AGP Executive Report

Animal Health & Trade: China says it recognizes all of Brazil as foot-and-mouth disease-free, unlocking fresh export opportunities for Brazilian beef and pork after 20+ years of talks. Food Security Shock: Sudan braces for worse child malnutrition as war and climate pressures hit cereal production ahead of planting. Policy Support: Maharashtra approved a farm loan waiver for loans up to ₹2 lakh, targeting about 56 lakh farmers, plus incentives for regular repayers. Livestock Resilience: Mozambique extended its livestock vaccination drive to July 15 after vaccine import delays, aiming to protect millions of cattle and poultry. Grain Exports: South Africa’s maize harvest forecast rises to 17.064 million tonnes, supporting renewed export activity. Market Enforcement: The Philippines’ agriculture department stepped up inspections to enforce a PHP50/kg price cap on imported rice. Dairy Expansion: Indonesia says it needs about 1.4 million more dairy cows to reach milk self-sufficiency. Urban Farming: Las Piñas (Philippines) rolled out free hydroponics training and seedling distribution to boost local food production.

Food Safety Alert: Minnesota’s MDA issued a consumer advisory for Milkjam Creamery ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts after a routine inspection found possible metal fragments in specific products and lot codes; consumers are told to throw them away or return them. Pakistan–China Ag Ties: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan-China business cooperation is entering a new phase, pushing faster conversion of agriculture MoUs into formal agreements and joint ventures. Market & Price Watch: Korea’s consumer prices rose 3.1% in May, with agricultural and fishery goods up 2.2% as supply tightened after high temperatures. India Mandis & Farmer Support: J&K’s agriculture minister reviewed Mandis and Kissan Ghars, ordering renovations and upgrades to improve farmer accommodation and services. Dairy & Rural Health: Wisconsin’s June Dairy Month spotlight included a rural health roundtable with U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., linking farm communities to hospital survival and school milk policy. Global Produce Supply: Chilean prune supply is tightening as demand grows for large sizes, with weather affecting parts of the drying season. Agriculture Policy & Trust: The Center for Food Integrity launched an Integrated Trust System to help food and ag groups measure and strengthen consumer trust. Local Farming Spotlight: A Northumberland choir made up of agriculture workers won Britain’s Got Talent, aiming to represent rural farming and mental health.

Food Security & Trade: Albania’s food imports jumped 16.1% in the first four months of 2026, with vegetables (+14%), fruit and nuts (+11%), and dairy/eggs/honey (+10%) rising as tourism boosts demand faster than local farmers can supply. Agri-Climate Risk: Kenya’s seasonal forecast warns many key farming regions may see near-average to below-average rainfall from June to August, with coastal counties expecting wetter conditions—raising pressure on water planning inland. Livestock Health: South Africa is ramping up foot-and-mouth disease control, spending R494m on a record 13.5m vaccine doses and vaccinating 4.4m animals so far, while preparing a public-private biosecurity system to speed future responses. Policy & Markets: USDA opened a review window for ARC/PLC base acre increases (June 1–Aug 31, 2026), letting eligible landowners adjust safety-net coverage ahead of 2026 enrollment. Pest & Biosecurity: Wisconsin plans to deploy about 6,700 spongy moth traps across 36 counties to track new outlier populations and limit spread. Regional Ag Development: Cambodia’s Siem Reap is seeing a shift toward high-value grapes and durian, with farmers using training and small pilot plots to build agritourism. Enforcement: Philippine authorities seized P35.4m in allegedly smuggled onions and garlic in Nueva Ecija, targeting cold-storage storage linked to customs violations.

