AGP Executive Report

USDA/Animal Health Response: Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham offered USDA access to General Land Office properties to help fight the New World screwworm outbreak, citing five active Texas cases and the need for rapid trapping and deployment zones. Fertiliser Support: Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme began distributing 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers in the South-West to cut costs and protect yields for the 2026 wet season. Dairy Investment (Iowa): Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced 11 Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants, totaling $614,620.35 in cost-share to spur on-farm processing and labor-saving tech. Regional Production Boost (Zambia): Central Province reported maize output jumping to 1.06M tonnes in 2025/26, crediting early FISP input delivery and stronger extension. Water for Farms (Australia): Victoria’s AUD 113.2m Western Port Recycled Water Scheme will deliver Class A recycled water to 40–60 farms, with first deliveries expected in 2028. Tech & Markets Watch: Multiple reports highlight fast-growing agritech, precision irrigation, livestock monitoring, and farm software markets, while USDA’s June WASDE points to a tighter global cotton balance in 2026–27.

Biosecurity & Livestock Health: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited a Texas ranch and released sterile flies to contain the New World screwworm, warning it could become a “billion-dollar” problem for cattle if ranchers don’t quickly spot and treat infestations. Agricultural Land Management: Guam is moving to overhaul outdated estray livestock laws, with higher penalties and stronger local enforcement after cattle incidents tied to road safety. Food Security & Market Stabilization: Ghana’s Buffer Stock Company has registered 45 licensed buying companies to purchase grains at guaranteed minimum prices, alongside poultry support under the Feed Ghana “Nkoko Nkitsinkitsi” program. Climate, Water & Farm Risk: Pakistan’s Economic Survey flags mounting pressure on water resources as demand rises and climate conditions shift, stressing irrigation’s role in protecting farm incomes. Policy & Trade Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns a Strait of Hormuz disruption could sharply raise fertilizer costs and threaten global food security. Local Governance: Colorado extended a No Burn Advisory under fire restrictions, limiting agricultural burning to permitted, inspected cases. Pest Watch: Georgia urged residents to report early yellow-legged hornet nests to prevent larger infestations.

Fertilizer Security: Malaysia’s NAFAS says it has enough fertilizer stocks to keep supplies steady for farmers until August 2026, despite global price and logistics uncertainty. EU Lab Expansion: Alltech opened an expanded EU Applications Laboratory in Dunboyne to speed practical farm innovations, including nutrient efficiency and lower environmental impact. Energy From Manure: A U.S. dairy biogas update shows 496 dairies now capture manure for renewable energy, nearly tripling since 2020 and adding new capacity in 2025. Grain Trade: Kazakhstan exported 12.2M tonnes of grain and flour from Sep 2025–Mar 2026, up 13%, with big gains to Central Asia and Afghanistan. Fertilizer Subsidies: Nepal’s agriculture minister says up to 600k metric tonnes of subsidized chemical fertilizer will reach farmers by fiscal year-end, with coordination to prevent shortages for paddy planting. Climate Pressure on Farms: Wisconsin’s agriculture faces a steep path to net-zero by 2050, with experts warning current carbon-storage practices won’t get close enough. Food Security Outreach: Johannesburg’s Carlswald event pushed urban agriculture and agro-processing as practical ways to strengthen local food security. Dairy Manure to RNG: The biogas growth story ties farm waste to energy and fertilizer benefits, reinforcing the wider push for cleaner farm systems.

USDA Seafood Office: USDA announced a new Office of Seafood to bolster U.S. coastal fishing communities, aiming to improve federal support and competitiveness for Oregon’s crabbers, shrimpers, and crabbers. Rural Safety Push: New Zealand’s ACT unveiled a Rural Crime Policy with more police patrol hours, a dedicated rural crime unit, and expanded Text 111 access for spotty coverage. Screwworm Shockwaves: New World screwworm detections are driving tighter animal movement rules and export halts affecting livestock and other species headed to Mexico, with Texas and New Mexico at the center of the response. Georgia Biosecurity: Georgia’s agriculture commissioner urged residents to report yellow-legged hornet embryo and primary nests and expanded interstate animal entry requirements tied to screwworm risk. Food on the Ground: Alaska’s Exit Glacier Greenhouses won a port small-business award to expand solar-powered, year-round local produce. Climate & Land Use: Research highlights solar panels on rewetted peatland as a potential nature-and-carbon win, while Brazil’s Cerrado wetlands are reported to store unusually high carbon. Farm Tech & Training: A Kansas K-State field day will focus on weed control amid herbicide resistance, including drones and AI-based weed recognition. Local Learning: Port Dickinson’s first “Ag Day” brought elementary students hands-on with farm animals, seeds, and a tractor.

