AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Watch: CFIA recalled Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama nationwide after potential Bacillus cereus contamination, warning shoppers not to use or distribute the 70-gram product. Public Health & Produce: In the U.S., federal health officials confirmed a Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in five states, with thousands sickened and investigators tracing a single supplier. Wildfire Impacts: Smoke from Canadian wildfires kept air quality hazardous across parts of the U.S. and Canada, prompting stay-indoor guidance and routine changes for outdoor work and events. Water Stress for Growers: B.C.’s Okanagan fruit sector is facing worsening drought and new irrigation limits, forcing some growers to choose between watering orchards. Grain Market Signals: A Reuters analysis says high harvests may not translate into a global grain surplus, as acreage shifts and market balances tighten. Agri-Policy & Infrastructure: Ottawa’s push for data centres tied to AI is colliding with local opposition, with municipalities debating moratoriums and energy concerns.

Next Policy Framework: Canada’s federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers wrapped up in Halifax with the “Halifax Statement,” setting priorities for the next policy framework that will replace Sustainable CAP in spring 2028, with a focus on growth, market diversification, science and resilience, plus streamlined delivery and accountability. Research Farm Rescue: Saskatchewan and Ottawa signed an MOU to keep the Indian Head and Scott research farms operating while disposal plans move forward, aiming to preserve productive assets and continue collaborations. Food Safety Watch: Canada says it has found no cyclospora outbreaks and no implicated lettuce in Canada after a U.S. investigation linked a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell; CFIA is monitoring with U.S. partners. Wildfire Smoke Pressure: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to push into the U.S., worsening air quality and forcing health and outdoor activity precautions. Ag Community & People: Neepawa’s ArtFest unveiled painted benches to brighten the town, while BASF’s InVigor 30-year celebration supports farm mental health through a clothing line benefiting Do More Agriculture.

Food Safety & Supply Chains: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia has sickened at least 1,644 people, with 94 hospitalizations, and investigators are pointing to lettuce from Mexico supplied via Salinas-based Taylor Farms. Policy & Producer Support: Federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers wrapped up talks in Halifax, issuing the “Halifax Statement” to guide the Next Policy Framework (2028–2033) as Sustainable CAP ends in 2028, with priorities including resilience, science and market diversification. Wildfire Smoke Impacts: Ontario’s poor air quality is expected to linger into the weekend, with a low-pressure system bringing rain chances Saturday that may help clear smoke in some areas but won’t guarantee relief. Beef Feed Rules: CFIA is consulting on relaxing BSE-related feed bans so certain specified risk materials could return to non-ruminant feed, pet food and fertilizer, aiming to improve processor competitiveness. Farm Reality Check: One analysis argues Canadian farms are being squeezed by rising costs and weak farm-gate prices, with policy and export pressure keeping the treadmill running. On-Farm Conditions: A Randolph-area farmer reports strong heat helped crops like corn and soybeans, while later-seeded canola suffered more after standing water from early storms.

Food Safety Watch: U.S. investigators say shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Salinas-based Taylor Farms to Taco Bell may be the source of a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with cases reported across 34 states and thousands sickened; FDA/CDC updates warn consumers in several states to avoid the implicated lettuce while tracing continues. Prairie Trade & Ports: Canada’s Port of Churchill is set to export prairie grain again for the first time in six years, with federal and Manitoba support backing upgrades to the port and Hudson Bay Railway so shipments can move to global markets. Animal Health: New World screwworm eradication efforts show progress as USDA reports more infestations are now inactive than active in Texas, a key sign containment is working. Ag Business in Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan’s first global agricultural commodity showcase is bringing international buyers to meet producers, including interest in niche oils like camelina. Farm Expo Spotlight: The RM of Corman Park is sponsoring Ag in Motion near Langham, supporting western Canada’s major farm technology trade show. Wildfire Impacts: Canadian wildfire smoke is driving hazardous air quality and event cancellations across parts of the U.S., including Chicago and Michigan.