Climate & Heat Risk: PAGASA warns of dangerous heat indices in the Philippines on June 1, with Metro Manila’s NAIA forecast at 42°C and peaks up to 45°C in parts of Luzon and the Visayas, raising heat-stress risks for farm workers and crops. Food Security Under Pressure: Sudan braces for worsening child malnutrition as the pre-harvest season begins, with conflict and climate impacts hitting cereal production and cutting access to seeds, fertilizer and farmland. Input Costs & Trade: China pledges oil, gas and fertiliser supplies to Cambodia to ease rising rural input costs after fertiliser export curbs and global supply disruptions. Farmer Support & Policy: India’s government removes customs duties on cotton imports from June 1 to Oct 30 to stabilize textile supply, while Maharashtra pilots a fertiliser booking app using QR codes to reduce queues and improve transparency. Agri Finance & Investment: World Bank backs agriculture as a key driver for Papua New Guinea’s long-term transformation, and investors keep moving into agtech that cuts fuel, fertiliser and labour costs through embedded farm infrastructure. Market Access: The India–Oman CEPA starts June 1, promising duty-free access that could boost Kashmir’s horticulture and handicraft exports. Soil Innovation: Australia’s University of Tasmania transfers IP for the QUOLL soil e-nose to TIA, aiming to bring faster soil health sensing to growers.

Vietnam-Philippines Food Security & Trade: Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Manila for a two-day state visit, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcoming the delegation as leaders plan talks on food security, trade, investment, and defense ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Fertiliser Reform Push (India): India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the month-long “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” from June 1 to June 30, urging balanced fertiliser use, soil health steps, and alternatives like nano-urea and organic inputs. School Feeding Scale-Up (Kenya): Food4Education hit 200 million meals served, aiming to reach one million learners daily by 2027 by strengthening supply chains with local farmers and vendors. Climate Resilience for Farmers (Liberia): Liberia and UNDP are set to launch a five-year climate resilience project (2026-2030) to help rural communities adapt and protect agriculture and livelihoods. Input Cost Pressure (India): Farmers in Asifabad (Telangana) allege urea and DAP overpricing by dealers, with complaints about charges above official MRP and weak supervision. Global Food Security Warning (FAO): FAO warns disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could deepen a food security crisis in 2026-2027 by raising fertiliser and seed costs. Irrigation Investment Drive (Kenya): Kenya is courting Portugal for financing and private investment to add one million acres under irrigation, including community schemes for smallholders. Agroforestry Research Link (Africa): JKUAT is coordinating an intra-Africa agroforestry education and research project to train students and staff across East, West, and Southern Africa for climate mitigation.

Solar Irrigation Push: Northern Samar (Philippines) is validating sites for 19 solar-powered irrigation systems to cut fuel costs and stabilize rain-fed rice production. Credit Access Fight: Kenya’s smallholders are being locked out of formal lending as banks face a 100% risk weight for smallholder loans, despite lower default rates. Farmers vs Metering: Protesters in Telangana’s Adilabad oppose plans to install meters on agricultural motors, warning the policy will crush groundwater irrigation livelihoods. USDA Tech Contract Debate: A $300M USDA blanket purchase agreement with Palantir is drawing scrutiny over how the agency plans to “modernize” farm services. Beef Prices Stay High: Record US beef prices are tied mainly to drought-driven herd shrinkage and steady demand, not just inflation. Land Protection Crackdown: Egypt is intensifying enforcement against illegal agricultural land encroachments during Eid al-Adha. Cold Storage Boost: Ethiopia opened a $30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa to cut post-harvest losses and improve market supply. Rural Crime Update: UK rural crime costs fell in 2025, but livestock thefts surged, showing organized targeting of farms. Monsoon Watch: India’s monsoon forecast drops to 90% of average, raising risks for farm output and food prices. Poultry Price Stabilization: Indonesia’s agriculture ministry is monitoring live chicken prices to protect smallholder farmers as demand softens.

