate agriculture and forestry report calls for a national office to coordinate wildfire emergencies and a renewed reforestation policy. Severe weather: Southeast Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba saw tornadoes, hail and heavy rain, with Environment Canada confirming a tornado in the North Portal/Oxbow/Alameda area.

New World screwworm: A second flesh-eating screwworm case has been confirmed in South Texas, pushing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to temporarily restrict entry of certain Texas-origin livestock (including cattle and horses) while officials work to contain the pest. Livestock ripple effects: The move is already complicating cross-border rodeo logistics for Alberta-bound horses and athletes, with quarantine timing a key concern. Climate-smart ag support: CANZA has launched the first phase of its CANZA Marketplace, a digital hub meant to help farmers access climate-smart funding and training while tying environmental outcomes to rewards. Alberta conservation funding: Alberta is investing nearly $5M in private land conservation and ecosystem services grants, supporting ranchers and land trusts to protect watersheds, riparian zones and grasslands. Ag tech and storage: Ag Growth International is investing in its Kansas facility to expand U.S. production of grain bins, aiming to deliver storage solutions closer to grain-growing customers.

New World screwworm threat: Canada has temporarily restricted livestock imports from Texas after a second South Texas case of the flesh-eating parasite was confirmed, with CFIA barring cattle, horses and other animals that were in Texas within 21 days before entry. Trade and farm signals: Statistics Canada reports Canada’s April trade surplus rose for a second straight month, with agriculture exports up 8.9%—including higher wheat shipments to China—though economists warn energy gains may be masking other weaknesses. Farmland as an asset: A new look at Canada’s farmland argues it’s holding up amid global trade tensions, with strong export performance supporting farm revenues and farmland values. Market access for fruit: The first commercial shipment of fresh Philippine mangoes has arrived in Canada (400 cartons), opening a new tropical fruit pathway. On-farm investment: Ontario is backing Sunrise Farms’ $100M-plus poultry processing plant in Woodstock, creating 100 jobs and expanding procurement from Ontario farms. Policy and risk: A study on snowpack loss highlights how less snow can strain water supplies for agriculture, raising adaptation pressure.

New World screwworm: Canada’s CFIA has temporarily halted entry of livestock from Texas after a second South Texas case of the flesh-eating parasite, with rules barring animals that originated in Texas or were there within 21 days before crossing. U.S. outbreak update: USDA says additional cases have been confirmed, including a calf in La Salle County and a dog in New Mexico, as Texas ramps up quarantine and response. Agri-food competitiveness: A new report warns Canada could lose agri-food edge without a more integrated AI strategy across the sector. AI for agriculture: Related coverage highlights calls for “AI for all” in farming, stressing regional, systems-level change and better data governance. Rural infrastructure pressure: Farm groups urge Ottawa to revisit the Alto high-speed rail plan, warning of higher costs and damage to agricultural land. Food security on the ground: Central Okanagan Food Bank launches a $5.5M push to expand cold storage and cut food waste while meeting rising demand.

Fertilizer Security at the G7: G7 agriculture ministers met to assess how the Strait of Hormuz closure is disrupting fertilizer supply, with urea exports hit and nitrogen prices up sharply—Canada among the countries pushing for food-security safeguards. USMCA Pressure on Agriculture: With the July 1 USMCA review looming, U.S. officials say the renegotiation should deliver “wins” for agriculture, including easing dairy access issues tied to Canada. Screwworm Fallout for Beef: The U.S. confirmed new New World screwworm cases in Texas, prompting Canada to restrict Texas livestock imports again—raising fresh concerns for cattle health and beef prices. Ottawa’s AI Strategy—But Data First: A Canadian agriculture commentator warns Ottawa’s “AI for All” push won’t fix food-system problems unless the real gap—fragmented, inconsistent, non-real-time data and weak supply-chain visibility—is addressed. Research Funding Alarm in Saskatchewan: Agri-food critics say proposed Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research cuts could close key facilities, including Lacombe, Nappan, Indian Head and Quebec. Education Boost: CABEF named seven Canadian students receiving $2,500 scholarships for agriculture and agri-food studies.

Trade & Farm Policy: Canada’s cattle sector is pushing back on a Mercosur trade deal, warning that expanded beef access could squeeze Canadian producers as negotiations continue. Food Security & Climate Risk: A new look at global “breadbasket” vulnerability argues crop failures are becoming more likely to hit multiple major regions at once, raising the odds of sharper food-price shocks. Livestock Biosecurity: Canada has moved to restrict Texas livestock imports after a New World screwworm detection, with CFIA disease-control steps aimed at keeping the pest out. Mental Health on the Farm: Canadian farmers are turning to mental health groups as stress mounts from factors they can’t control, including weather, markets, and policy uncertainty. Saskatchewan CUSMA Prep: Saskatchewan has launched a CUSMA advisory council to shape provincial priorities ahead of the July 1 review and ongoing U.S. tariff concerns. Agri-Food Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming France and Ireland trip includes discussions on expanding cooperation in agri-food and related innovation areas. Market/Operations Watch: Milk production is rising again, while soybeans and corn continue to slide, keeping pressure on crop margins.

CFIA Screwworm Response: Canada is temporarily restricting livestock imports from Texas after a second New World screwworm case, with CFIA saying the warmer months make prevention urgent. Agri-Food Trade & Partnerships: Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Ireland and France ahead of the G7, with Ireland talks explicitly set to expand ties across agri-food and other sectors. Farm Mental Health: A new report highlights how Canadian farming and ranching stressors are pushing mental health needs to the front, with organizations working to support producers. Local Food & Farming Culture: Comox Valley chef Ronald St. Pierre was named Canada’s Chef of the Year, recognized for decades of farm-to-table leadership and mentoring. Urban Agriculture Policy: Penticton council will review a request for a temporary permit to raise rabbits indoors for personal consumption as part of an urban agriculture plan. Wildfire Workforce Classification: A B.C./Alberta wildland firefighter says federal rules leave many wildland crews classified as forestry workers rather than firefighters, despite frontline risk. Canada Economy Watch: Saskatchewan’s U of S policy expert weighs what a “technical recession” means for the province and why GDP alone may not match lived conditions.