AGP Executive Report

Weather & Risk: Lightning and storms are raising fire danger for drought-stressed Delmarva farms, with growers warning that even small sparks can ignite dry fields. Coffee Investment: EandC Legal advised JR Farms on a $60m Liberia coffee concession, aiming to revive the sector and spur rural jobs through a 20-year public-private deal. Dairy & Policy Push: NMPF’s fly-in urged Congress to pass a 2026 farm bill, protect milk in school meals, and strengthen dairy labeling and USMCA. Animal Health: West Virginia tightened screwworm entry rules with permits and veterinary inspections, while Texas confirmed a second case as states expand surveillance and response. Food Access: WIC participants in Kentucky can use $30 seasonal farmers market benefits, bringing fresh produce directly to families. Soil & Fertility: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister called for soil fertility restoration, warning that heavy chemical fertilizer use is driving acidity and degrading land. Tech for Growers: A K-State field day will spotlight practical weed control tools, including AI recognition and drone-based scouting. Traceability Funding: Australia’s $4m traceability grants back digital tracking pilots to strengthen export readiness and biosecurity response. Markets & Retail: Sprouts will open 10 in-store Buddy Brew Coffee cafes this summer, partnering with a program that supports smallholder farmers.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm is back in the US, with Texas reporting new cases and USDA acknowledging spread beyond the Texas containment zone into New Mexico, prompting renewed vigilance from ranchers and state agencies. Policy & Markets: Jamaica’s Westmoreland Western ganja farmers are registering to move from informal cultivation into the regulated cannabis industry as licensing rules expand legal participation. Climate & Crops: In the Philippines, PAGASA declared the rainy season on June 4, but many Luzon and Visayas farmers say rains are still too scattered for reliable planting, with El Niño risks threatening soil moisture and pushing harvests later. Agri-Industry & Energy: India’s SAEL Industries commissioned a 14.9 MW agri waste-to-energy plant in Rajasthan, using crop residues to cut open burning and add renewable power. Local Food Economy: A year after Hurricane Helene, a regional farmer survey finds sales to restaurants and agritourism rebounded in 2025, with farm stands and on-farm stores showing the biggest gains. Ag Tech & Investment: San Francisco start-up SWARM Engineering raised $10M to scale AI decision tools for agri-food operations, aiming to speed up integrations with supply chain systems. Community & Youth: Wisconsin’s Food + Farm Exploration Center is enrolling students for summer programs mixing agriculture, food science, engineering, and cooking. Farmland Pressure: North Carolina farmers rallied lawmakers to slow farmland loss, warning that rapid development is shrinking productive acreage.

Invasive Pest Alert: California’s agriculture department is urging anyone who bought grapevines from Costco in Northern California (including Lodi and Stockton) between April 21 and May 21 to contact local officials after glassy-winged sharpshooter was found on shipments, triggering inspections and containment. Animal Health Emergency: The New World screwworm fight is expanding in the U.S., with USDA confirming more Texas cases and appointing Texas A&M Regent John Bellinger to help lead preparedness as states step up monitoring and quarantine. Climate-Smart Farming: Japan is rapidly expanding heat-resistant rice, with the share of acreage at a record 18.2% as warmer summers threaten yields. Ag Finance for Farmers: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 10,000 crore refinancing scheme for agriculture, offering low-interest loans (up to 8%) with priority for smallholders and women farmers. Methane Tech Push: New Zealand will invest up to $51m to speed adoption of methane-busting farming technology via an Early Adoption Accelerator. Market & Policy Watch: Maharashtra ordered separate committees to review user charges at Pune and Navi Mumbai APMCs within 15 days.

BRICS Agriculture Talks: India’s BRICS agriculture working group kicked off a five-day meeting in Indore focused on food security, climate-resilient farming, trade, farmer welfare and innovation, with agriculture ministers set to meet June 12-13. Biosecurity & Livestock Health: Texas and USDA are ramping up surveillance and a sterile fly program to contain New World screwworm as more cases are confirmed, raising concerns for cattle producers and beef prices. Farm Policy Pressure (US): South Dakota farmers say the current Farm Bill needs major fixes, including SNAP, pesticide labeling, country-of-origin rules and conservation funding. Climate Risk for Farmers (South Africa): Flood damage across the Eastern and Western Cape is hitting crops, livestock and farm infrastructure, with insurance coverage still low. Input Access & Cash Flow (India): Telangana rural farmers face cash withdrawal limits at banks during sowing season, while Andhra Pradesh expands app-based urea and DAP sales to curb diversion. Market & Trade Signals: South Africa’s economy grew 0.5% in Q1, with agriculture rebounding; Zimbabwe’s grain prices stayed firm on tight supplies. Local Food Systems: New farmers markets are launching in Charleston and Thiensville, while Volusia County expands a mobile market to fight hunger.