Agri Waste-to-Energy: SAEL Industries commissioned a 14.9 MW biomass power plant in Bhadra, lifting India’s operational agri waste-to-energy capacity to 164.9 MW, using residues like paddy straw, mustard stubble and cotton stalks to cut open-burning emissions. Fertilizer Push for Resilience: Minnesota is testing wind-powered “green” ammonia production for local fertilizer supply, aiming to reduce exposure to global price swings. Input-Cost Squeeze: Maharashtra farmers report urea shortages and higher prices, with officials and lawmakers pressing for fertiliser quotas and alternatives. Soil Health Warning: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister says soil pH is too acidic (around 4.5) and calls for raising it above 6.5 while cutting excessive pesticide use. Pest Alert: California’s Shasta County is tracking a glassy-winged sharpshooter linked to Pierce’s disease after it was found on grapevines bought at a Redding Costco. Animal Health on the Ground: South Africa’s eThekwini livestock vaccination and tagging campaign vaccinated 2,122 animals and tagged 1,954 on day one. Agri Innovation & IP: T3Bioscience expanded its antimicrobial IP portfolio with a Taiwan patent for RejuAgro, targeting crop bacterial and fungal pathogens. Policy & Funding: The US House passed FY27 agriculture appropriations, with grain-industry groups backing provisions for inspection and export continuity planning.

Biosecurity & Animal Health: The New World screwworm is spreading in the US, with New Mexico confirming its first case in a dog and officials setting an infested zone plus expanded surveillance; Mexico has responded by stopping most live-animal imports from the US to protect herds. Pest Watch: Oregon’s Lake County reports Mormon cricket swarms, prompting a public meeting on treatment and mapping as landowners are urged to report outbreaks. Market & Input Pressure: The US FTC has launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration after farmers say input costs are squeezing margins. Policy & Farm Productivity: New Zealand’s Fieldays spotlighted government moves to lift rural productivity and cut red tape, including “land use flexibility” projects across dairy, horticulture, and whenua Māori. Sustainable Tech: Guyana launched a Caribbean agri innovation hub with Brazil and IICA to speed tropical research and climate-smart adoption. Local Land Use: In Maryland, residents fear new hyperscale data centers will expand onto farmland, raising environmental and health concerns.

FMD Vaccine Push: South Africa’s FMD Response SA urges the government to release millions of foot-and-mouth vaccines directly to private vets after vaccination coverage lagged far behind needs, warning outbreaks are driving major losses. Pest Threat to Livestock: The U.S. USDA confirmed three more New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, raising alarms for cattle and wildlife as sterile-fly releases and inspections ramp up. BRICS Food Security Talks: BRICS agriculture meetings began in Indore, focusing on food security, climate-resilient farming, trade, farmer welfare and innovation through June 13. Rabbit Industry Boost: Zimbabwe sends a delegation to Rwanda for rabbit artificial insemination training to speed genetic improvement and productivity in its fast-growing commercial rabbit sector. Food Export Wins: Assam’s Tezpur litchi ships its first export consignment to Dubai, leveraging its GI tag to open new markets for farmers. Water for Irrigation: Cyprus approved an extra 3.5 million cubic metres of water for irrigation, citing updated hydrological data to tackle scarcity. Renewables vs Farmland: Victoria’s Dookie community and councils question proposed renewable energy zones, saying prime cropping land could be sacrificed without clear next steps or real community influence. Pakistan Budget Prep: PM Shehbaz consults agriculture stakeholders ahead of the 2026-27 budget, promising reform momentum and technology-driven farming. Nigeria Food Security Gains: Nigeria’s agriculture minister says food prices for key staples have fallen up to 50% over two years, supported by value-chain programs and inputs for smallholders. Ontario Weed Alarm: Ontario officials are enforcing “noxious weeds” controls under the Weed Control Act to protect agriculture and horticulture. Serbia-Angola Ag Links: Serbia’s president signals opportunities for Angolan investment in agriculture as leaders meet on new partnerships.

Animal Health Alert: The U.S. confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf and, in a major spread signal, a dog in New Mexico—pushing total U.S. detections to five and triggering tighter movement controls and inspections as officials warn owners to watch for wounds and larvae. Policy & Labor: New Zealand’s ACT unveiled a Rural Workforce Visa aimed at easing year-round farm labor shortages, including an exemption from a rural infrastructure levy. Water Stress for Fruit Growers: British Columbia’s Greater Vernon Water Service Area faces stage 3 water restrictions, with fruit growers warning a 70% cut could cause major tree losses and economic damage. Climate-Smart Farming: The University of Minnesota is planting 1,200+ trees and shrubs to build windbreaks and boost campus climate resilience. Agri-Food Trade & Markets: Ghana launched a $3.5B AgriConnect compact to expand rice and jobs, while Uzbekistan shipped raisins to Senegal for the first time. Inputs & Innovation: Venezuela researchers are developing controlled-release nanofertilizers to reduce nutrient losses and improve micronutrient availability.

