AGP Executive Report

EU-Cambodia Partnership: Cambodia and Team Europe toured Tboung Khmum, Kratie and Stung Treng to push climate-resilient farming, biodiversity and food-safety links to regional markets. Drought Relief in El Salvador: The government is delivering subsistence support to eastern and central farming families as dry weather threatens crops and household income. Youth Innovation for Food Systems (Sri Lanka): FAO and partners launched a World Food Day youth challenge, asking university teams to build scalable agrifood solutions. Irrigation Investment (Kenya): A Sh6bn push is turning Galana-Kulalu into a farming hub, with irrigation and tech helping expand maize, onions and more. Farmer Mental Health (Australia): A new report finds rising distress, with many farmers—especially women—considering leaving the industry. Dairy Price Pressure (India): Tamil Nadu milk producers protested a procurement hike that falls short of a Rs 44/litre promise. Fertiliser Warning (Ireland): Agronomists urge farmers to keep fertiliser stored until real rain and grass recovery begin, to avoid drought-related poisoning. Trade Talks & Uncertainty (North America): Farmers in North Dakota pressed for steadier ag trade policy as negotiations and tariffs reshape costs and market access. Biosecurity (Cayman Islands): Officials intercepted a live cane toad at the border, highlighting stronger surveillance and preparedness. Local Markets & Community (US): Pacific Palisades Farmers Market reopened after the wildfire disruption, bringing back local produce and vendors.

Agritech Scaling Up: Bangladesh launched a grid-connected agrivoltaics pilot in Chuadanga, pairing solar power with crops like green chillies and rice to protect farmland while building clean-energy policy. Farm Inputs & Productivity: Bulgaria will provide EUR 170m in agricultural aid to offset higher diesel and fertilizer costs, targeting nearly 50,000 producers. Livestock & Biosecurity: Scotland confirmed a classical BSE case in Dumfries and Galloway, triggering movement restrictions and reassurance that the animal didn’t enter the human food chain. Irrigation Tech for Smallholders: India’s Khethworks opened a new Hyderabad office to expand solar-powered irrigation solutions for small and marginal farmers. Market Access & Value Chains: South Africa’s Premier FMCG said its Tulbagh fruit processing plant is no longer viable, putting about 200 suppliers and 246 workers at risk. Farmer Support & Credit: Telangana’s finance minister urged banks to reach farmers’ doorsteps with timely credit, not just focus on loan numbers. Food Safety & Water: Minnesota is offering free private well nitrate testing clinics in Sherburne County. Climate Pressure on Farms: Louisiana rice farmers report strong yields but squeezed profits as fertilizer and operating costs soar.

Farm Policy & Water Planning: New Zealand is overhauling farm plans and freshwater rules to make them simpler and cheaper, with certification and audits only triggered for higher-risk activities like intensive winter grazing, irrigation, dairy, pigs and commercial vegetables. Dairy & Protein Strategy: Rabobank warns Australia’s milk protein supply is shrinking and says the dairy sector must shift from a cheese-only playbook to extracting more value from limited protein. Drought & Heat Impacts: Europe’s farmers warn extreme heat and dryness are already cutting yields and could drive food shortages and higher prices; in England, a new drought funding boost targets water, livestock feed and on-farm storage. Biosecurity & Livestock Health: UK sheep farmers are being urged not to delay shearing despite bluetongue fears, as heat stress can worsen animal outcomes. Agricultural Trade & Finance: India’s MSP and farm-debt relief push lands in the Supreme Court, while Vietnam banks are cutting lending rates for priority sectors including agriculture. Local Industry Moves: Namibia’s Farmers Meat Mariental abattoir is set to permanently close after sustained losses. Land Use Conflict: Skagit County farmers and leaders debate whether data centers should face a ban as land and water are stretched.