Livestock Health Crisis: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S., with USDA confirming a calf case in Texas and additional detections now pushing response efforts across state lines, including guidance for ranchers and tighter inspections. Government Response: U.S. and Texas leaders say sterile-fly technology, surveillance, and movement controls are ramping up, with USDA also naming a Texas cattle executive as a senior advisor for preparedness. Farm Economics Under Pressure: USDA projects rising farm bankruptcies as costs climb and debt grows, while farmers in Missouri report flooding and planting delays that threaten yields. Inputs and Trade: The U.S. is weighing proposed tariffs on Brazilian imports that could reshape ethanol trade, as fertilizer price pressure continues to squeeze farmers’ margins. Sustainability Finance: Ireland’s beef sector is getting sustainability-linked loans with reduced rates to help fund on-farm environmental upgrades. Water and Weather: Pakistan’s heat and shifting monsoon patterns are disrupting planting cycles, and Maharashtra is urging farmers not to rush sowing ahead of weak early rains.

Biosecurity Alert: Canada has banned livestock imports from Texas after a second confirmed new world screwworm case in a month-old calf, tightening entry rules for cattle, horses and other animals from the state. Policy & Costs: Ireland’s Natura and Hill Farmers Association says the new CAP must cover extra expenses from land designations under conservation rules, arguing farmers have carried costs for years. Farmer Support & Markets: Bangladesh’s Netrakona held a workshop to expand Ropa Aman rice cultivation, while Rangpur farmers reported a record 1,43,666 tonnes of onions in the 2025-26 Rabi season. Trade & Diplomacy: India’s agriculture minister says BRICS talks in Indore will focus on food security, smart farming and farmer welfare. Input Pressure: A Reuters look at Brazil warns fertilizer price spikes could squeeze farmers despite past land advantages. Community & Value Addition: Nepal’s WFP launched a climate innovation accelerator for food security, backing farmer-focused startups.

Drought Relief and Crop Timing: A drought monitor update shows improvement across parts of Kansas, with extreme drought shrinking and forecasts hinting at warmer, slightly wetter conditions—good news for summer crops, but wheat harvest is still waiting on drier field conditions. Farm Profit Pressure: Indiana grain farmers say market swings plus high input costs are making break-even tough, even as planting progresses and precision changes are expected to help future decisions. Election Priorities for Farmers: New Zealand’s Federated Farmers unveiled a five-point plan for Election 2026, pushing lower farming costs, faster tech and infrastructure, stronger community conservation, support for young farmers, and local government fixes. Dairy Cost Shock: Dairy prices are expected to rise as Middle East conflict strains energy and fertiliser supply, lifting costs for producers. Worker Safety in Huelva: A Moroccan union is calling for stronger protections for seasonal female farmworkers in Spain after a reported heatstroke death on strawberry farms. Iraq Farmers Get Paid: Iraq released overdue compensation to farmers after protests over delayed agricultural payments. Sugarcane Payment Uncertainty: Fiji cane growers are demanding clarity on cane payments and support measures ahead of the 2026 harvest. Rice Disease Breakthrough: Chinese scientists say they’ve identified a “molecular spy” used by rice blast fungus and found a way to counter it, aiming for broader, greener resistance breeding. Feral Pigs Damage NSW Farms: Dry conditions are driving feral pigs deeper into NSW paddocks, tearing up pasture and increasing weed risk. Irrigation Hope for Rajshahi: Bangladesh’s planned Padma Barrage is pitched as a game-changer for groundwater-dependent farmers, using stored monsoon water for irrigation and salinity control.

Farm Safety & Security: Bandits in Nigeria’s Zamfara reportedly shot farmers clearing fields, raising fears that insecurity will keep people away from farms and push up food prices. Weather & Planting Guidance: Maharashtra’s monsoon is moving slowly; officials warn farmers not to sow based on scattered thunderstorms, with sustained rain needed after June 15. Water-Smart Farming: In Abra, lawmakers urge faster farmland leveling to improve irrigation efficiency, alongside rainwater harvesting and solar-powered irrigation plans. Rural Infrastructure: Zamboanga del Sur (Philippines) signed P345m farm-to-market road deals funded through the 2026 budget to cut transport costs and connect farms to markets. Export Wins: Jharkhand flagged off its first commercial Amrapali mango shipment to the UK (1.5 tonnes), linking an all-women FPC to export buyers. Biosecurity & Inputs: New World screwworm was detected in Texas, prompting containment preparations for livestock health. Food & Environment Risks: A study near a Jaipur plastic dumping yard found high BPA contamination in soil and water, a potential threat to crops. Dairy Decarbonisation: First Milk and Nestlé UK & Ireland switched milk transport to HVO, cutting journey emissions by about 83%.