Pest Watch (US Livestock): USDA confirmed two more New World screwworm cases in Texas—one in a calf and one in a dog—raising total detections to four and underscoring the risk to cattle and other warm-blooded animals. Trade & Markets: China approved fresh Belgian apples for import after phytosanitary talks, opening a new route for EU fruit exporters. Fertilizer Support (Nigeria): AFAN Lagos praised Nigeria’s free fertilizer distribution to 79,040 farmers across 26 states and the FCT via NADF, saying it should cut input costs and lift output. Farm Finance (India): Maharashtra signaled it may tweak eligibility rules in its farm loan waiver scheme after criticism that some distressed farmers could be excluded. Food Security (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s High Court struck off a challenge to the grain import levy framework, allowing the policy to proceed. Digital Agriculture (Vietnam): Vietnam targets 5,000 new agricultural enterprises by 2031, pushing cooperatives, processing links, markets, and certified food safety. Exam Logistics (West Africa): WAEC blamed delays in some WASSCE Mathematics and Agricultural Science centres on a fatal crash and regional security issues. Climate Risk (East Africa): Tanzania is urging farmers and livestock keepers to prepare for a developing El Niño, balancing potential rain gains against flood and disease threats.

Drought Response: Colorado’s Gov. Jared Polis declared a statewide drought emergency and activated Phase 3, aiming to protect farmers, ranchers, and water users as reservoirs dry up. Crop Timing: In Kansas, improved drought conditions are still leaving wheat harvest delayed by earlier dryness and wet weather, with farmers watching forecasts for heat and rain. Biofuel Debate: India rolled out E85 (85% ethanol) at select stations for flex-fuel vehicles, pitching lower prices for sugarcane farmers—while critics warn of reduced mileage and potential consumer costs. Policy Pressure on Farmers: Maharashtra’s farm loan waiver faces backlash over eligibility rules; the state’s own cabinet note says restrictions could reduce payouts. Food Security & Trade: Yemen began exporting surplus potatoes after seed self-sufficiency boosted output, aiming to stabilize local prices and support private processing. Skills for Ag Tech: Gujarat launched “smart agriculture” and other new-age ITI courses, building a pipeline for drone, IoT, and automation roles. Innovation Funding: Samoa’s EU-backed Agri-Innovate Competition finale highlighted agribusiness entrepreneurship under FAO’s STODAS project.

Trade Dispute: Thailand says it’s ready to take Malaysia’s June 1 shrimp import suspension to WTO and ASEAN talks if bilateral negotiations fail, while rolling out 13 measures to absorb about 400 tonnes of monthly output and protect farm-gate prices. Farm Infrastructure: Zamboanga del Sur in the Philippines secured P345 million for farm-to-market roads funded via the 2026 national budget, aiming to cut transport costs and connect farmers to markets. Dairy Expansion: Malaysia’s Jemaluang Dairy Valley plans to scale to 4,000 cows and 10 million litres of milk annually by year three, building a full dairy value chain from feed to processing. Water-Smart Farming: In Abra (Philippines), lawmakers and agriculture officials push land leveling plus rainwater harvesting, solar irrigation upgrades, and water-saving field prep as El Niño risks loom. Crop Outlook: Maharashtra officials expect cotton acreage to rise 10–15% in the 2026-27 kharif season as higher prices lure farmers back from soy. Food Safety: Pakistan marks World Food Safety Day with a push to strengthen food security, food safety, and agricultural productivity amid climate and water pressures. Animal Health: California’s NRCS says it’s ready to support ranchers against New World Screwworm risks with conservation and monitoring steps. Security Impact: Bandits in Zamfara (Nigeria) reportedly killed farmers preparing fields, raising fears of lower planting and higher food prices.

Livestock Biosecurity: Delaware updated rules for warm-blooded animals from Texas after New World screwworm was found in a calf, requiring fresh veterinary inspection certificates and warning that infected animals won’t be allowed in. Cross-Border Trade: Canada also temporarily barred Texas livestock imports as the parasite spreads, with officials coordinating on surveillance and adjustments. Farm Policy & Data: Nebraska became the first U.S. state to pass a law protecting agricultural data from farms and ranches, setting rules for how it’s collected and used. Food Prices & Energy Link: A report ties rising food costs to energy-market shocks, noting FAO’s food price index climbed amid fuel-price pressure. Climate & Water Stress: In Nepal’s Udayapur, traditional ponds are disappearing after locals filled them for infrastructure, drying springs and worsening drinking-water shortages. Ag Tech on the Ground: Texas AgriDrone Services expanded drone spraying for weeds and brush, while a local SEO firm helped it boost visibility for ranch and pasture spraying. Local Agriculture Events: Gold Hill, U.S., is set for a Spring Farm Fest highlighting local farmers and goods.