Storm-hit Philippines Agriculture: Typhoons Luis and Maymay plus the enhanced southwest monsoon have pushed agri and fishery damage to about P1.03B, with rice taking the biggest share, while DA says more losses may surface as assessments continue. Irrigation Relief in the Philippines: Heavy rains also replenished key dams—NIA data cited by Palace says Magat and Pantabangan can irrigate roughly 190,000 hectares, with no widespread rice crop damage yet reported. Fertiliser Supply Watch (Malaysia): In Muda, urea deliveries for the MADA area were completed early, but compound fertiliser Padi Fertiliser 3 is still only about 22% fulfilled; MADA is monitoring delays and checking quality. Rural Finance Boost (Bangladesh): UCB and Bangladesh Bank signed a deal to expand refinance-backed lending for farmers and rural businesses, with interest capped at 8%. Ag Tech for Pest Control (Canada): Renaissance BioScience won Genome BC funding to extend its RNAi biopesticide platform to soil-dwelling wireworms. Food Security Trend (Global): FAO’s SOFI reports hunger easing slowly—7.8% of the world faced hunger in 2025—while warning progress is fragile and uneven, especially in Africa. Drought and Feed Pressure (Ireland): Farmers say the dry spell is driving a fodder shortage of at least 10% and want immediate budget support. Agri Policy and Markets (Germany/Ukraine): Germany’s grain output is forecast slightly below average after drought, while Ukraine’s stalled Black Sea exports risk flooding domestic markets and price drops.

Agricultural Finance: Philippines bank lending to agriculture, fisheries and rural development hit P3.1 trillion in June, reaching 89.76% of loanable funds and surpassing the required quota—its strongest compliance since Sept. 2025. Education Access: Maharashtra’s CAP 2026-27 Round 1 seat allotment is out for 10,871 agriculture UG candidates, with 3,147 getting first-choice colleges under auto-freeze rules. Farm Income Support (US): Sen. Chuck Schumer urged USDA to buy surplus Concord grape juice for nutrition programs after Refresco canceled contracts, aiming to stabilize growers’ markets. Water & Climate Stress: Wisconsin’s Bayfield apple growers are bracing for drought-linked yield risk and possible next-season setbacks as orchards wait on rain. Drought Losses (Uganda): Karamoja farmers in Uganda say a dry spell wiped out over 200 acres of wheat in the region’s first big attempt. Regional Policy (SADC): Southern African leaders backed a tourism visa and put agriculture, infrastructure and critical minerals at the center of a new industrialisation push. Trade & Inputs: South Africa’s Itac moved toward temporary tyre import rebates for agricultural and forestry vehicles to cut costs for farmers. Local Markets: Sarangani’s Alabel launched a Food Hub Market to connect local farmers to buyers and boost food security.

Disaster Relief: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture released P177.67 million in farm and fishery support for communities hit by habagat and typhoons Luis and Maymay, including rice, corn and vegetable seeds, NFA rice for La Union and Batanes, PCIC indemnification for 5,005 insured producers, and zero-interest SURE loans up to P25,000. Farmer Welfare & Trade Links: India’s Delhi minister Kapil Mishra met Nigeria’s agriculture minister to discuss farmer welfare, food security, and how India’s mandi system moves grains and produce. Policy & Land Access: West Bengal plans “Land Reforms 2.0,” aiming to provide land for industry without forcible acquisition from farmers, with jobs as a key incentive criterion. Climate Pressure: Europe’s heatwaves and drought are driving an “unprecedented” crisis for growers, with major vegetable and maize yield drops reported in France. Water Stress: Colorado River shortages are reaching farms and tribal lands, with ranchers and communities facing earlier-than-usual disruptions and limited options. Input Support & Soil Health: Practical Farmers of Iowa opened its 2026 cover-crop cost-share program, offering $15/acre to help Midwest corn and soybean farmers plant fall cover crops. Export Disruption: Russia’s grain export pipeline is nearly at a standstill after strikes paralyzed key ports in the Azov and Black Seas. Seedling Push: Kenya will distribute 5 million avocado seedlings and 1 million cocoa seedlings in Meru County to diversify smallholder incomes. Agritech Upshift: Kenya’s Kakuzi is expanding AI, drones, and data analytics to improve macadamia quality and resilience.

