AGP Executive Report

Drought & Water Security: England’s “flash drought” has been declared across parts of the country, with Herefordshire among areas facing rapidly worsening dry conditions, low river flows, higher wildfire risk, and pressure on water for farms. Local Farm Resilience: Canada’s Vernon (with RDNO) has temporarily expanded reclaimed-water irrigation to help North Okanagan farmers through drought while a long-term solution is studied. Food Safety & Local Markets: Michigan launched the “Good Food for Michigan Pledge” to boost Michigan-grown sourcing for schools and health institutions amid rising cyclospora cases. Policy & Trade Logistics: Ukraine, the EU, Moldova and Romania are pushing to keep Solidarity Corridors moving as Russian attacks disrupt port infrastructure, aiming to expand Danube route capacity for agricultural exports. Farm Viability & Youth: Ireland’s cattle and sheep farmers warn generational renewal won’t happen without viable family farms and a CAP focused on farm income. Community Ag Economy: Bucks County Foodshed Alliance is running expanded farm tours spotlighting regenerative growers, while Illinois 4-H continues to build youth participation through its upcoming Experience Auction. Input Costs & Risk Planning: Zimbabwe unveiled a six-pillar drought preparedness plan for 2026/27, factoring in possible El Niño and rising fertilizer and fuel costs.

Pest Control Push: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is rolling out a P35-million Visayas intervention to curb red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) in sugarcane, using drones and chemical supplies across an initial 25,000 hectares. Food Security & Policy: A Philippines report argues that rice and sugar over-importation, cartel manipulation and smuggling have hit farmgate prices hard, with sugar and onion crises cited as examples of weak enforcement hurting farmers. Digital Soil Testing: Punjab (Pakistan) launched “Lab on Wheels,” sending mobile teams to test soil and water on-farm and deliver instant fertilizer and crop recommendations via phone. Livestock Health Debate: An Oxford study links industrial poultry farming to a 100-fold rise in Campylobacter spread, raising concerns about foodborne disease risks. Agrochemical Crackdown: Kyrgyzstan banned three particularly hazardous pesticides—beta-cyfluthrin, bromoxynil octanoate and phenamiphos—after nationwide monitoring of retail sales and product safety. Trade & Exports: Assam (India) flagged off Purabi Dairy’s first ice cream export to Bhutan, aiming to open new markets for local milk producers. Labor Pressure: California growers say immigration raids have left up to 70% of farm workers missing, threatening harvest losses. Water for Farming: An expert warns extreme heat and drought are exposing weak water-storage infrastructure, urging cheaper farm ponds to protect yields and food security.

Water & Inputs Watch: Virginia’s Eastern Shore faces limited groundwater capacity and saltwater risks, with agriculture/irrigation a notable share of withdrawals—raising pressure for tighter rules. Ag Policy & Resilience: USDA opened disaster assistance for Missouri flooding impacts, including livestock and feed-loss support options. Local Food Systems: Illinois awarded nearly $4M in Local Food Infrastructure Grants to expand storage, processing, and distribution for Illinois-grown products. Climate Shock: Telangana urged India’s agriculture ministry to add more workdays and drought-focused livelihood activities under VB-G RAM G as El Niño strains rainfall. Tech for Farmers: Hutchinsons’ Omnia launched “Farm Entity” to let multi-enterprise farms manage compliance and operations as separate trading entities. Ag Innovation & Jobs: Papua New Guinea’s Morobe province is pushing a Wawin SEZ at a farm site to attract investors and create 4,000 jobs, blending manufacturing with agriculture. Market & Trade: Poland is in talks to open the Philippines to Polish apples after phytosanitary compliance. Biodiversity & Pest Control: A Karnataka bat study found one cave species eats 4,100+ insect types, including crop pests and disease-linked mosquitoes. Food Security & Hunger: Nigeria was flagged by FAO/WFP as a critical hunger hotspot, with acute food insecurity projected for millions.

