AGP Executive Report

Agricultural Finance: Philippines banks boosted lending to agriculture, fisheries and rural development to P3.1 trillion in June—29% higher year-on-year and the strongest compliance with the sector quota since Sept. 2025. Biodiversity vs. Charcoal: Namibia’s environment ministry rejected claims that charcoal production threatens biodiversity, arguing sustainable bush control can restore rangelands and wildlife habitat. Food Security: Zambia is set for its biggest maize harvest on record—about 4.9 million tonnes—creating a surplus for exports and a buffer heading into the 2026-27 season. Trade Relief: South Africa’s exporters got a boost as the US Senate voted to extend AGOA for two more years, easing fears of losing duty-free access. Climate Pressure on Farms: Europe’s drought is damaging crops and water supplies, with farmers facing tighter irrigation rules and major yield losses. Market Access for Citrus: South Africa and India agreed new citrus protocols after a decade of talks, adding fresh fruit fly cold-treatment options to unlock India’s demand. Rural Livelihoods: Cambodia and the EU backed a partnership to modernise rural farming, including production contracts linking farmers to processors. Policy & Biosecurity: Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa agriculture committee moved to form a legal body to review tobacco growers’ issues, while the US ran a regional rabies baiting campaign.

Disaster Response (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture released P177.67M in farm and fisheries help for communities hit by the enhanced southwest monsoon and typhoons Luis and Maymay, including rice, corn and vegetable seeds, NFA palay-milled rice for La Union and Batanes, PCIC crop-insurance indemnities for 5,005 insured farmers, and zero-interest SURE loans up to P25,000. Credit & Inflation Control (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Bank set a 54% higher agricultural and rural credit target for FY26-27 at Tk 60,000 crore, easing group-credit rules and expanding loan coverage to areas like fish fingerlings, poultry chicks and organic fertilizer producers. Nutrition & Trade (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s fish sector shows a paradox—high domestic production yet ongoing imports—driven by consumer variety, processing-industry needs and specialized market demand. Crop Risk Outlook (Global): NOAA says El Niño has a 93% chance to reach “very strong” status by Sep–Nov, with impacts likely to intensify later in the year for major farming regions. Water & Legal Fight (US): Klamath Water Users Association and western water groups filed for a larger review of a Ninth Circuit decision on when the Endangered Species Act can force Klamath Project water curtailments. Veterinary Services Reform (Kyrgyzstan): Kyrgyzstan plans a public state enterprise (“Mal aman”) to bring about 1,500 private veterinarians into public service, aiming for stable pay and stronger animal-health coverage. Agricultural Cooperation (Pakistan–Egypt): Pakistan and Egypt agreed to boost agricultural cooperation with a focus on cotton productivity and quality, plus water-efficient irrigation, seed development and climate-smart farming. Policy & Markets (US): USDA extended the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program application deadline to Sept. 30, 2026, adding flexibility for documenting quality losses and adjusting how quality-loss percentages can be used. Food Policy (South Carolina, US): South Carolina’s Healthy Food SC SNAP waiver will exclude candy and sweetened drinks from eligible purchases statewide, while diet/zero-sugar drinks remain allowed.

Food Security & Infrastructure: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is pushing a Clark mega food hub in Pampanga, with about P4 billion committed and the first phase targeting partial operations before end-2027, aiming to cut logistics costs and link farms to markets more efficiently. Disaster Impact: In the Philippines, tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon (“habagat”) have caused ₱1.03B in agriculture losses across multiple regions, damaging 25,662 hectares and hitting rice hardest, while the DA prepares seeds and other inputs for recovery. Food Safety Capacity: Cambodia and Singapore launched a five-day training course to strengthen food-safety systems and agro-processing, targeting export-ready products and reduced post-harvest losses. Livestock & Trade Pressure: Botswana’s FMD crisis response continues as officials urge patience while export-market access is expected to reopen after prolonged livestock restrictions. Policy & Markets: South Africa’s Grain SA protested at the JSE over a shift back to a single soybean reference point system, warning it could strain farmers and ripple through feed costs. Agricultural Inputs Enforcement: Kenya’s agriculture ministry announced a crackdown on counterfeit seeds amid maize supply concerns, warning farmers may only discover fake inputs months after planting. Regional Ag Development: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea are nearing completion of a regional aquaculture and fish farming center in the Issyk-Kul region, with procedures underway for its official opening.