Crop insurance push in the Philippines: The House approved HB 10365 to expand Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation coverage for farmers and fisherfolk, including high-value crops, livestock, aquaculture and more, aiming to prevent disasters from turning into long debt spirals. Disaster-hit farming needs cash fast: The agriculture department estimated ₱1.03 billion in losses from tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon, affecting 25,662 hectares and about 30,073 farmers, with rice taking the biggest hit. Market pressure on vegetables: In Benguet, farmers dumped cabbage and carrots on the roadside after low prices and weak buyer demand made hauling to trading centers too costly—on top of heavy rains. Land reform backlash in South Africa: Afasa says black farmers are being set up to fail as restitution beneficiaries lack promised title deeds and face eviction or leasing without proper process, warning of court action. Cocoa finance rules in Ghana: COCOBOD barred licensed buying companies from buying cocoa on credit from farmers, threatening license revocation to improve payment discipline. Maize push in Malaysia: Malaysia launched large-scale cultivation of locally bred grain maize varieties (MZ1 and MZ2) to cut dependence on imported maize, with first harvest expected by year-end. India farm storage strain: Punjab warned storage is overwhelmed despite a bumper paddy outlook, with foodgrain stocks far above warehouse capacity forcing use of mills and markets. Farmers’ march blocked at Khanauri: Indian farmers trying to march to Delhi spent the night at the Punjab-Haryana border after Haryana police barricaded the route, with leaders calling for MSP and loan waivers.

Agricultural Insurance Push (Philippines): The House approved HB 10365 to expand the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s coverage for farmers and fisherfolk, aiming to protect livelihoods from typhoons, floods, droughts, crop and livestock diseases, and pests. Disaster Relief Deadline (India): Kerala extended crop-loss relief and crop insurance compensation applications to Sept. 5 via the AIMS portal after July 29–Aug. 10 flooding. Data Privacy & AI Rules (Nebraska, US): Nebraska senators backed LB525, creating agricultural data privacy protections and AI safety requirements, including consent-based data use and deletion timelines. Farmer Protest Blocked (India): Haryana sealed the Khanauri border to stop a 228-km march to Delhi over MSP and the India–US trade deal, with police barricades and preventive detentions reported. Fertilizer Support & Crackdowns (Asia): Ilocos Norte distributed foliar fertilizer to 555 farmers, while Bangladesh’s agriculture secretary warned of “artificial crises” in fertilizer supply and promised strict action against smuggling and price gouging. Water Dispute Pressure (Karnataka, India): Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar urged rainfall to ease the Cauvery release dilemma, saying the state must follow court directions while protecting farmers’ irrigation needs. Climate Risk Meets Farm Rules (Europe): Farmers face pressure to extend EU nitrates “closed periods” for slurry spreading as heat and drought disrupt the calendar-based rules. Rural Livelihoods & Jobs (Africa): A new outlook says Africa’s youth employment is shifting as services are projected to overtake agriculture by 2033. Green Energy Tension (South Africa): Lithium prospecting claims cover tens of thousands of hectares of farmland, sparking farmer anger over potential land loss and jobs.

El Niño food-security planning: Sri Lanka’s agriculture ministry says it has a cultivation and water-management plan to protect food supply as El Niño conditions loom. Flood risk and irrigation trade-offs: In the Philippines, San Roque Dam in Pangasinan rose over 40 meters in two weeks after cyclones and monsoon rains, but officials say gates will stay closed to conserve water for farmers heading into El Niño. Input support for farmers: Ilocos Norte’s Batac City distributed foliar fertilizer to 555 registered farmers to sustain high-value crops amid rising input costs. Fertiliser supply shock: Madhya Pradesh halted subsidised fertiliser sales nationwide pending stock reconciliation, raising fears of a Kharif supply crisis. Pollinators in focus: National Honey Bee Day highlights how heat-stressed hives use “bearding” and fanning to survive—key for crop pollination. Livestock diversification: A banana farmers’ cooperative in Agusan del Norte is using DA support to expand into swine production. Market pricing: Nepal’s Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market set wholesale prices for tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and vegetables for Aug. 17. Aquaculture guidance: Zambia’s aquaculture advisory urges fish farmers to cut stocking, deepen ponds, and prioritize oxygen during El Niño conditions.