Land Rights & Accountability: A Catholic priest in Quezon, Philippines, challenges President Marcos’ agrarian reform “success” claims, pointing to farmers in Sariaya still facing risk despite CLOAs. Farmer Income Support: Andhra Pradesh, India, finalised a tobacco price stabilisation plan with Rs 188 crore for minimum auction floor rates and compensation. Digital Agriculture: Zimbabwe is rolling out digital monitoring and evaluation to strengthen climate-smart farming and accountability. Mechanisation Push: The Philippines distributed nearly 35,000 farm machines to cut labor costs and postharvest losses, especially for rice. Pest & Chemical Policy: A debate in Philippine sugarcane intensifies over aerial pesticide spraying for RSSI, with critics urging more biological control and farmer support. Trade & Tariffs: Brazil asked the WTO to challenge Trump’s 25% tariffs, with some agricultural exemptions narrowing the hit. Quality & Traceability: Kenya’s honey faces adulteration fears, with experts urging geographical indication to protect authenticity and boost prices. EU Fisheries Governance: EU fisheries ministers meet in Cork to discuss sustainable development and generational renewal in fisheries and aquaculture.

CAP & Farm Policy: Ireland’s CAP debate heats up as Brussels defends cuts and warns governments won’t pay more, while an EU official says blame sits with member states over budget size. Payments & Support: Ireland’s DAFM issued over €22m in scheme payments, including Fuel Income Support and TAMS 3 modernization grants. Animal Health: The US will phase-reopen southern cattle ports for imports from Mexico from Aug. 24 after screwworm controls; Cyprus reports two more FMD units “may” be infected pending tests. Biosecurity & Protests: Dutch farmers staged tractor protests against nitrogen reduction plans, demanding withdrawal of the cabinet package. Food Security & Markets: Malaysia’s Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 topped targets with RM1.93m sales and 72,477 visitors; Nigeria’s traders report rain-flood pressure pushing up vegetable prices. Rural Women & Innovation: Applications opened for Ireland’s ACORNS 12 peer-learning programme for rural female entrepreneurs. Climate Risk: Albania warns climate change could cut farm output by up to $900m by 2050. Community & Training: Maryland’s NourishMD grants nearly $4m to expand fresh-food access in food deserts.

Farm Safety: Australia’s WFI-backed Farmsafe Australia report flags a rising injury toll, with livestock-related claims up 40% and farm deaths still highest by industry, driven by tractors/quad bikes and animal hits. Food Security & Policy: Canada weighs how the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak affects imported-produce risk and broader food-system resilience. Water & Crops: India’s Eluru district keeps steady Kharif paddy transplanting thanks to canal releases, with over 1 lakh acres relying on irrigation. Agri Finance: Zimbabwe’s POSB launches a US$22.5m farm mechanisation fund with concessionary rates to boost yields and cut costs. Trade & Logistics: Cambodia’s fresh durian exports to China hit 5,738 tonnes in 2026’s first seven months after a faster overland route through Laos. Land Use Conflict: UK planners reject a bungalow on farmland in Fleggburgh after residents cite loss of agricultural land and rural impacts. Sustainable Agrifood: Philippines’ Lake Sebu is recognized as the country’s first FAO Village for conserving heirloom rice, with new funding to expand its rice museum and seed bank. Public Health Risk: Zimbabwean farmers are accused of illegally mixing HIV drugs (ARVs) into chicken feed, raising concerns for human health and drug resistance. Environment & Farming: UK peatland experts warn funding cuts could create a “cliff edge” for specialized restoration teams.