Agricultural Insurance Boost: The Philippines’ House approved HB 10365 to expand crop insurance via PCIC, aiming to protect farmers and fisherfolk from typhoons, floods, droughts, and disease losses. Tea Sector Rescue: Bangladesh formed a 12-member committee to stabilize the struggling tea industry, including loan rescheduling, a revolving fund proposal, and steps to classify tea as an agricultural product. Weather Stress on Dairy: UK bluetongue is escalating in Devon and Cornwall, adding to heat stress that’s already cutting milk yields and forage, squeezing dairy margins. Drought Logistics in Korea: South Korea deployed about 200 fire trucks and 400 firefighters to move water into drought-hit South Gyeongsang, where reservoir storage averages just 33.5%. Global Crop Outlook: While Europe and the US face sharp harvest declines, Argentina is positioned for another record corn campaign in 2026/27. Farm Policy in Nebraska: Nebraska advanced LB1096 on biosecurity and foreign restrictions, while LB525 passed to set agricultural data privacy and AI safety rules. Flood Recovery Support: Canada and Manitoba enhanced AgriStability for producers hit by June–July flooding, including late-filing penalty waivers for declared emergency areas. Community Food Access: Canada’s Flour Mill Community Farm marked its 10th season with an expansion plan doubling growing space and adding youth jobs and programming.

El Niño Food Security Planning: Sri Lanka’s agriculture ministry says it has a cultivation and water-management plan to protect food supplies during El Niño, with farmer awareness on efficient water use. Flood & Irrigation Water Management: In Pangasinan, the San Roque Dam’s level jumped over 40 meters in two weeks from heavy rains, with officials holding off on gate openings while conserving water for irrigation ahead of El Niño. Farm Diversification with Support: Philippines’ DA-Caraga backed a banana cooperative in Butuan with P2 million to expand into swine farming, building on earlier banana chips and egg production aid. Ag Tech for Smallholders: A Nigerian robotics student in Ghana built a precision agriculture system to remotely collect farm data over long distances, aiming to cut manual monitoring. Onion Self-Reliance Push: Sri Lanka targets producing half of its big onion needs from local farms during the Yala season to reduce imports and revive cultivation. Climate Pressure on Crops: Germany’s hop sector is seeing rapid farm closures as heat and drought squeeze yields and beer demand shifts, threatening a major brewing supply chain. Biosecurity Watch: Australia’s agriculture minister says authorities can’t stop H5 bird flu spread, but stresses preparedness and strong on-farm biosecurity. Organic Waste Diversion: A Kansas City-area food policy group urges regional solid-waste planners to expand composting and organic diversion as landfill capacity grows tighter. Agriculture Finance Shift: Nigeria’s banks increased credit to agriculture to N3.86tn in March 2026 as oil-and-gas exposure fell.

Harvest Watch (Canada): Saskatchewan’s crop report says harvest progress is still only 2% complete, with cooler weather helping but dry conditions leaving topsoil moisture short in much of the province. Policy & Farm Data (US): Nebraska advanced major agricultural rules—LB525 on agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety, and LB1096 on biosecurity and critical infrastructure limits tied to foreign principals. Disaster Support (US territories): Senate Vice President Corina Magofna is seeking funding pathways for CNMI farmers and ranchers hit by Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, looking at Guam’s disaster-assistance playbook. Agriculture Economy (Ghana): Ghana’s agricultural growth slowed to 3.6% in May 2026 (from 9.8% a year earlier), though crops and livestock still expanded. Trade & Exports (India/Indonesia): India’s Independence Day push highlights agriculture and food processing, while Indonesia shipped 8.2 tons of Muntok white pepper to the Netherlands, backed by local farmer clusters. Food Security & Community (Philippines/Dominica): Philippines processors warn ube supply is low as global demand rises; in Dominica, Kalinago households received seedlings, tools, and water storage to boost backyard food production. Conflict Impact (Ukraine): A Russian drone strike hit harvesting equipment in Zaporizhzhia, killing a farmer and injuring another. Climate Risk (Latin America): NOAA forecasts a very strong El Niño risk by late 2026, raising alarms for rainfall and farming across the region.