Flood Damage Watch: The Office of Civil Defense reports more than P4.02 billion in losses from the southwest monsoon and typhoons “Luis” and “Maymay,” with 82 flood-control projects hit hardest in Ilocos. Policy for Farmers: Nagaland approved its 2025 Agriculture Policy, aiming for resilient, climate-smart growth and a digital agriculture push. Drought Relief in the UK: UK PM Andy Burnham announced a £65m package for drought-hit farmers, including support for on-farm reservoirs and water access. Insurance Alarm in Telangana: Telangana farmers are anxious as the Congress government failed to pay the premium for Rythu Bima, risking the end of the eight-year insurance scheme. Market Certainty in Barbados: Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged Massy Supermarkets to formalize contract buy-ins, backed by $2m per quarter to help farmers and agro-processing. Trade & Cooperation: Afghanistan and Iran ministers stressed expanding agricultural cooperation from seeds and machinery to irrigation and animal health. Local Support Moves: Serentica launched a helpline for farmers dealing with wind and solar project issues in Anantapur and Kurnool.

Disaster Relief: The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) will pay P36m to 5,005 farmers for typhoon and southwest monsoon flooding losses, with rice taking the biggest hit at P25.6m. Drought Pressure: Oklahoma’s worsening drought is forcing cattle producers to buy feed and cutting winter wheat yields nearly in half, while England’s drought response is ramping up with a £65m package to keep livestock fed, help crops get water, and protect payments under environmental schemes. Farm Support & Modernization: The Dominican Republic launched Pronamec, a national mechanization push aimed at reducing costs, boosting productivity, and cutting reliance on foreign labor, with government-backed access to machinery and new financing models. Pest & Animal Health: Texas A&M AgriLife updated pasture mealybug treatment guidance after EPA emergency approval of Centric 40WG, and Wisconsin confirmed chronic wasting disease at two deer farms in Crawford and Portage counties, triggering quarantines. Trade & Security: The U.S. resumed avocado inspections across Michoacán, clearing the way for exports after a security-triggered suspension. Policy & Markets: Canada’s grain sector consolidation debate resurfaced as Cargill moves to acquire grain handling assets, raising questions about competition and producer choice.

Farm Safety Watch: Ireland’s farm leaders warn fatigue is rising as drought intensifies workloads, urging farmers to put safety first amid a “frightening surge” in incidents. Bluetongue Crisis: In South Shropshire, livestock farmers say bluetongue vaccine access is failing as cases surge, with MPs pressing ministers for urgent supply. Poultry Health Threat: Ghana’s poultry sector is taking losses from Eimeria parasites driving coccidiosis, hitting egg output and carcass quality. Policy & Risk Management: Lesotho’s agriculture ministry reviewed its Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, focusing on how better data can make insurance work for climate risks. Weather Damage: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture estimates nearly P700m in ag losses from tropical depressions and monsoon rains, led by rice. Market & Land Values: Ireland’s farmland is averaging €13,528 per acre after a 5.3% jump, with grassland driving growth. Trade & Partnerships: The US is pushing a stronger Nigeria livestock and ag trade partnership under its Freedom 250 initiative, while Ghana’s TCDA is handing out tree-crop inputs to boost productivity. Local Ag Life: Murang’a, Kenya, moves more farmer groups toward GlobalGAP certification for European market access.

Weather & Farm Losses: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture estimates agricultural damage from Tropical Depressions Luis and Maymay plus the enhanced southwest monsoon at nearly P700M, hitting rice hardest (P451.42M) across multiple regions and thousands of farmers. Drought Relief: Hungary plans earlier drought “super-advance” payments in September, raising the advance rate to 75% and targeting farmers after damage reports exceed 750,000 hectares. Heat & Livestock: Mississippi cattle producers are adjusting feeding and cooling as heat dries pastures and lowers pond levels, raising worries for winter forage. Poultry Supply Crunch: Trinidad and Tobago farmers warn chicken and egg shortages could return in 6–12 months unless long-running poultry issues are fixed; they’re pushing for more fertilised eggs and lay birds, including a proposed government hatchery. Drought Footprint: Canada’s drought coverage jumped to 38.9% of the country by July 31, though agricultural impacts remain comparatively limited. Policy & Support: Nebraska’s LB525 advances agricultural data privacy and AI safety rules, while Maui officials urge ranchers and farmers to prep for Tropical Storm Lala with animal, equipment, and documentation steps. Market & Trade: Tyson Foods moves to restructure beef processing, consolidating plants and pursuing sale of its Pasco, Washington facility amid tight cattle supplies.