US Farm Policy & Politics: President Trump held a Wisconsin roundtable with farmers, hearing complaints on input monopolies, trade, and high costs. Animal Health Threat: The U.S. confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, prompting renewed quarantine and response planning for ranchers and livestock movement. Pakistan Farmer Accountability: Maize growers are questioning hybrid seed performance after reports of disappointing yields versus marketing claims, raising calls for clearer accountability when inputs fail. South Asia Procurement Pressure: Telangana’s CM warned the Centre of “serious consequences” if it doesn’t fully procure paddy by June 15. Pakistan Agri Infrastructure: Punjab ordered model agriculture malls in 10 more districts, expanding one-stop inputs, expert services, and machinery rental. Food Access at Markets: Portland’s Lents International Farmers Market returns with SNAP/EBT support and kids’ spending bucks. Research Under Strain: Canada’s organic research plots were torn up after federal agricultural research cuts, jeopardizing 19 years of data. Trade & Development: Ghana launched the $3.5b AgriConnect Compact to boost jobs and value chains across cocoa, rice, maize, oil palm, and poultry. Local Market Safety: A vehicle crashed into the Wilmington Farmers Market, injuring several pedestrians.

Fertiliser & Fuel Crunch: Kenya’s NCPB says it has supplied millions of bags of top-dressing fertiliser to the North Rift, but farmers in Eldoret still protest delays as more consignments move in. Input Shock Warning: A new analysis on the Hormuz crisis flags how fertilizer supply disruptions can’t be “rerouted” like oil, raising risks of harvest shortfalls and food-price spikes. Weather Risk Management: Kenya Met urges moisture-saving steps for June—mulching, minimum tillage, tied ridges, rainwater harvesting—while warning many regions face near-average to below-average rains. Farmer-Industry Finance: Nairobi hosts the FINAS 2026 summit to tackle a $100bn agriculture funding gap, aiming to turn policy promises into bankable investments for smallholders. Trade & Policy Pressure: The UK faces renewed calls to delay a CBAM fertiliser levy that could raise farm costs from 2027, while separate moves include EU fertilizer tariff relief. Land & Infrastructure: In the Philippines, P120m farm-to-market roads in Catanauan near completion to speed produce access to markets. Local Value & Markets: Cambodia launches the Cam Agri Hub to deliver climate and farming guidance online, and Davao’s cacao push highlights direct sourcing that boosts farmer incomes.

Farm Resilience in Wisconsin: After an extremely dry May, Wisconsin farmers say rain is finally helping crops like corn sprout, though they warn it’s only a short reprieve. Animal Health Rules: Georgia and Florida moved fast after the New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas, tightening interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals. Ghana Budget Fight: Ghana’s agriculture and finance ministries are at odds over whether GH¢1.677bn was released for 2026 farming programs, with MoFA disputing the Finance Ministry’s figures. U.S. Politics Meets Farm Reality: President Trump held a Wisconsin agriculture roundtable, touting jobs, tax benefits, and possible new payments for farmers amid tariff pressure. Local Markets, Local Food: Palace City Farmers Market in South Dakota opens its 2026 season, while WIC farmers market benefits in Georgia are set to boost access to fresh produce. Poultry Biosecurity: British Columbia is funding high-risk Fraser Valley poultry farms with tech to reduce avian influenza risk. Trade & Enforcement: The Philippines’ customs agency blocked a P7.7m attempt to smuggle misdeclared agricultural goods at Manila’s port. Market Watch: Soybeans and corn slid again as weather looks favorable but export demand stays soft.

Weather Risk: Philippines lawmakers urged early planning for an El Niño that could cut rainfall and raise drought risk for farmers and food supply, citing an 80% chance of formation by August 2026. Farm Support Funding: UK DEFRA opened applications for the ADOPT Fund, backing farmer-led on-farm trials and demonstrations, with deadlines in July. Pest Watch: Canada’s prairies are ramping up scouting as pea leaf weevil monitoring begins and bertha armyworm development nears adult emergence. Input Access: Indonesia streamlined subsidized fertilizer distribution so farmers can redeem supplies earlier, with millions of tons already delivered. Food Prices: FAO reported the Food Price Index stayed broadly stable in May, while cereal prices rose on weather and higher fuel and fertilizer costs. Market/Trade Moves: Cambodia and China agreed sanitary rules to improve dried longan access to China. Biosecurity Alarm: New World screwworm was confirmed in South Texas, triggering quarantines and calls for vigilance. Local Farm Economy: Ghana launched the AgriConnect Compact aiming to attract $3.5bn and create 2.6m jobs across rice, maize, cocoa, oil palm and poultry value chains. Ag Policy & Compliance: California released a roadmap to cut red tape by streamlining how farmers report food safety and water quality data. Security & Conflict: Nigeria saw deadly farmers-herders clashes in Bauchi, with homes burned and multiple deaths.