Disaster Recovery: After a 7.8 earthquake hit Sarangani, the Philippines says 18,000+ people are still in evacuation centers, with aftershocks slowing returns and agriculture damage under assessment. Peace Through Farming: The Philippines’ agriculture department and peace office are designing a livelihood program to move former rebels into plantation-style farming tied to private buyers. Climate Pressure on Crops: In the UK, one cereal farm stopped growing cereals for the first time in ~100 years, citing dry-weather risk and weak returns, while shifting to energy/environment crops and incentive schemes. Water Security for Agriculture: South Korea mobilized 102 military vehicles to deliver agricultural water to drought-stricken South Gyeongsang as reservoir levels fall to about 32% of normal. Policy & Markets: India’s PM Modi unveiled “Sapta Dhara,” naming agriculture and food processing as a core pillar for Viksit Bharat by 2047. Ag Tech: India’s AkinAnalytics launched NIKA2, a multi-purpose farm drone for spraying and spreading, with payload switching and night operation. Livestock Health: Wisconsin confirmed chronic wasting disease at two deer farms, triggering quarantine and investigations.

Food Security & Subsidies: India’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a CBDC-based DBT pilot in Chandigarh to move PMGKAY foodgrain support into beneficiaries’ e-rupee wallets, aiming for faster, more traceable PDS delivery. Livestock & Feed: Zambia’s Omalaeti Foods received animal feed registration certificates for “Munna” supplements, targeting high input costs with azolla-based ingredients. Farm Safety: Ireland’s ICMSA warned of a “frightening surge” in farm accidents and fatalities, urging farmers to manage fatigue and keep safety front and center. Climate & Risk: Arkansas raised wildfire risk to high in 19 counties and expanded burn bans; Germany reported drought losses of about 3 million tonnes of grain and rapeseed since mid-June. Trade & Prices: The Black Sea war and port shutdowns are pushing global wheat prices higher as USDA cut Russia/Ukraine export forecasts. Policy & Governance: Nebraska advanced LB525, setting agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety rules. Regional Agriculture: Cebu plans to expand corn output to boost farmer income, while the Philippines lifted its canned pork import ban after ASF risk analysis. Controversy: Northern Ireland’s UFU renewed calls for DAERA leadership resignations over the Fivemiletown cattle cull and the independence of the review.

Food Safety & Enforcement: Abu Dhabi’s food regulator shut down Original Lessi Café for repeated food-safety violations, ordering closure until requirements are met. Farm Finance Under Drought: Lloyds and Bank of Scotland are stepping up support for UK farmers facing dry-weather pressure, offering tailored cashflow and lending relief. Farm Safety Warning: Ireland’s creamery suppliers group warns of a “frightening surge” in farm accidents and urges farmers to manage fatigue and keep safety front and center. Drought & Feed Planning: Ireland’s fodder committee is set to meet as drought threatens winter feed supplies, with grass growth lagging in parts of the east and south. Digital PDS Push: India launched a CBDC-based e-rupee DBT pilot for foodgrain subsidies in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli to improve transparency and timeliness. Livestock Policy Fallout: Northern Ireland’s UFU renewed calls for resignations tied to the Fivemiletown cattle cull, questioning the independence of the review. Trade & Biosecurity: The Philippines lifted its temporary canned pork import ban after an import risk analysis, allowing only heat-treated, hermetically sealed industrial products. Climate Shock on Crops: Germany’s drought has cut grain and rapeseed harvests, with major revenue losses and logistics concerns from low river levels. Global Grain Disruption: Ukraine export logistics problems could leave over half of planned 2026/27 exports stuck, threatening liquidity for the next sowing season. Input Costs: Ireland reports fertilizer prices up 23.6% and fuel up 26.5% year-on-year, while output prices fell sharply. Market & Policy Watch: Nebraska advanced agricultural data privacy and AI safety rules (LB525), setting consent and enforcement standards for producer data.