Monsoon damage in the Philippines: Occidental Mindoro’s agriculture took an estimated P21.86M hit from Tropical Storms Luis and Maymay and habagat, affecting 576 farmers and fishermen across 778 hectares, with rice the hardest struck (P15.44M). Food-price crackdown: The Philippine National Police says it will step up monitoring for profiteering, hoarding and overpricing as weather disruptions strain supply. Livestock and farm inputs support: Ghana’s Shama District Assembly distributed about 9,000 broiler chicks to poultry farmers under its Nkoko Nketekete initiative, while Lesotho’s hybrid ram and buck recipients are asking for more training on care and disease prevention. Animal health warning: UK farmers are urged to vaccinate against bluetongue as cases rise, with one farmer citing major losses and vaccinating a 700-head herd. Policy for farmers’ data and tech: Nebraska passed LB525 creating agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety rules, and Michigan’s AG-backed John Deere settlement forces equal access to diagnostic tools for farmers and independent repair shops. Trade and market signals: Pakistan won an Australia basmati trademark case, protecting growers’ use of the name. Ukraine export pressure: Russia’s Black Sea blockade is trapping harvests and halting grain sales, threatening both Ukraine’s finances and global food supply. Agri innovation: The EU is in contact with Ukraine on a €220M grant for farmers, while the UK opened £20M for ag robotics and automation to ease labor shortages.

Ag Price Watch: Philippines’ PNP says it will crack down on profiteering, hoarding and overpricing of farm goods after monsoon and typhoons left thousands of farmers and hectares damaged. Climate & Drought Relief: USDA’s Risk Management Agency gives farmers up to 60 extra days to pay crop insurance premiums, easing pressure during weather-hit seasons. Mechanisation Push: Nigeria unveils a National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy aiming for a large tractor assembly plant and a shift toward private, service-based mechanisation to boost food sovereignty. Heatwave Fallout: South Korea expands discounts on farm inputs and releases cabbage/radish stocks, while mobilizing water trucks and cooling support for livestock farms. Ag Tech & Research: BASF is investing in a new Climate Center in Germany to strengthen regulated crop-protection research. Agri-Finance & Markets: Washington State opens a $4.3m Climate-Smart Farm Equipment Grant for low-emissions, soil-health upgrades. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalls jalapeño-linked products over possible salmonella contamination, as shoppers increasingly turn to farmers markets. Trade & Investment: India and Nigeria report trade nearing $9bn and deeper cooperation spanning agriculture and food security.

Fertilizer Supply: Bangladesh approved imports of 110,000 tonnes of urea, DAP and TSP to steady farm inputs, with pricing and quantities set for the 2026-27 season. Drought & Water Stress: Ghana’s Bolgatanga farmers say two World Bank-funded irrigation projects failed to deliver enough water for dry-season crops, while Lincolnshire leaders warn drought threatens the district’s breadbasket role and urge careful water use. Livestock Under Pressure: Czech drought is pushing livestock farmers to sell cattle as feed shortages bite, and South Africa’s Underberg is still feeling freezing conditions after snow melted, forcing costly supplementary feed. Policy & Governance: Nigeria unveiled a mechanisation policy aimed at attracting private investment and reducing reliance on imported machinery, and Ireland’s Stormont cattle-cull controversy is headed for an external review after public outcry. Farm Safety & Fairness: Canada’s BeGrainSafe Week spotlights silo and grain-handling dangers, and Odisha vigilance arrested a chief agriculture officer over an alleged ₹15,000 bribe tied to farmer subsidy processing. Tech in the Field: A South Dakota report highlights AI helping farmers cut costs and manage risk, but a separate case warns that bad AI advice can devastate crops. Trade & Labels: Australia’s court rejected India’s bid to register “Basmati” as a certification trademark, reinforcing the GI argument. Local Life: Kentucky’s IFAL program is building future ag leaders through campus tours, research farm visits and networking.