AGP Executive Report

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.

Animal Health & Trade: Canada has temporarily banned live livestock imports from Texas after New World screwworm was detected in a calf, prompting CFIA to halt entry for cattle, horses and bison from animals originating in or present in Texas within 21 days. Outbreak Response: U.S. officials confirmed a second Texas case and set quarantine and movement controls, while Canada says it will keep working with U.S. counterparts and adjust measures as needed. Research Under Pressure: Saskatchewan’s Swift Current Research and Development Centre tore up long-running organic plots after federal agricultural research cuts, raising alarms that the move destroys 19 years of organic data and leaves a major gap for growers. Ag-Tech & Labour: A new research push in tomato harvesting robotics shifts focus from simply spotting ripe fruit to estimating harvest difficulty before picking, aiming to make automation work in real farm conditions. Energy & Rural Industry: Nova Scotia is moving 16 wind turbine components for the Weavers Mountain Wind Energy Project, with deliveries staged along Highway 104 to the site. Water & Environment: A guest column argues Canadians can’t treat fresh water as infinite, highlighting how little is actually available for use.

Screwworm Alert: Canada’s CFIA is moving to prevent the spread of the new world screwworm after a second flesh-eating screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, prompting a temporary livestock import ban and emergency measures around a quarantine zone. Renewables Logistics: Sixteen wind turbine components are being hauled along Highway 104 to Pictou County for the Weavers Mountain Wind Energy Project, aiming for clean power for up to 33,000 Nova Scotia homes by year-end. Trade & Agri-Food: Prime Minister Mark Carney met Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting CEPA implementation and tariff cuts that could boost Canadian exports like wheat, potash, wood and soybeans. Rural Jobs Pressure: Saskatchewan’s job losses in May are again being used by the NDP to attack the provincial government, with unemployment and youth job figures in focus. World Environment Day: UNESCO added 14 new biosphere reserves, including a new site in Canada, expanding the global network to 797 reserves.

Animal Health Border Measures: The CFIA is temporarily limiting livestock imports from Texas after New World screwworm was confirmed in a calf in Zavala County, with animals present in Texas within 21 days of border crossing not accepted into Canada; officials also urge producers and vets to watch for worsening wounds, discharge and foul odour. Rural Development Collaboration: Federal, provincial and territorial rural development ministers met in Morell, P.E.I., to strengthen coordination, highlighting rural communities’ role in Canada’s GDP and local ag and aquaculture engines. Food Safety System Check: The CFIA says its annual national testing and monitoring shows very high compliance with Canadian food safety standards, while continuing inspections, sampling, surveillance and enforcement. Farm Finance: Farm Credit Canada is investing in Farm Lending Canada to expand financing for Canadian farmers as part of a broader push to scale ag and food innovation and support farm transitions. Market Watch: Soybeans and corn slid again as traders weigh export demand and development weather, with wheat mixed and input costs still a concern for competing exporters.

AI Strategy for Agriculture: Prime Minister Mark Carney launched Canada’s “AI for All” plan, targeting about $200B in economic gains, 250,000 AI jobs, and boosting AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034, with support for sectors including agriculture. Farmland Ownership Rules: Ontario tabled Bill 109 (“Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act”), which would restrict foreign ownership of farmland, with flooding concerns cited by Essex-area reporting. Pork Trade & Animal Health: Leaders at World Pork Expo flagged USMCA renewal and animal health as top policy priorities for pork producers. Local Land-Use Tensions: In Saskatchewan’s Vanscoy area, residents protested a proposed rezoning that would shift land from agricultural residential to commercial. Fire Risk Update: After a wet stretch, Lacombe has no active fire restrictions, though some nearby communities still have advisories. Composting Innovation: CTK Bio Canada announced new home compostable pallet wrap and food wrap products. Trade Tariff Watch: The U.S. proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor claims, with a public comment period running to July 6.

AI Strategy for Canada’s Economy: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled “AI for All,” aiming to boost AI adoption to 60% by 2034, create up to 250,000 AI-related jobs, and drive $200B in economic growth, with $500M for Canadian AI firms and support for major data-centre buildout. Manitoba Data-Centre Pushback: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said a proposed AI data centre southeast of Winnipeg won’t proceed, citing limited benefits versus environmental concerns and local rural life. Rural Services Survey: Alberta is asking farmers and ranchers to weigh in on veterinary service access, wait times, and whether vet recruitment should be supported through student loan forgiveness. Poultry Prices Stay High: Canadian chicken production can’t keep up with demand, keeping retail and wholesale prices elevated as consumers shift toward poultry amid high beef costs. World Cup Turf Supply: Canadian and global turf specialists are racing to deliver durable grass for World Cup stadiums, with Vancouver’s pitch supplied by a specialty grass-growing farm. Trade Tensions and Agriculture: China is set to apply a 55% tariff on Australian beef after quota thresholds, while industry watches USMCA renewal talks and broader tariff uncertainty for North American farm trade. Potash Border Advocacy: Saskatchewan potash producer Mosaic is urging fertilizer trade to stay “two-way” across Canada and the US as CUSMA discussions continue.

Manitoba AI Clash: Premier Wab Kinew says a proposed 141-hectare AI data centre south of Winnipeg won’t go ahead, citing concerns about environmental and community impacts. Trade & Markets: Manitoba business leaders met U.S. trade representatives in Washington after the CUSMA review report, highlighting major Manitoba exports like pork, seeds and transport vehicles. Farm Finance Courtroom: Monette Farms has asked for creditor protection extension to Nov. 13, seeking time to manage liquidity pressures tied to fertilizer and input costs. Labour Pressure on Farms: Farm workers and allies renewed their push for union recognition at Windmill Farms, with Canada’s CLC backing a boycott. Aquaculture Uncertainty: B.C. salmon farmers say they’re still waiting on Ottawa’s final transition framework for moving from open-net pens to closed containment. Health on the Farm: A University of Guelph study finds Ontario farmers face higher anxiety and depression rates than the general population, with women hit harder. Biosecurity Watch: U.S. confirms a new world screwworm fly case in Texas, triggering quarantine steps to protect cattle. Global Ag Link: The Philippines shipped its first commercial carabao mango load to Toronto, signaling expanding fresh-produce trade.

Trade Pressure on Farms: Manitoba’s trade rep says a surprise U.S. forced-labour tariff proposal shows how hard it is to plan under Trump’s shifting approach, after a delegation met U.S. officials seeking border predictability. Tariff Shock South of the Border: The U.S. is proposing up to 12.5% forced-labour tariffs on nearly 60 economies, with Canada named among those facing additional charges. Animal Health on the Line (NB): New Brunswick farmers and supporters protest planned cuts to large-animal veterinarian services, warning the timing and impact could hit calving, planting and rural food security. Regulatory Fight (Ontario): Ontario’s top court restores parts of an agriculture law aimed at stopping undercover farm “trespass” that targets animal-rights activists and journalists. Pork Genetics Update: Topigs Norsvin unveiled R3silience, a new swine genetic solution for disease management, at North American Pork Event 2026. Weather Watch: A tornado warning was issued for parts of southeastern Manitoba as a severe thunderstorm moved east. Market Pulse: Grain prices drifted lower midweek, with soy, corn and wheat all down in the latest trading reports.