AGP Executive Report

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.

France Drought Relief: France announced a €1bn package for farmers hit by record heatwaves and drought, including €520m in rapid payments and a €235m recovery fund for seeds, feed and other restart costs. Regulatory Clarity for Farmers: In the U.S., the EPA and Army Corps reopened the fight over “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS), aiming to settle which waterways fall under federal Clean Water Act rules—an issue that can affect land use and farm operations. Trade Pressure on Ag: New U.S.–Canada tariffs are set to raise costs and disrupt dairy-linked supply chains, with Canada a major buyer of U.S. agricultural goods. Climate Risk Support: Saskatchewan expanded flexibility in the 2026 AgriStability program for producers hit by excess moisture and flooding, including late enrolment until Oct. 1. Farm Finance for Smallholders: IFAD and the Bank of Kigali signed a $12m financing deal to improve access to credit for Rwanda farmers’ organizations and smallholders, targeting maize, rice, cassava, dairy and horticulture. Livestock Recovery in Cebu: Cebu’s hog sector plans to rebuild herds with distribution of 400 premium-bred gilts to farmers as prices and African Swine Fever risks weigh on production. Local Market Access: Wisconsin confirmed a first Eastern Equine Encephalitis case in a horse, urging vigilance for symptoms and mosquito-borne risk. Agriculture Research Boost: The University of Kentucky received over $26m in USDA funding for a new forage and animal production research facility.

Drought Planning: Northern Mindanao (Philippines) flagged 141,000 hectares as vulnerable to El Niño dry spells, warning farmers September will be a make-or-break month for whether to plant or skip. Fertiliser Push: Malaysia’s NAFAS moved to speed up Supplementary NPK delivery to 40,000 padi farmers in the Muda area after supply delays, with phased distribution starting immediately. Solar Irrigation in Practice: Nigeria’s NASENI demonstrated solar irrigation pumps to Kano farmers, aiming to cut fuel-cost pressure and expand climate-resilient dry-season farming. Water-Saving Infrastructure: Punjab (Pakistan) selected 40 farmers via balloting for mini dams under a regional agricultural transformation plan, with a 70% subsidy to boost irrigation and incomes. Dairy Under Stress: Switzerland’s gruyère producers are importing fodder from France as drought squeezes forage, raising questions about whether label rules may need adjusting. Ag Tech & Markets: Vietnam launched an online wholesale platform to connect Vietnamese produce with Singapore buyers, supporting flexible orders and logistics. Trade & Farm Pressure: U.S. farmers face uncertainty as tariff and trade negotiations loom, with cattle producers warning short-term “fixes” won’t solve long-term costs. Animal Health & Safety: Wisconsin’s farm fatality report highlights higher risk for older farmers and calls for safer work practices around tractors and slow-moving equipment.

Nuclear Tech for Rice: Malaysia’s Nuclear Agency and MADA signed an MoU at MAHA 2026 to use nuclear science for water and soil monitoring, irrigation integrity checks, isotope-based pest and disease tracking, and climate-resilient paddy research. GCC Food Security: Qatar joined GCC talks in Bahrain on boosting regional agriculture and food security, including plans for strategic food storage and draft regional rules. U.S. Farm Crisis Push: House Democrats urged the Agriculture Committee to hold oversight hearings on worsening U.S. farmer pressures—high input costs and tariff impacts—before Congress adjourns. Diesel-Driven Harvest Rush (Arkansas): Hot, dry weather is speeding corn, rice, and soybean harvests ahead of averages, but diesel at about $5.45/gal is raising combine fuel bills sharply. Local Market Funding (South Carolina): South Carolina approved $396,500 for a Blythewood farmers market pavilion, reviving a project that sparked town debate over cost and earmarks. Climate Action, No Retreat (Ireland/UK): Northern Ireland’s environment minister said there can be “no rolling back” on climate action after record-breaking summer heat. Bluetongue Watch (Scotland): Livestock traders are bracing for bluetongue risk and movement-rule uncertainty as autumn sales approach. Farmer Sentiment Up (U.S.): Purdue/CME’s Ag Economy Barometer shows improved sentiment despite ongoing farm-bill and geopolitical uncertainty. Ghana Jobs via Farming: Ghana’s employment minister urged youth to see agriculture as a real income path, not just a fallback career. El Niño Awareness (India): Tamil Nadu district officials warned farmers and fishermen about “Super” El Niño impacts and pushed water-wise practices like drip irrigation. Namibia Phosphate Appeal: Namibia’s agriculture minister appealed an environmental clearance for a marine phosphate project, challenging the ECC conditions. Rwanda Youth Agri-Entrepreneurs: Kagame told young African ag founders to turn ideas into action at AFSF 2026, highlighting climate-resilient business models. Ogun Climate-Smart Training (Nigeria): IFAD-backed SAPZ trained farmer groups and extension officers on climate-smart practices to cut losses and improve livelihoods.