Biosecurity Alarm: The New World Screwworm has been detected in a Texas calf for the first time in decades, triggering quarantine and movement controls as officials warn ranchers to act fast. Policy Pressure: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller accuses USDA of slow response and urges immediate use of the adult suppression system. Flood Relief: In Guyana’s Mahaicony Creek area, President Irfaan Ali says flood investments since 2021 are reducing damage, while equipment and pumps are being deployed to protect farmlands. Agri-Food Cooperation: FAO’s Russia office links BRICS agri-food cooperation to future global trade, stressing fair market access and innovation. Farm Support & Inputs: Pakistan’s Punjab rolls out the Green Tractor Scheme with subsidies and interest-free loans for machinery, while Malaysia’s Selangor adds RM25m to offset rising ag operating costs. Drought Reality Check: Nebraska farmers face worsening drought in the Panhandle despite some rain elsewhere, with experts warning the crop-saving window is closing. Market & Trade: Iowa farmers push to renew USMCA as a July 1 review nears, while grain markets show pressure in soybeans and corn.

Climate-smart inputs & soil carbon: Jain Irrigation Systems commissioned a ~20,000-tonne/year biochar facility in Jalgaon, turning crop and fruit-processing residues into stable carbon for long-term storage while boosting soil health. Farmers’ mental health: A University of Guelph study says women farmers face higher risk of mental health struggles, tied to extra unpaid work and lower inclusion. Pest pressure: Agriculture Victoria urged north-west Victoria landholders to report locust activity as adult numbers run above normal and egg-laying begins. Dairy management wins: A calf-rearing report highlights colostrum monitoring and fast feeding routines to improve newborn health. Policy & markets: Wisconsin’s Mandela Barnes unveiled an agriculture agenda including antitrust enforcement, tariff refunds, expanded market access, and a “right to repair” push ahead of Trump’s rural visit. Fertilizer squeeze: South Carolina farmers warn surging fertilizer and diesel costs are tightening margins ahead of the agriculture commissioner primary. Research for resilience: Australia launched a renewed faba bean breeding push to improve yield, disease resistance, and quality as the crop expands. Local support: New York requested USDA disaster designation after April frost hit fruit growers, seeking low-interest emergency loans.

Climate Risk Management: Zimbabwe says it’s readying a multi-pronged plan to protect crops and livestock from a predicted Super El Niño, with officials warning of drought, heatwaves, and yield losses. Input Costs & Trade Policy: The U.S. eases tariffs on some farm and industrial equipment, cutting rates from 25% to 15% through end-2027 to lower machinery costs for producers. Farm Safety & Regulation: Ireland’s agriculture department drops a plan to require retrofitting roofs on existing uncovered slurry tanks, citing feasibility concerns. Water & Irrigation: Syria faces a “catastrophe” from illegal wells draining aquifers, while Georgia and Türkiye focus on irrigation and drainage upgrades to boost water-smart farming. Farmer Support Programs: Pennsylvania will again issue senior farmers market vouchers in Carbon County, and Idaho’s Institute of Rural Health gets funding to expand produce vouchers via local farmers markets. Market & Community: Sonoma County approves an agriculture stabilization action plan as dairies and vineyards continue to shrink. Agri Business & Exports: Zambia’s SeedCo reports exporting 15,000 seed units across East Africa, positioning the country as a regional seed supplier. On-the-ground Challenges: Fiji’s Taveuni yaqona growers demand tougher penalties after repeated thefts.

Irrigation Boost for Rice: Malaysia’s Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority received an extra RM850,000 to build tube wells in padi areas hit by water shortages, aiming to cultivate up to 95% of 24,500 hectares and target about 200,000 tonnes of rice. Fuel Access for Farm Work: Kedah’s domestic trade ministry is helping farmers get free special permits to buy more than 20 litres of petrol or diesel for machinery, with 494 new permits approved since Jan 1. Soil Health Equipment Grants: Minnesota awarded 166 cost-share grants totaling $4.7m for regenerative soil practices, including no-till and cover-crop machinery. Living Cover Leadership: Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative named oat and barley researcher Kevin Smith co-director to push continuous living cover. Pond Aquaculture Tool: AquaCulture Pro launched a free feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculator for small pond farmers, helping users spot costly feed inefficiencies. Poultry Disease Policy Shift: South Africa moved to allow HPAI vaccinations, shifting away from mass culling as a “stamping-out” model. Trade & Logistics: AD Ports agreed to acquire Brazil’s CLI agri-bulk port terminals, strengthening grain and sugar export routes. Market Pressure: South Africa’s citrus exporters warn supply-chain disruptions and fuel costs are squeezing margins. Food Assistance Rules: New U.S. SNAP retailer requirements will tighten stocking standards starting Nov. 4, 2026.