AGP Executive Report

Ukraine War & Food Supply: Russian strikes damaged Bunge’s Oleina sunflower oil plant in Dnipro, forcing a shutdown and adding to repeated attacks on food infrastructure. Farmer Protests & Power Reliability: Farmers in Telangana staged protests at substations over frequent power cuts, while similar complaints hit paddy irrigation in other regions. Input Support on the Ground: Ghana’s Nkwanta South received 2,000 bags of fertiliser for distribution to boost soil fertility and next-season yields. Land-Use Planning: Namibia’s Oshana region formally received an Integrated Regional Land Use Plan, aiming to guide projects, zoning and irrigation priorities. Ag Tech & Trade Links: The Philippines is studying China’s smart farming systems and sending startups to Taiwan’s Smart Agriweek to tap robots and livestock tech. Policy & Global Cooperation: BRICS backed a farmer-focused agriculture agenda, including a BRICS AGRIN network and work on climate-resilient agroecology. Farm Safety & Fraud Watch: Alabama warned cattle buyers about fake social media sellers after $100,000 losses. Local Enforcement: Kuwait arrested suspects over illegal manufacturing and storage on an agricultural plot, with seized goods destroyed.

Disaster Relief: The Philippines’ PCIC set aside P187m in insurance payouts for nearly 25,000 farmers hit by three typhoons and the enhanced southwest monsoon, with rice farmers taking the biggest share of claims. Land vs Industry: Tamil Nadu dropped the Parandur airport plan over farmland concerns, but critics say a Gazette land acquisition for a SIPCOT industrial park in the same region signals a repeat fight over agricultural land and water. Animal Health: UK farmers are being urged to vaccinate as bluetongue cases surge, with a North East meeting in Darlington offering guidance on protection and sampling. Farm Economics: Diesel prices are spiking again, squeezing East Tennessee and other U.S. farmers’ harvest costs and raising pressure on food prices. Food Safety: Vermont recalled eggs after Salmonella was found in farm and environmental samples, linking illnesses to the affected cartons. Market & Community: South Dakota’s “Sow the Connection” event will link organic/regenerative farmers with buyers and local agencies, while Rhode Island’s “Farmers Market” art exhibit spotlights the region’s farming identity. Policy & Trade: Pakistan’s PM ordered a push to expand agricultural exports and value chains, targeting major markets including China and Gulf states.

Fuel Shock for Harvest: Diesel prices in the U.S. hit record highs, averaging about $5.85 a gallon and rising further, squeezing corn and soybean farmers already battling higher fertilizer, seed, and equipment costs. Water + Fertilizer Pressure: In Iowa, nitrate pollution tied to heavy fertilizer use is driving up drinking-water treatment bills, while farmers face mounting costs as they chase yields to stay afloat. Climate Threat to Food Supply: A new study warns that weakening Atlantic currents could sharply reduce global food production and shift rainfall patterns, raising the stakes for major breadbaskets. Cocoa Planting Push: Trinidad and Tobago’s agriculture minister says a rehabilitation drive targets 200,000 new cocoa plants to reverse acreage declines from pests and disease. El Niño Warnings: Fairtrade flags “strong” to “very strong” El Niño conditions for West Africa, warning of potential damage to cocoa communities and wider supply chains. Power Cuts Protest: Farmers in India’s Karimnagar district staged road protests demanding uninterrupted electricity to protect standing maize, after unscheduled outages. Policy Overhaul in Cuba: Cuba published a new legal framework to speed agricultural recovery, expanding land-use flexibility and input-market rules. Agri-PV Expansion: India’s SECI invited bids to lease 20 acres in Delhi for two 5 MW agri-PV projects, aiming to keep farming going under solar arrays. Insurance Payouts in the Philippines: The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. set aside P187 million for farmers hit by typhoons and monsoon flooding, with rice the biggest share of claims.