Climate & Disaster Response: Tropical storms Maymay and Luis plus the southwest monsoon have battered farms in the Philippines, with Pangasinan reporting P127M in damage (palay hit hardest) and Oriental Mindoro tallying P56M as rice, vegetables, and aquaculture take losses. Weather Risk for Food Systems: El Niño fears are rising for companies and supply chains, with Reuters noting record-high mentions in corporate filings as firms weigh exposure and contingency plans. Input Access & Farm Support: Zambia’s government says it has issued 83,400+ FISP e-voucher redemption codes for the 2026/27 season to verified farmers, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency. Agricultural Exports: Rwanda’s agricultural export earnings topped $1B for the first time, reaching $1.1B in 2025/26 on better infrastructure, traceability, and market access. Policy & Training: Nigeria is shifting tertiary agriculture training to 80% practical work to build job-ready skills, while Hungary plans faster drought payments to farmers after damage reports surged. Biosecurity & Livestock: Trinidad and Tobago’s poultry sector warns a chicken shortage could return in 6–12 months without long-term fixes as heat and rising costs squeeze production. Trade & Industry Events: Sri Lanka’s ProFood ProPack and AgBiz 2026 returns Aug. 21–23, targeting food processing and packaging growth with major international participation.

Digital Farm Management: Saskatchewan’s AG360 pitches an “operating system” that connects books, grain marketing, bin inventory, machinery, labor/HR and agronomy in one place via web and mobile. Disaster Response: Nebraska extends a relief executive order for drivers hauling hay and essential ag supplies, adding a 30-day FMCSA Hours of Service waiver through Sept. 11. Water Quality Policy: EPA approved a Lake Pepin Total Maximum Daily Load study for total phosphorus, targeting agricultural sources in Wisconsin’s portion of the basin. Livestock & Youth: Jackson EMC’s 2026 Quality Beef Show crowned an Angus heifer and a crossbred steer from local 4-H/FFA competitors. Biosecurity & Trade Disruptions: Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor remains under pressure as Kyiv proposes a truce with Russia to halt attacks on civilian ships. Food Safety/Health Support: UOG Farmer Focus offers free Mental Health First Aid training for agricultural families and organizations. Disease Watch: Catalonia reports four new African swine fever cases in its high-risk area. Value Addition: India’s Thchutho Cooperative FPO opens a food processing unit in Wokha to cut post-harvest losses and boost farmer income. Global Investment Pressure: Angola warns Brazilian firms to accelerate agricultural investment or seek other partners.

Monsoon and cyclones hit Philippines farms: The Philippine agriculture department reported about P347.37 million in crop damage and losses, affecting 12,151 farmers across multiple regions, as the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones continue to bring heavy rain and raise flood/landslide risks. Drought response in South Korea: Fire engines, tankers and even Army water vehicles are being deployed to deliver agricultural water to drought-stricken South Gyeongsang, with thousands of tons supplied and more areas added to alerts. Food price enforcement in the Philippines: The PNP says it will intensify monitoring of profiteering, hoarding and overpricing of agricultural commodities, coordinating with agencies under a “zero-tolerance” stance. Farm policy and rural livelihoods in the UK: A Bromsgrove MP is pushing to scrap the Family Farm Tax, warning it could disrupt farm succession and raise food costs. Water politics in India: Karnataka’s Cauvery bandh sparked protests and detentions, with farmers warning water releases could force crop changes. Tech for farm resilience: North Wales launches a shared machinery scheme to cut costs for horticulture growers, while Manitoba farmers gather to test new tech for weather adaptation. Animal health alerts: Michigan youth fair pigs were sickened by swine flu, and officials are investigating possible human exposure. Agrivoltaics and investment: A Virginia community farm highlights agrivoltaics benefits, and South Africa and the Netherlands sign deals spanning agriculture and renewable energy.

Trade & Market Access: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 plans to match 2,000 local agrofood exhibitors with 40 international buyers, with an “One Stop Centre for Export” to help firms meet standards and certification. Digital Infrastructure & Ag Tech: Ghana’s AI push is being undermined by repeated fibre cable cuts that disrupt connectivity for businesses and public services. Climate Shock to Crops: El Niño threats are raising alarm for crop output across multiple countries, with Ethiopia warning of major food insecurity risk as kiremt rains drive most production. Policy & Risk Management: The EU’s bluetongue reclassification could ease livestock movement restrictions, but Ireland says trade implications need clarity. Drought & Water Support: North Dakota has activated a Hay Hotline to connect ranchers with forage and report drought impacts; Oregon is also pointing communities to drought grants and water system funding. Farm Safety & Enforcement: Catalonia is tightening controls over grape contracts for wine and cava amid abuse concerns. Ag Law & Labor: A SCOTUS ruling on pesticide “failure to warn” may reshape how state claims play out, while NALC webinars focus on foreign ownership of farmland and federal child labor rules for farm employers. Food Security & Conflict: Russia says attacks on Black Sea grain infrastructure are driving up global food prices and worsening shortages. Biosecurity & Foreign Links: Nebraska’s LB1096 debate highlights growing state focus on biosecurity and limits tied to foreign principals.