Wildfire smoke disrupts ag life in Ontario: Environment Canada’s orange air-quality warning from northern Ontario wildfire smoke forced cancellations, including the Innisfil Farmers’ Market and Sarnia’s Catch the Ace draw, with health guidance to limit outdoor time. Trade and ports: Canada’s Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy aims to diversify trade and double exports, highlighting the port’s role in moving about $1B in goods daily. Aquaculture and seafood: Cooke’s planned purchase of Mowi is being watched for what it could mean for Atlantic Canada’s salmon farms. Animal health watch: South Dakota’s state vet says there’s no immediate threat of New World screwworm, but the U.S. outbreak in Texas keeps livestock inspections in focus. Ag innovation and tech: Farm Credit Canada reports AI adoption in Canadian agriculture is still low (1.8% of ag businesses using AI as of Q2 2025), urging faster uptake. Research and genetics: Fairville and NRGene Canada launched a FairGene BSF egg facility in Alberta to scale black soldier fly production for feed. Pest risk beyond borders: An ash beetle threat (emerald ash borer) has been detected in the EU for the first time in Hungary and Slovakia, underscoring the need for monitoring and emergency plans.

Halal meat capacity boost: Blue Lakes Premium Meats in Parkhill, Ont., opened Ontario’s first federally inspected meat plant in nearly two decades, a $30M facility able to process about 350 cattle and 500 lambs per week to serve rising halal demand at home and abroad. Prairie grain heads north again: Arctic Gateway Group says Prairie grain will start moving from The Pas to the Port of Churchill on the Hudson Bay Railway starting Friday, with exports expected later this summer as the port pushes expansion after years of limited traffic. Digital ag funding: Ottawa is investing $3.5M in EMILI (Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative) near Winnipeg to help companies test and validate farm tech, train workers, and speed up practical tools for more productive, resilient farms. Animal health border alert: Canada has temporarily restricted certain live animals from Texas after New World screwworm detections, but packaged and inspected beef products are not part of the restriction. Soil science recognition: Saskatchewan soil fertility expert Rigas Karamanos is set to receive the Les Henry Award at Ag in Motion, spotlighting replicated field-based research for growers. Wildfire smoke impacts: Air quality advisories in the U.S. linked to Canadian wildfire smoke are prompting health warnings and cancellations, underscoring ongoing cross-border effects on rural communities and outdoor events.

Dairy Deal: Lactalis Canada is buying Agropur’s fine cheese division, including Quebec brands OKA, Monsieur Gustav and L’Extra, two production sites and about 400 jobs, aiming to expand its specialty and core cheese lineup. Prairie Weather & Crops: Western Canada’s crop outlook stays positive overall, with less widespread drought than recent years, though excess moisture and flooding remain localized concerns and disease management is now a priority. Farm Show Watch: Ag in Motion returns July 21-23 in Langham, Sask., with 600+ companies, crop and livestock displays, and demos of autonomous equipment, drones, irrigation and water management. Conservation on the Ground: The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District is hosting the 2026 National ALUS Field Conference in Manitoba, spotlighting producer-led conservation projects and ALUS’s 20-year growth. Food Prices: The Bank of Canada says food inflation is likely to stay high through the second half of 2026, with Middle East-driven fuel and farming input costs still weighing on prices. Arctic Shipping: Prairie grain will move to the Port of Churchill via the Hudson Bay Railway starting July 17, the first northern corridor grain shipment since 2020. Indigenous Food Funding: Six Nations Farmers received $75,000 for a white corn project after a debate over new funding policies and accountability requirements.

Food Safety Watch: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U.S. is sickening thousands, with Michigan reporting 2,640 confirmed cases and health officials pointing to lettuce or salad greens as a likely source. Animal Health Alert: South Dakota is monitoring New World screwworm after cases in Texas, but the state vet says current controls and inspection rules mean no immediate threat. Prairie Pest Planning: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched IRIS, a new insect risk mapping tool for the Prairies that lets farmers report sightings and link pest pressure to economic risk. Beef Competitiveness: The Canadian Cattle Association and Canadian Meat Council backed proposed updates to specified risk material rules, saying they could cut costs and improve competitiveness with the U.S. Trade & Food Policy: A survey for Dairy Farmers of Canada finds 91% of Canadians want Ottawa to defend control of the food supply and supply management in CUSMA talks. Grasslands Conservation: Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation secured $6.5M over five years to expand grasslands stewardship beyond the southwest. Market Signals: Canfor will permanently close its Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, affecting about 300 jobs.