Agrivoltaics Push in India: India’s PM-KUSUM next phase will add dedicated agrivoltaics support so farmers can keep growing crops while earning from solar power and cutting diesel costs, with land ownership staying with farmers. China Market Access for South Africa: China has opened its market to South African cherries via a new protocol, boosted by zero-tariff access that could strengthen broader export competitiveness. Land Tenure Drive in Zimbabwe: Government targets 360,000 title deeds for A1 and A2 farmers to secure tenure, unlock land value, and help boost production. Haiti Agriculture Under Strain: Haiti’s agriculture faces collapse amid insecurity, weak investment, and climate pressures, while projects continue—like rehabilitating rural roads to cut transport barriers and post-harvest losses. Input Cost Pressure in the US: Kansas and Iowa farmers report diesel prices near record highs, squeezing harvest budgets and adding to already-rising fertilizer and operating costs. Weather Disrupts Harvest in Canada: Saskatchewan harvest is 27% complete but rain has stalled fieldwork, while Manitoba remains behind last year due to repeated wet conditions. Locust Watch in Australia: Victoria begins spring surveillance in key areas and urges early locust reporting to improve timing and effectiveness of spraying.

Policy Overhaul in South Asia: Punjab has abolished its 66-year agricultural land consolidation framework, with a 365-day deadline for already-approved schemes and protections for rights created under the old law. Weather Disruptions: Heavy rain in Saskatchewan’s southeast stalled harvest, pushing progress to 26% versus much higher historical averages, while excess moisture and lodging raise quality worries. El Niño Risk for Crops and Cattle: A “super El Niño” is forecast to persist into early 2027, forcing farmers to rethink seed, fertilizer, and feed planning. Food Safety at School: University of Minnesota guidance highlights keeping packed lunches cold (40°F or below) and using insulated containers to prevent unsafe temperatures. Trade and Cooperation: India’s agriculture minister held talks with Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar on research, germplasm exchange, and market access. Farm Finance Pressure: USDA data shows U.S. farmers face record-high interest expense this year, even as net farm income is expected to dip. Local Market Boosts: BC is celebrating Farmers’ Markets Appreciation Week, spotlighting how local sales support resilient food communities. Disaster Support: The Philippines’ crop insurance system set aside $2.99m for typhoon and monsoon losses, with rice taking the biggest share of claims.

Rural Veterinary Pipeline: ABAC and the University of Georgia’s veterinary school signed a five-year deal to steer more students into mixed and food-animal vet careers for rural Georgia. Smart Farming Push: Xinjiang’s cotton “super fields” are using drones and smart irrigation to automate much of planting and harvest prep, cutting water, fertilizer, pesticides and labor while lifting yields. Mechanisation for Youth and Women: Nigeria’s Agri360 initiative will train 5,000 women and youths in mechanisation, digital farming and agribusiness to make farming more attractive and productive. Dairy Benchmarks: A survey of nearly 1,200 dairy farmers found the “ideal” mature cow weight is 580kg, higher than current weighing programme averages. Deer Damage Costs: An Irish survey says deer problems are worsening, with broken fences and silage yield losses up to 30% costing farmers as much as €180/ac. Climate Shock to Coffee: El Niño-linked drought and frost risks are hitting Papua New Guinea coffee growers, with berries failing to ripen and calls for better water support. Tea Sector Support: Kenya set aside Sh10bn to modernise smallholder tea factories and boost incomes, alongside fertiliser shipments timed for the rainy season. Market Access Win: South Africa secured China market access for cherries, with blueberry talks nearing finalisation. Livestock Tech Trial: NSW is testing legal virtual fencing to help cattle grazing management cut labor and inputs. Food Security via Farmers: South Carolina’s Harvest Hope highlights partnerships with local farmers to fight hunger across 20 counties. Drought Resilience Roadmap: Western Australia finalised a regional drought resilience plan with 30+ actions on water security and farm support.