Biosecurity Alert (US): USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, found in a calf in Zavala County near the earlier La Pryor detection, keeping movement controls and sterile-fly releases in force. Plant Health (US): California CDFA urged anyone who bought grapevines from Costco in Northern California (Apr 21–May 21) to contact local officials after glassy-winged sharpshooter was detected on shipped vines. Extreme Weather (Italy): Violent hail and storms battered northern/central Italy, damaging cereals, vegetables, fruit, and vineyards, with losses potentially running into the millions of euros. Dairy (UK): Britain’s milking herd hit another record low in April, with dairy herd numbers down year-on-year as producers lean on higher yields. Water Stress (US): A new Colorado River analysis warns that even a wet winter may not fix reservoir risk, pushing the basin toward critical thresholds without major demand cuts. Ag Policy & Funding (Ghana): Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Ministry disputed claims of 85% budget release, saying only 12.4% had actually been released as of May 29. Agri-Exports (India): Women-led Aamrapali mango growers in Jharkhand began shipping to the UK under “Local Goes Global,” backed by APEDA. Local Farming Support (Moldova): FAO launched farmer field schools in Hancesti to help small vegetable producers adopt climate-resilient practices and improve market access. Animal Health (Cyprus): Cyprus said almost all foot-and-mouth culling is complete, with vaccine deliveries expected soon.

Animal Health Emergency: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Zavala County, Texas, with APHIS strike teams already on-site and new restrictions tightening animal movement as officials warn the pest could spread beyond the current infested zone. Policy & Courtroom Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA from tying tens of billions in food assistance funds to compliance with Trump administration policies, a move states say could jeopardize help for low-income families and farmers. Farmers Under Pressure: Growers in Canada’s Vernon area are alarmed by a mandated 70% irrigation cut, warning it could wipe out major fruit orchards. Global Food Costs: FAO reported world food prices dipped in May, with vegetable oils falling while cereals and sugar rose. Rural Development: Philippines’ DAR says P120M in farm-to-market roads in Catanauan, Quezon are nearing completion to speed produce transport to markets. Agribusiness Finance: Pakistan’s Askari Bank and Verdora Ventures launched a Rs250m farmer financing facility for high-value crops like tomatoes, turmeric, and chillies. World Food & Trade: Liberia said exports to China jumped over 30-fold in early 2026 after China’s zero-tariff policy.

El Niño Readiness: Philippines House Speaker Faustino Dy III urged farmers and food agencies to prepare now for an 80% chance of El Niño by Aug 2026, warning of likely below-normal rainfall and dry spells. Food Prices Watch: FAO reported the Food Price Index stayed broadly stable in May, but cereals rose as wheat, maize and other grains faced weather and higher fuel/fertilizer costs. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering emergency response and movement restrictions to protect cattle and pets. Wheat Under Fire: Gaza’s wheat harvest is again threatened by war damage, land destruction and shortages of farming inputs. Trade & Compliance: Philippines customs blocked P7.7m in misdeclared agricultural shipments, including fresh carrots, after physical inspection. Urban Farming Push: Manila’s Luneta Urban Garden showcased automated greenhouse tech for Japanese musk melons to boost local food security. Policy Pressure in the US: House passed a bill cutting WIC fruit and vegetable vouchers by 10%, as grocery prices strain low-income families. Africa Agrifood Support: AfDB and WFP launched a $87m Sudan project to help farmers restore production, cut post-harvest losses and strengthen market links.

New World screwworm threat: USDA confirmed the flesh-eating New World screwworm in south Texas for the first time since 1966, detected in a 3-week-old calf and triggering quarantine and sterile-fly response plans that could hit the $113B U.S. cattle industry. Climate stress on farms: Colorado escalated to a statewide drought emergency as record-low snowpack and warm weather threaten ranchers, irrigation, and wildfire risk. Commodity pressure: Coffee prices slid after forecasts of a record Brazil crop, with traders pointing to a growing global surplus. Mechanisation push: Pakistan’s Punjab rolled out major farm mechanisation—subsidised tractors, interest-free loans for high-tech machinery, and super seeders to cut rice residue burning. Budget for food production: Ghana released 85% of its 2026 MoFA budget (GH¢1.677B) to back mechanisation, irrigation, fertiliser/seed supply, and poultry “farm-to-table” work. Pest control in sugar: Philippines sugar producers urged the Department of Agriculture/SRA to act fast on red-striped soft scale insect spread, warning farm-by-farm efforts aren’t enough. Trade and sustainability: China agreed to buy deforestation-free Brazilian beef, signaling demand for traceable, forest-friendly products.