Trade & Market Access: CUSMA uncertainty is back in the spotlight as the U.S. declined to extend the deal in its current form, with pork producers warning it could disrupt North American supply chains. Animal Health: Canada has suspended animal exports from Texas after New World screwworm concerns, tightening entry rules for livestock that recently moved through the state. Food & Community: Toronto gets its first Brewery & the Beast on July 26, an all-inclusive, unlimited-food-and-drinks meat-and-music festival featuring 30+ award-winning chefs. Local Agriculture & Livestock Impacts: Norfolk County firefighters say a barn fire near Simcoe killed an estimated 20,000 hogs, with smoke and road closures affecting the area. Fresh Produce Policy: The Canadian Produce Marketing Association named Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald its 2026 Produce Champion, citing support for supply chains and food security. Weather Outlook: Forecasters say El Niño is strengthening toward “very strong” levels, raising odds of a rainier winter for parts of the U.S. On-Farm Innovation: Syngenta and Groundwork BioAg announced partnerships to expand biologicals and soil carbon solutions for farmers.

Prairie Hail Fallout: The Canadian Crop Hail Association says members are processing 2,000+ crop-damage claims across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba after June 22–July 5 storms brought golf-ball to baseball-size hail, heavy rain and damaging winds. Wildlife Care Strain: A Saskatoon wildlife rehab centre warns that the University of Saskatchewan is indefinitely suspending its wildlife program, leaving injured animals with fewer options and adding pressure to already stretched groups. Farm Input & Market Signals: U.S. combine sales rose in June, and Canadian combine sales also increased year over year, while tractor sales trends diverged—another reminder that equipment buying is still cautious. Value-Add Research: Canadian teams are turning oat hulls into higher-value products, including food ingredients and fibre, aiming to lift oat-hull value and support a circular bioeconomy. Weather Watch: A new Canadian drought snapshot shows a sharp divide—some regions are abnormally dry or in extreme drought, including parts of the agricultural landscape. Local Resilience: Kinistino, Sask. residents rallied after a weekend storm that toppled trees, damaged property and moved grain bins, with neighbours pitching in fast.

Regulatory Update for Beef Feed: Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says CFIA has pre-published science-based amendments to better align Canada’s Enhanced Feed Ban with the U.S., aiming to help cattle processors compete. Stampede Funding Push: MacDonald also wrapped Calgary Stampede outreach, announcing $4M+ for AgriMarketing Program support, including nearly $3.74M for Canada Beef and $300K for the Canadian Cattle Association. Prairie Logistics Watch: Despite Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan flood damage, grain movement is holding up, with CN reporting restored service to Dauphin while crews work on remaining washouts. Rural Community Grants: Rocky Mountain Equipment launched its 2026 Right by You Ag Society Grant program, offering four $10,000 grants across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba (applications due July 31). Heat Risk for Ontario Growers: Ontario heat warnings are in effect, with humidex values expected in the high 40s Tuesday—conditions that can stress crops and livestock. Young Farmers Next Gen: Canada’s Young Farmers initiative (for farmers under 40) is rolling out leadership, mentorship and farm-transition support nationwide.

Foreign Land Ownership Fight in B.C.: A tiny Dunster, B.C., community is pushing for limits on foreign ownership after two U.S. billionaires’ company bought dozens of farm properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve, leaving many homes vacant and raising concerns about local decline. Prairie Moisture Check: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says there’s no drought anywhere on the Prairies this growing season—though some pockets are “abnormally dry,” it’s not the same as drought. Crop Practice Watch: Relay cropping—planting a second crop before the first is harvested—is gaining attention as a way to cut inputs and improve returns, with researchers testing how it could work under different conditions. Health Security at World Cup: Canada’s public health monitoring helped manage infectious-disease risks during the FIFA World Cup, with officials assessing sick travellers for exposures like measles and TB. Trade & Infrastructure: Canada and the U.S. reached a deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, with Canada sharing net profits through a 15-year economic development fund.