Diesel squeeze on farms: Midwestern producers say soaring diesel prices are forcing fewer tillage passes and tighter hauling plans as harvest ramps up, with national retail diesel averaging about $5.60 a gallon versus ~$3.70 a year ago. Research for riskier seasons: Michigan State University is adding dry beans to its long-term “aspirational” cropping rotation (corn, soybeans, wheat, canola) to test profitability and lower-input management options. Food security and trade links: Qatar and Guyana signed an MoU to boost cooperation in agriculture and technology, including crops, livestock, fisheries, training, and modern ag tech. Export capacity boost: Maryland announced a new grain transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore to speed containerized exports of soybeans, corn, wheat and other grains. Policy and costs pressure: Ireland’s climate advisory council urges analysis of carbon pricing for agriculture within 18 months, while farmers there also face a 15 October deadline to declare closing fertiliser stocks. Health alert for livestock and people: Wisconsin confirmed its first Eastern equine encephalitis case this year in a horse, prompting mosquito-bite precautions into fall. World Agriculture Day spotlight: Venezuela’s seed-producer network is scaling native seed conservation and participatory breeding, reaching thousands of families.

Disaster Damage: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says enhanced monsoon rains and multiple tropical cyclones have hit P4.38 billion in farm and fisheries losses, affecting 99,663 farmers and fisherfolk across several regions and damaging 81,511 hectares, with rice the biggest share. Climate Readiness: A UK Climate Change Advisory Council warns agriculture isn’t prepared for climate impacts and calls for a practical, parcel-specific climate-risk toolkit within 12 months. Food Security Politics: Philippines House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III says food security starts with farmer security, pushing stronger farmer and irrigator groups and market access through Sagip Saka. AI on the Farm: McKinsey reports farmers are embracing generative AI faster than other tech, with 17% using it for farm tasks as costs and weather uncertainty bite. Trade & Logistics: Pakistan’s dried chili shipments have opened a new rail-linked route into China, cutting costs and transit times and boosting China-Pak agri trade. Market Pressure in the UK: The NFU says UK self-sufficiency has fallen in 10 of 11 staple foods over 30 years as imports rise and many farms operate at a loss. Finance for Resilience: Kenya’s Agricultural Finance Corporation received global recognition for embedding climate resilience into lending, becoming the first Kenyan institution certified under SSCI. Pest Watch: California lawmakers approved $10 million to help counties investigate and respond to the glassy-winged sharpshooter threat to grapes and other crops.

Farmer Security Push: Philippines House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III backed the Sagip Saka Program, saying food security starts with stable farmer livelihoods and fair, reliable markets. Climate Risk Planning: Malaysia’s Perak farmers’ group is drafting a Super El Niño contingency plan for padi—seeds, water supply and early action—while Namibia warns of a hotter, drier 2026/27 season driven by El Niño. Market Access & Quality: U.S. Soybean Board urges farmers to submit samples for the annual quality survey to help sell U.S. soy globally; Odisha moves to scale Kalajeera specialty rice with IRRI support and stronger MSP incentives. Trade Tensions: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. take effect, hitting sectors including agricultural equipment and dairy. Input & Water Investments: Bihar rolls out a Rs 4,415-crore irrigation modernization project with World Bank funding to boost climate-resilient farming and flood resilience. Local Food System Moves: La Crosse Farmers Market is moving indoors to Valley View Mall for winter. Health & Safety: USDA recalls imported ready-to-eat pork products over potential listeria contamination.

Smallholder Push in Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the government is studying ways to raise smallholder incomes and keep agri-commodities driving growth, with funding for downstream entrepreneurs, disease control, smallholder farm roads, and oil palm replanting. Value-Chain Focus: Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad stresses that tech adoption and value-added products must expand alongside the whole agri-commodity chain, not just company exports. Venezuela Grain Storage: Venezuela’s Silos La Flecha has been activated for winter 2026 cereal collection, targeting storage of over 2.5 million metric tons for domestic food security. Disease and Livestock Costs in South Africa: Farmers welcomed the suspension of OBP’s acting CEO over alleged FMD vaccine pricing misconduct, while the pork sector reports resilience gains after repeated FMD outbreaks. Water and Flood Planning in the Philippines: DA commissioned a PHP150m study on a Candaba Swamp waterway to reduce flooding and support farm logistics. Global Food System Pressure: FAO warns that even with strong cereal output, food prices are rising amid El Niño risks, conflicts, and input/trade stress. Farm Tech and Training: India runs grafting and nursery management training for vegetable farmers, while Australia’s Farm Progress Show spotlights AI and precision tools.