Rythu DISCOM row in Telangana: BRS leaders told the energy regulator the proposed “farmers’ power distribution company” is meant to end 24/7 free power and set up privatisation, while officials say it’s to streamline irrigation supply and deny plans to meter pump sets. Drought and monsoon warnings: Southern Africa is bracing for a possible strong El Niño-driven drought in 2026/27, and India faces high risk of a disrupted monsoon that could hit kharif sowing. US livestock biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in a young sheep in Mexico near the U.S. border, raising stakes for cattle producers and beef prices. Disaster credit for farmers: USDA designated all of New Mexico as a natural disaster area, unlocking emergency loan help for drought-hit producers. Soil and farm resilience research: A field study is advancing real-world understanding of rainfall-driven soil erosion to improve conservation planning. Urban ag policy: Maryland expanded eligibility for an urban agriculture property tax credit. Food safety enforcement: Tennessee ordered a Memphis store to discard rat-contaminated chips after a FOX13 investigation. Women and agriculture: Namibia’s president urged urgent investment in agriculture and rural youth, linking farming, tourism, and cultural identity.

Livestock Pulse (Mongolia): Mongolia reports 76% of spring breeding livestock have given birth, with about 17.04 million deliveries out of 22.4 million expected and a ~99% newborn survival rate, as herders manage pasture and weather to protect the livestock-based farm economy. Fertiliser Pressure (Southern Africa): SADC ministers urged faster fertiliser reforms, warning that 58 million people remain food insecure and that fragmented national rules raise costs and disrupt trade, while Foot-and-Mouth Disease threatens livestock output across 11 member states. Input Costs Under Scrutiny (US): The U.S. FTC is investigating a fertilizer price spike tied to the Iran conflict and Hormuz disruption, as farmers face squeezed margins and advocacy groups allege manipulation. Farmer Finance That Recycles (South Africa): PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund says it has approved R246m for black agricultural entrepreneurs, including R233m in loans, and repaid R98m to keep reinvesting in farmer support. Rural Roads Boost (Ghana): The World Bank approved $500m for Ghana’s feeder roads and market access push, targeting 350,000 farmers and aiming to cut post-harvest losses by improving all-season connectivity. Farm Safety (Ireland): Ireland’s agriculture ministry funded Agrikids’ AgriKids Farm Safe Roadshow to teach children farm safety at public events using hands-on and VR activities.

Organic Fertilizer Push (Laos): Attapeu Province signed an MOU to study raw-material sources and build an organic fertilizer plant in Sanamxay, aiming to cut reliance on imported inputs and support chemical-free crops like durian. Climate Resilience (Laos): Bokeo Province marked completion of a three-year climate adaptation project, training youth and building community learning centers to strengthen upland farming and livelihoods. Ag Innovation (Global): A gene-editing breakthrough is highlighted as a new tool for tougher crops and healthier livestock, helping farmers do more with less amid disease and weather pressure. Organic Awards (Ireland): Ireland launched the National Organic Awards 2026 at Bloom, with entries open for thousands of organic farmers and businesses ahead of September judging. Dairy Support (Ireland/US): Lakeland Dairies rolled out a student bursary for milk suppliers’ families, while Dairy’s Foundation opened grants up to $10,000 for ag education and outreach programs. Market Shock (US): A late April freeze is projected to cost New Jersey agriculture about $300M, with growers warning of higher prices and reduced local harvests. Research Controversy (Canada): Canada’s only public organic research plots in Swift Current were reportedly destroyed and prepped for non-organic wheat, raising alarms about lost long-term organic studies. Input Cost Pressure (EU/US): The EU approved €15m French fuel aid for agriculture and aquaculture as diesel prices surged, while US wheat outlook worsened as WASDE confirmed a smaller crop amid drought and high costs. Livestock Security (US): Kansas State University research says outbreaks caught within 8–10 days can stay contained, stressing rapid traceability to prevent national cattle crises. Farm Crime (US): Two Tennessee men were charged with cattle theft after 94 head were allegedly sold without permission over several years. Food Trends (US): Cricket-based protein is gaining traction in Michigan, with a local producer selling at farmers’ markets and pitching low-waste, ethical farming.