Agri-tech Push: A new accelerator backed by a $7M fund is set to help nine Canadian agri-tech firms scale toward commercial production, aiming to strengthen food security and speed up real-world adoption. Biosecurity & Farm Safety: Tick pressure is driving more Nova Scotia residents to guinea fowl as a natural pest-control option, with breeders reporting surging demand as tick-borne illness concerns grow. Trade & Policy Uncertainty: Commentary on the USMCA review highlights how uncertainty around the agreement’s future could ripple into North American agriculture and supply chains. Infrastructure for Rural Industry: Great Lakes Helicopter is expanding at Waterloo airport with a new maintenance hangar, supporting services that include agriculture spraying and specialized aviation work. Community Ag Events: Nova Scotia’s Pictou–North Colchester Exhibition Grounds received $200K to improve access and boost year-round use, including a new barn tied to major livestock events. Weather Impacts: A tornado near Tulliby Lake damaged structures and disrupted power, with investigators confirming the touchdown and crews assessing roads and hazards.

Trade & Markets: India and Canada wrapped the third round of CEPA talks in Ottawa (July 6–10), saying there’s “positive progress” and a push to finish the deal in 2026, with discussions covering goods market access, rules of origin, services, and cooperation in areas including agriculture and critical minerals. Farm & Food Safety: A multi-state Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. has spread across 31 states, with hundreds sickened and health officials warning the true number of cases is likely higher. Ag Policy & Climate Risk: Alberta growers are facing saturated soils and disease pressure after heavy June rain, with concerns about delayed weed control and higher fungal risk. Rural Land Use: A Quebec municipality is asking for more clarity on the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, warning it could affect agricultural land, local businesses, and long-term planning. Wildlife & Land Management: A new wild horse refuge near Colorado’s border aims to change mustang management as herd reductions raise concerns about genetic sustainability.

Bridge Watch: Canada and Michigan have agreed to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, with U.S. government support, plus a 15-year economic development fund tied to bridge profits and cooperative toll governance. Canola & Climate Tech: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s HARVEST accelerator is backing new gene technology at Kingston-based Performance Plants to help canola tolerate heat and drought while boosting soil carbon. Biofuel Demand: A new report says biofuel uses about one-third of Canadian canola acres, pulling processors and policy players into the spotlight. Flood Recovery: Manitoba is launching a one-time Flood Recovery Program for June storm impacts, with Disaster Financial Assistance available and the Red Cross set to help residents navigate recovery. Food Safety: Ontario health experts warn that washing produce may not fully remove cyclospora parasites, urging extra caution during peak summer risk. Prairie Livestock & Land: FAO highlights the role of North American grazing lands and pastoralists in global food security during a congress in Canada and the U.S.

Trade & Infrastructure: Canada and Michigan say the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open July 27, with U.S. government support, plus a 15-year economic development fund tied to toll profits—good news for the Windsor-Detroit corridor that matters to Canadian ag supply chains. Prairie Crops & Pests: Cabbage seedpod weevil numbers are rising across the Prairies, with scouts urged as canola moves into flowering. Weather & Farm Impacts: Southern Manitoba’s La Broquerie Farm & Community Market is cancelled due to an extreme heat forecast, with Environment Canada warning humidex values in the mid-40s. Livestock & Food Safety: Health officials in the U.S. are investigating a growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to fresh produce, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases. Ag Innovation: Western Applied Research Corporation’s Scott field day highlights irrigation and fertilizer research, including canola work on enhanced-efficiency nitrogen products. Community & Food Security: A Niagara food bank says summer heat increases demand for hydration and healthier snacks for kids.