Food & Climate Targets: A new Food Systems Countdown study finds no country is on track to meet 2030 food-related greenhouse gas targets, with global progress about 75% off course and water use, pesticide use and emissions trends moving the wrong way. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Texas A&M highlights concerns after the New World screwworm reemerged in the U.S. after 44 years, raising questions about impacts beyond cattle. Drought & Water Stress: South Korea mobilized firefighters as reservoirs hit crisis levels in South Gyeongsang, while the Philippines warns typhoons and monsoon swings are still threatening farms after damaging floods. Farm Policy & Support: USDA reminded producers of Sept. 1 and Sept. 30 crop insurance deadlines, and U.S. Farm Bill talks stalled again in the Senate Agriculture Committee, leaving farmers pushing for financial certainty. Agri-Finance & Markets: Nigeria seeks Chinese expertise to boost productivity and land-degradation recovery, while Tobago launched TobaGrow loans up to $100,000 to expand farming and fisheries. Local Land-Use Pressure: A gravel pit appeal in Idaho’s Gem County and a farm-shop retrospective planning case in the UK show how rural land decisions keep colliding with agriculture livelihoods. Workforce Crunch: A UK survey says 82% of farmers struggle to find skilled workers, with training and education seen as the most effective fix. Food Safety & Trade: EU mycotoxin guidance tightens for poultry feed as Ukraine grain exports face further disruption from port attacks.

Storm damage to crops and livestock: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the enhanced southwest monsoon caused P197.2M in agricultural damage across 7,989 farmers, hitting 6,937 hectares and cutting production by 5,515 metric tons (mostly rice), with added losses to irrigation and farm structures. Disaster risk in farming areas: In Benguet, a landslide in Atok killed three and left one survivor after days of heavy rain, underscoring how quickly wet weather can turn into tragedy for rural communities. Livestock health alert: Georgia reported two horses testing positive for West Nile virus, with officials noting active mosquito transmission and urging vaccination and mosquito-control steps. Water and production push in Afghanistan: Afghanistan opened its first international agriculture and livestock exhibition, while the Qosh Tepa Canal nears completion and is expected to boost northern farm output and water management. Local market support: Qatar’s 11th Local Dates Festival drew about 110,000 visitors and sold 183,268 kg of dates, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen local producers and food security. Farm succession pressure: Ireland’s Carbery says 54% of farmers have no successor identified, and it launched a generational renewal program to help families plan transfers and keep farms viable. Trade disruption from conflict: Ukraine’s Black Sea port attacks are pushing firms toward an economic crunch, with agriculture among the hardest hit as shipping routes become too risky. US conservation staffing concern: A US House Agriculture Committee member warned that reduced USDA funding and staffing could limit farmers’ access to programs like NRCS support.

Food Security Watch: Britain is facing its “worst food security crisis in decades” as drought and heat cut wheat and oat yields, pushing up reliance on imported grain and raising pressure on animal feed costs. Water & Irrigation: The Yakima basin in the US will fall short of irrigation needs for a fourth straight drought year, with junior water-rights holders getting only 58% of entitlements. Farm Policy Deadlock (US): Arkansas Farmers Union says the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the Farm Bill, warning delays hurt family farms and ranchers. Farm Policy Push (US): Kentucky ag leaders are urging lawmakers to pass Farm Bill 2.0 to stabilize programs like crop insurance and research. Animal Health & Biosecurity (Australia): Australia will roll out H5 bird flu vaccines first for the most vulnerable captive species, as spread among wild birds continues. Organic Regulation (New Zealand): New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposals to future-proof and grow the organic sector, including a national organic mark and regulatory tweaks. Drought Support (Wales): Welsh farmers can apply for drought-related grants and temporary flexibility under sustainable farming rules, including help for water and livestock housing. Agriculture Diplomacy: Australia and Vietnam signed an agriculture and sustainable development MoU covering policy, biosecurity, food safety, and trade. Local Agriculture & Markets: South Africa’s Swartland Show returns in September with major livestock and innovation highlights, while India’s Odisha reports 94,657 farmers registered for Kharif paddy sales.