Climate Risk & Food Security: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture warned a severe El Niño could cut national rice output by up to 700,000 metric tons, prompting a renewed task force and measures like cloud seeding, solar irrigation, planting-calendar shifts, and crop diversification. Biosecurity & Pests: Australia’s Agriculture Victoria urged landholders in north-west Victoria to report locust activity early as adult numbers run above normal, warning egg-laying in May-June could drive spring damage. Invasive Species Watch: Tennessee reported spread of the Asian longhorned tick, a livestock threat that can reproduce without mating, as tick season ramps up. Trade & Supply Chains: US beef shipments to Japan fell 4% in Q1 2026 amid tighter cattle supply, while Russia imposed temporary import restrictions on Armenian fresh produce over phytosanitary “violations.” Agribusiness & Innovation: South Africa’s Hortgro named Jacques du Preez as CEO from Aug. 1, 2026, as the deciduous fruit industry navigates market access and compliance priorities. Farmer Support: The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement awarded $457,000 in scholarships to 66 students pursuing agriculture careers.

Biosecurity & Invasive Pests: USDA is expanding defenses against the New World screwworm with a new Texas research lab, while California counties and shoppers face a separate threat: glassy-winged sharpshooters tied to Costco grapevines and citrus shipments, with residents urged not to move or discard plants and to contact local ag officials. Wildfire Risk & Farm Operations: Fires in California’s Livermore Wine Country destroyed agricultural structures, and in Washington’s Tri-Cities, questions are rising about why agricultural burning exemptions can still collide with fast-changing wildfire danger. Policy & Cost Relief for Farmers: Australia is moving to extend “right to repair” rules to agricultural machinery to cut downtime and open repair access. Food Safety: Connecticut consumer regulators reminded the public about food safety rules ahead of farmers market season, including licensing and limits on potentially hazardous cottage foods. Climate, Water & Resilience: India’s Kharif strategy conference focuses on climate-resilient farming, while Alberta reports improved river conditions heading into summer. Rural Livelihoods: Namibia’s president backed agriculture-tourism integration at the Omaludi Agricultural Festival, and a Ugandan outbreak of rare pests is devastating maize and eggplant in Bugiri.

Food Security & Procurement: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says the National Food Authority has completed emergency milling services in Bicol and Region 12 to expand warehouse capacity for more palay and speed up rice releases under the BBM P20-per-kilo program. Agri-Input Costs & Fertiliser Supply: SADC officials in Zimbabwe are pushing to stabilize regional fertiliser supply as global shocks lift input prices and strain farmers. Climate Risk for Crops: India faces a below-normal 2026 monsoon forecast (92% of long-period average) with El Niño signals raising heatwave and water-stress concerns. Energy for Farms: EnergyLane is developing agrivoltaics so farmland can generate solar power while staying in crop production. Biofuels & Markets: Soybean oil futures jump on stronger biofuel demand tied to higher U.S. renewable diesel requirements. Farm Safety: Ireland’s farm groups urge extra vigilance on rural roads during silage season and call for strict tractor and machinery safety. Policy & Compliance: Northern Ireland’s DAERA issues reminders for egg marketing and welfare rules after avian flu restrictions lifted. Regional Development: A Dominican mechanization program (Programec) aims to modernize fields with tech-driven efficiency starting July 2026. Disease & Trade Threats: Florida growers face renewed scrutiny over farm threats and biosecurity risks as calls grow for stronger protections. EU Fraud Crackdown: European prosecutors file serious charges over an alleged €3m EU agricultural subsidy fraud scheme involving Greece’s OPEKEPE. Conservation Win: Guam’s Department of Agriculture reports a rare sihek chick hatched after Typhoon Sinlaku, confirmed female via DNA testing.