Loan Relief: The Philippines House passed on final reading a bill to condone and restructure unpaid interests, penalties and surcharges on agri loans for farmers, fisherfolk and agrarian beneficiaries. Human-Elephant Coexistence: In Indonesia’s Sumatra, a women-led group is using dense citrus-tree fencing to deter elephants and protect crops. Disease Pressure in Canada: Wet weather has triggered costly fungal disease outbreaks in Canadian durum, spring wheat, canola and pulses, pushing farmers to spend more on fungicides. Drought Support (UK): RABI opened a new £2,000 Emergency Drought Grant for eligible farm owners and tenant farmers in drought-hit South West areas. Nutrient Rules (Ireland): Ireland’s dairy farmers are being told to declare organic nutrient movements to outblock farms via MyAgfood.ie or an app by Dec. 31, 2026. El Niño Planning (South Africa): Agriculture urged climate-smart practices and livestock risk management as El Niño forecasts point to hotter, drier conditions. Market Tensions (India): Haryana farmers are demanding paddy procurement start dates and higher milk prices amid rising input costs. Retail Impact (Australia): Australian dairy farmers say supermarket reliance on imported US dairy is squeezing local processors and jobs.

Debt Relief for Farmers: The Philippines House approved on final reading a bill to condone and restructure unpaid interests, penalties and surcharges on agricultural loans for farmers, fisherfolk and agrarian reform beneficiaries, covering lenders including DAR, DA-ACPC, PFCC and NFA. Rural Credit Push: India’s agriculture minister will chair an Sept. 3 Mumbai meeting on SHG-bank linkages and women-led enterprise financing, aiming to speed processing, expand credit linkages and strengthen district cooperative credit. Animal Health & Risk: South Africa’s Western Cape says its foot-and-mouth disease vaccination drive is on track (about 82% primary coverage; 30% boosters), while the country marks World Rabies Day on Sept. 28 with a “Stronger Together” push for dog/cat vaccination and rapid response. Climate Pressure: South African forecasts warn El Niño will bring below-normal summer rainfall and heat stress, raising crop failure and livestock mortality risks. Fertiliser Supply Debate: Bangladesh’s minister insists there’s no fertiliser crisis with nearly 13 lakh tonnes in stock, amid claims of syndication and calls for digital distribution. Food Security & Trade: Ethiopia reports wheat self-sufficiency after its National Wheat Flagship Program, while Armenia’s ag exports fell 1.9% in Jan–July 2026. Tech for Productivity: Protein Industries Canada backs $4.9m in AI projects to help farmers act earlier on disease risk and improve grain storage safety. Water Stress: Idaho outlines a new strategy for severe water shortages driven by low snowpack and drought.

Precision Ag Tech & Machinery: AGCO CEO Eric Hansotia highlighted precision agriculture momentum and new unveilings at the Farm Progress Show, while John Deere’s JD AI chatbot pushes farmers to use their own data more directly. Right to Repair: Farmers who used Deere-authorized repair services may have until Dec. 31 to file claims in a Deere antitrust settlement over withheld repair tools and dealer-only diagnostics. Rural Crime Prevention: Durham Police is rolling out forensic marking spray kits using synthetic DNA dots to help identify and return stolen farm equipment. Farm Economics & Input Pressure: Farmers in Nepal’s rice belt say fertiliser shortages are hitting at tillering time, and Haryana dairy operators are pushing buffalo milk rates to ₹100/litre amid feed-cost spikes and penalties for underpricing. Biosecurity Threat: Montana detected the invasive Eastern Heath Snail, raising concerns for crop quality and animal disease spread. Local Support & Markets: Cebu proposed a P447M 2027 ag budget; Durham also backed rural farmers with tech; and multiple farmers markets are expanding or shifting schedules to keep local produce flowing. Legal/Family Land Ruling: Gujarat High Court upheld a widow’s authority to sell a minor daughter’s inherited agricultural land for the child’s welfare.