Trade & Regional Value Chains: South Africa and Zimbabwe met in a bi-national business forum to deepen trade and add value in agriculture, with Zimbabwe a major destination for SA farm exports (US$1.2bn in 2025). Animal Health: Canada is funding a $3.1m swine disease surveillance push to speed up and standardize lab testing for multiple viruses. Inputs & Production Support: Ghana’s Afadzato South MP donated fertilizer to farmers in multiple communities to cut costs and boost yields. Fisheries Cooperation: Ghana and Türkiye are drafting a technical cooperation framework to bring investment and technology into Ghana’s aquaculture value chain. Livestock & Biosecurity: Ireland’s first confirmed bluetongue case of 2026 in Wexford has farmers urged to stay vigilant as midge activity rises. Farm Policy & Compliance: Ireland’s ACRES rare-breeds declarations and NPI application window updates are now open, while the EU temporarily suspended some Agrofert subsidy payments. Weather & Risk: Uganda’s coffee exports fell 15% in July, with drought blamed for damage to farmland. Food Safety: A U.S. recall was issued for about 1,500 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork products over possible listeria. Farm Machinery: Abbey Machinery unveiled three new slurry and feed equipment launches for Ireland’s Ploughing 2026.

Fertiliser Probe: Malaysia’s MACC has opened an investigation into delays in supplementary compound fertiliser deliveries to Kedah padi farmers, after complaints from PESAWAH, with officials looking at both criminal issues and governance gaps. Aquaculture Fees Fight: Kenya’s Lake Victoria fish farmers have appealed a High Court decision upholding new aquaculture charges, arguing the Sh50,000 licence fee and 5% levy could threaten small and medium operators. New Dryland Crop: Kenya’s KALRO-backed pigeon pea variety Mituki (Mituki) is cutting harvest time to about three months and letting farmers earn through dry periods. Farmer Payments Go Digital: Zambia’s Access Bank says it has paid over K2bn to 113,000+ farmers via a digital platform with FRA, aiming for faster payouts. Irrigation Push: Tamil Nadu’s Mettur Dam discharge has been raised to 12,000 cusecs to support samba cultivation across the Cauvery delta. Market Pressure on Farmers: Pakistan’s wheat policy is under fire as FPCCI calls for a fundamental review, including strategic wheat reserves to stabilise prices and protect farmers from rising costs. Value-Add Momentum: Tanzania’s Coffee Board is urging farmers to turn coffee waste into commercial products as it expands training across the value chain.

Agri Finance: IFIC Bank signed up for Bangladesh Bank’s Tk 3,000 crore refinance scheme to fund northern agriculture, from production to storage, processing and exports. Coffee Boost: In Bukidnon, officials backed indigenous coffee growers with seedlings and pointed to a national P250 million coffee support fund. Food Security & Rice Policy: The Philippines narrowed its El Niño rice-hit forecast to about 400,000 MT after monsoon rains helped refill dams, while President Marcos’ P20/kilo subsidized rice program is set to continue through June 2028. Weather Shock: The enhanced southwest monsoon and four tropical cyclones have killed 43 in the Philippines and caused major damage to farms and infrastructure. Farm Protection & Land Use: The Philippines’ agriculture department pushed for a national land use law to protect prime farmland as development pressure rises. Pest & Biosecurity: Georgia agriculture officials are still tracking and eradicating yellow-legged hornets to protect honeybees and crop pollination. Market Access & Services: Qatar rolled out veterinary and agricultural services through the Oun App to speed permits, inspections and quarantine requests.