Fertilizer shock hits farms again: With the Iran war and El Niño keeping pressure on global food supplies, urea prices are spiking after Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and analysts warn grocery bills may stay high longer than expected. Policy push vs. market reality: The Trump administration’s plan to speed up domestic fertilizer capacity (including a new CF Industries ammonia plant in Louisiana) is being pitched as relief, but construction won’t move prices soon—while experts argue the bigger bottleneck is specific products like urea. Local land fights: In Ghana’s Benkasa and Amomaso, chiefs and residents vow to resist mining that they say would damage limited farmland. Pest alert spreads: California counties are warning shoppers after invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters were found on Costco grape and citrus shipments, urging strict handling and contact with agriculture officials. Risk management moves forward: Colorado signed a pesticide container recycling/disposal law, and Fiji is evaluating faster parametric crop insurance to speed payouts after cyclones and floods.

Court Ruling on FMD Vaccines: South Africa’s High Court cleared the way for foot-and-mouth disease vaccines to be privately procured and administered, limiting the agriculture minister’s ability to interfere with lawful commercial arrangements—an immediate shift for farmers and feedlots. Fertilizer Shock Risk: FAO’s chief economist warned that disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could keep spreading into fertilizer and then food prices, with global costs already moving. Crop Disease Breakthrough: Chinese scientists say they’ve identified a “molecular spy” used by rice blast fungus and found a route to greener, broad-spectrum resistance breeding. Farmer Support on the Ground: DPA Auctions teamed with the Missouri Soybean Association to give members valuation tools and access to a wider buyer network. Local Resilience Stories: Palisade peach growers say they largely avoided freeze damage that hit other Western Slope orchards, while Mawab launched a free tractor service for small farmers. Sustainability Push: Ireland and Northern Ireland launched a new all-island sustainability conference focused on land use, soil health, water quality, and climate adaptation.

Farmers’ Exit Signals Crisis in Pakistan Wheat: In Punjab, farmers are leaving wheat as canola and mustard deliver higher returns with less procurement risk—an “arithmetic” verdict after repeated seasons of weak state price support and late liquidity reaching traders. Irrigation Stress in Iraq: In Najaf’s al-Mishkhab, water hyacinth is choking the al-Dubainiya River, threatening farmland and irrigation for thousands of dunams as residents demand urgent action. El Niño Rice Push in Indonesia: Indonesia says rice output should stay stable despite El Niño risk, citing pumping, pipelines, drilled wells, and plans to lift the cropping index while maintaining Bulog reserves. Food Inflation Pressure in the US: CEOs are flagging higher costs across beef, tomatoes, coffee and other inputs, with energy-linked pressures still feeding into food prices. Hurricane Prep Meets Yard Reality (Florida): As peak season nears, guidance focuses on trimming and storm-proofing landscaping to reduce wind damage. South Africa FMD Vaccination Surge: Provinces are urged to speed up vaccination after the first 3.5m FMD vaccine doses arrive, aiming to protect a 14m-cattle national herd.

Rice Affordability Push (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture expanded its P20/kilo rice program to Kalinga, with Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. leading the rollout and distributing nearly P148 million in farm support to boost productivity and stabilize prices. Paddy Water Watch (Malaysia): In Kedah’s Muda irrigation system, reservoir levels improved after cloud seeding and rain, with 65% of paddy areas now ready for planting after Aidiladha as MADA keeps controlled dam releases. Diesel Cost Relief (Malaysia): Malaysia’s agriculture ministry is set to take a proposal to extend subsidised diesel fleet cards to 17,000 agricultural machinery service providers, targeting lower paddy cultivation costs. Vegetable Price Scrutiny (Malaysia): Kelantan vegetable price hikes of up to RM2/kg are being checked, with KPKM ordering an immediate FAMA report and pointing to fertiliser and diesel pressures. Trade & Policy Pressure (Tunisia/Iraq): Tunisia’s cabinet approved grain-harvest and 2026/27 prep, including keeping procurement prices and fire-prevention steps; in Iraq, a lawmaker urged a review of the 2026 summer ag plan over alleged Kurdistan procurement and farmland allocation gaps. Input Costs & Markets (Georgia): Georgia reported higher agricultural unit costs (+5.5% quarter-on-quarter) driven by annual crop and livestock input price increases.