El Niño Budget Push (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture and National Irrigation Administration asked lawmakers for higher 2027 funding to protect farmers and fisherfolk from El Niño impacts, citing low distribution of farmer aid (PAF at 57.67%) and a need for more fertilizer and fisheries support. Farm Roads Funding Gap (Philippines): Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel warned a proposed P16B farm-to-market road budget won’t cover the system’s 55,000 km needs, down sharply from 2026 levels. Rice Security Update (Philippines): The DA said rice supply is “quite secure” through end-2026, supported by imports and the start of the harvest season. Aquaculture Digitisation (Malaysia): Malaysia’s fisheries department launched eSPeKS and AquaTrack to streamline assistance applications and give farmers a digital logbook for stocking, feed and yields. EU Weather Strain (Europe): COPA-Cogeca urged more EU support after heat and drought cut crops and forage, while fertilizer and energy costs squeeze farm profitability. Ranchers First Beef Plan (U.S.): USDA unveiled tools aimed at heifer retention and expanding regional processing capacity amid backlash to a tariff-free beef import window. CAP Budget Pressure (Ireland): The Irish Farmers’ Association urged Irish leaders to resist CAP budget cuts ahead of EU negotiations. Grass Biorefinery Opens (Ireland): A €3m Cork on-farm plant will turn fresh grass into feed, bioenergy and biofertiliser, aiming to create new income streams for grassland farmers. Fertiliser Protest (Denmark): Danish farmers staged a tractor demonstration against proposed rules on fertiliser runoff and emissions quotas. Food Safety Stance (Ireland): Minister Martin Heydon said EU food safety and SPS standards are “non-negotiable,” backing limits on imports that can’t meet verification requirements. Local Markets & Youth Livestock (U.S.): Nebraska State Fair coverage highlighted 4-H livestock training and skills-building, while multiple farmers market stories point to growing local food demand.

Monsoon Fallout in the Philippines: The Department of Agriculture reports farm losses nearing P2.84 billion after enhanced monsoon and typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng, affecting 72,803 farmers and fishers and damaging rice and high-value crops across multiple regions. Weather Stress in India: Udupi district’s monsoon ends with a 10% rainfall deficit for August and a 29% shortfall for the season, keeping farmers on edge. Farmgate Prices Under Pressure (Zambia): Jambo Milling says FRA’s increased maize purchases won’t move mealie-meal prices much, arguing farm-gate maize prices drive costs. Coriander Crash in Karnataka: Chikkaballapur farmers face a sharp coriander price plunge—from ₹50–₹80 per kg to ₹3–₹5—after supply floods markets, with many even abandoning harvests. Beef Policy Shock in the US: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins pushes the “Ranchers First” push as Nebraska and Iowa producers weigh how import and processing changes could reshape herd rebuilding and grocery prices. Dairy Feed Crisis in India: In Kerala’s Wayanad, dairy farmers say E20 ethanol demand is lifting maize and feed costs, squeezing margins and pushing some toward selling cattle. Fertilizer Supply Move (Kyrgyzstan): A China-led fertilizer plant in southwestern Kyrgyzstan starts operating, aiming to reduce import dependence and stabilize agricultural inputs. Food Security Probe (India): India’s CBI files an FIR over alleged diversion of subsidised rice meant for Delhi’s poor laborers to private traders. Local Livelihoods & Markets: From a Century Farm recognition in Minnesota to farmers’ market community engagement and new solar-powered irrigation in Central Java, the week also highlights how small changes can protect farm incomes.

Climate & Disasters: Heavy monsoon rains hit the Philippines’ Oriental Mindoro, damaging crops and flooding farmlands (P112M damage; 52,642 people affected), while Zambales reports P37.55M in ag losses from floods, with rice the biggest share. Farm Finance: Credit remains tight as farm bankruptcies rise; a new U.S. data effort tracks Chapter 11/12 filings and warns filings could climb further in 2026. U.S. Beef & Processing: USDA launched the Ranchers First Initiative to rebuild a cattle herd at a 75-year low, pairing ranch support with moves to expand regional meat processing and boost purchases of locally processed beef. Policy & Food Access: South Dakota submitted a SNAP waiver to exclude soft drinks from eligible purchases, aiming to cut high-sugar buying. Indigenous Agriculture: Canada announced up to $160,545 for the Red River Métis via the AgriDiversity Program to map needs and priorities for meaningful participation. Market Pressure: Bloomberg reports agricultural commodities surged in August to the highest pace in more than a decade as war and extreme weather threaten supplies. Cocoa Livelihoods: Fairtrade Africa pushed for stronger cocoa sector collaboration, citing new living income reference prices and ongoing income gaps for farmers. Ag Innovation & Education: South Sudan’s Upper Nile University is overhauling agriculture training with a private partner to shift students toward practical, business-focused skills.