Farmer Compensation & Land Access: India’s NOIDA board approved a 53% hike in farmers’ land compensation to Rs 6,459 per sq m, aiming to clear stalled real-estate issues while aligning rates with regional norms. Fertiliser Supply Accountability: Malaysia’s PM ordered MACC to investigate delays in Fertiliser 3 deliveries to paddy farmers in Kedah’s MADA area, warning contracts could be terminated and cases pursued. Climate Stress & Crop Choices: Kansas and South Australia stories highlight how drought and heat push farmers toward resilience options like perennial grains, while some growers also face new pressures from extreme weather and rising input costs. On-the-ground Farm Disputes: In Tamil Nadu’s Salem, maize farmers protested subsidised seed performance, saying yields fell far below earlier varieties and urging changes. Tech for Agriculture: Kazakhstan unveiled drone-based BioDrop tech to spread beneficial insects more efficiently, while researchers advanced AI methods to detect tomato pedicels for more precise robotic harvesting. Market Access & Storage: India’s cooperative grain storage pilot is expanding village-level storage and services to reduce distress sales when prices are weak. Biosecurity & Trade: US authorities seized dead African mice and beef at Chicago O’Hare to prevent livestock and zoonotic disease risks.

Malaysia Agribusiness Dealflow: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 has already secured RM12.6bn in MoUs, beating the RM8bn target, with China pledging RM4bn and NAFAS RM1.5bn for fertiliser industry development. Regulatory Innovation: Malaysia’s agriculture ministry plans a “sandbox” with local authorities to speed up rules for new agrifood business models, alongside an AI WhatsApp meat-ordering system launch. Fire Damage Compensation: Algeria’s Jijel has completed surveys for over 98% of farmers hit by recent fires; compensation files are being approved for fruit trees, beekeeping, livestock and poultry. Ukraine Export Relief: Ukraine will extend settlement periods for wheat, corn, soybeans and more by up to 180 days to keep agricultural export contracts on track amid Black Sea disruptions. Climate Finance for Smallholders: IFAD and Equity Group launched a $200m East Africa climate adaptation mechanism targeting 260,000 farmers and rural businesses, with strong support for women and youth. US Farm Credit Push: USDA says it’s streamlining farm loan processes to cut paperwork and speed direct and guaranteed credit access. Pesticide Health Warning: A new study estimates nearly half of the world’s farmers are poisoned by pesticides each year, with India accounting for most deaths.

Access to Farm Info: Kenya’s Nandi farmers say extension support is still hard to reach, pushing more producers to seek timely crop and livestock guidance. Land Conflict: In Belize’s Maya Ranch dispute, farmers clash again with developer Nigel Petillo, escalating a long fight over cultivation rights and alleged intimidation. Disaster-Ready Aid: FAO warns that food crises worsen when help arrives late; emergency farm support—seeds, fertilizer, and know-how—can prevent hunger spirals. Agri-Insurance & Credit: The U.S. USDA is streamlining farm loans to speed approvals, while farmers also face rising costs and tighter margins. Fuel and Input Shock: Record diesel prices are hitting U.S. farmers’ hay and transport costs, and Bolivia farmers protest diesel hikes despite relief for smallholders. Water Politics in South Asia: Tamil Nadu farmers stage protests and arrests over Cauvery releases and Mekedatu dam plans, while irrigation timing remains a make-or-break issue. Climate-Resilient Farming: Kansas farmers turn to Kernza, a drought-tolerant perennial grain, as extreme weather strains yields. Livestock Industry Stress: Queensland dairy farmers scramble after Lactalis’ south Brisbane milk factory closure, fearing a wider exodus. Tech for Rural Growth: Solomon Islands’ SIART trains young extension officers in financial literacy and feed formulation to help local producer groups run profitable agribusinesses. Policy Push on Beef Labeling: A U.S. executive order directs USDA to explore mandatory country-of-origin labeling options for beef, as ranchers push back on imported trimmings.