Cambodia–China Trade: Cambodia exported 5,738 tonnes of fresh durian to China in Jan–July 2026 after China’s direct access approval and faster overland logistics via Laos, cutting transit to about five days. Climate Risk & Food Security: Africa could face a $10bn–$20bn economic hit from a potential “super” El Niño, with knock-on threats to food and water security. Bangladesh Agri Jobs Push: Bangladesh’s agriculture leaders urged students to back agri-based entrepreneurship, product diversification, innovation and more research to strengthen food security. Iraq Fish Stocks: Iraq says hatchery programs produced 1.54m native fish (2023–2025) to boost domestic supply and support food security, with fish exports launched globally for the first time in June. Nigeria Post-Harvest Losses: Nigeria loses 30–40m tonnes of food yearly due to weak cold storage and refrigerated transport, driving higher prices and hurting farmers—cold-chain investment is flagged as the fix. UK Planning & Solar: Wales may adopt “rooftops before fields” for solar, pushing back against large ground-mounted solar on prime farmland. Kenya Livestock & Vet Trade: Kenya secured the right to host the 2028 World Veterinary Association Congress, aiming to boost animal health, food safety and livestock market confidence. Africa Water Infrastructure: Zimbabwe’s Gwayi-Shangani Dam is about 67.5% complete, but funding gaps could delay completion. Wildfire Preparedness: Ontario’s farm group warns every farm is vulnerable to emergencies and urges stronger wildfire and disaster planning.

Rural Infrastructure Boost (Fiji): A new $460,000, 10-kilometre farm road in Macuata is set to improve market access and cut transport friction for more than 200 farmers, with officials framing it as a pathway to investment and small-business growth. Agri-Entrepreneurship Push (Fiji): A former LDS missionary urges young Fijians to treat farming as a business, pointing to demand abroad for premium crops like turmeric, ginger and dalo. Policy & Innovation Spotlight (US): Pennsylvania’s Ag Progress Days (Aug. 11-13) will feature government and industry discussions on ag innovation, including a new FIRA robotics exhibit. Pesticide Backlash (France): French beekeepers are furious after parliament reauthorised two pesticides they say threaten bee survival, arguing the move undermines biodiversity. Climate Pressure (Europe): Another extreme heat surge is stressing Europe’s rivers and agriculture, with wildfires, storms and safety risks rising. Flood Risk (Pakistan): Pakistan’s NDMA warns monsoon-driven river swelling could bring medium flooding and flash floods in coming days. Farm Safety & Livestock (India): Uttarakhand reports paddy transplantation picking up again in Rudraprayag as farmers return to traditional cultivation with seeds and bio-input support. Market Signals (Pakistan): Farmers’ groups demand earlier wheat policy and support-price clarity ahead of sowing, warning uncertainty could hit production and food security. Soil & Biodiversity Rules (UK): A UK rule change will exempt some small farm developments from parts of biodiversity net gain requirements, aiming to reduce cost and delays. Power & Rural Costs (Philippines): Opposition lawmakers warn the US-backed Pax Silica economic zone could require about 5 gigawatts and worsen electricity strain, potentially raising rates. Agritech Expansion (Malaysia): Malaysia’s Qarbotech says its carbon quantum dot photosynthesis enhancer is now used by about 7,500 farmers worldwide, with pilots underway in Japan and plans to expand distribution.

Food Security Push (Asia): Malaysia’s Labuan urged greenhouse farming to cut its heavy reliance on Sabah imports, after local production was cited at just 10% of needs. Rehab Through Farming (Africa): Sierra Leone’s “Farming on Crutches” trains amputees to rebuild livelihoods via small farms, livestock and beekeeping. Input Support (Africa): Kaduna, Nigeria launched free fertilizer for 150,000 farmers plus mechanisation to raise yields and blunt climate and cost pressures. Water Planning (US): Kansas opened public consult meetings on water conservation, quality and long-term funding priorities. Water Safety (US): Georgia officials urged private well owners to test annually to prevent contamination. Policy Pressure (US): Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed calls for a special session to regulate data centers over water and grid risks. Disaster Aid (US): New York won USDA disaster designation for frost/freeze losses, unlocking low-interest emergency loans for fruit growers. Pest Control (Global): Scientists are testing an upgraded genetic approach to stop the screwworm, aiming to speed eradication and reduce livestock harm. Market/Price Signals (US/Global): USDA expects US grocery food prices to rise about 2.7% this year, keeping pressure on household budgets. Local Ag Culture: South Cotabato, Philippines funded a Rice Museum and Community Seed Bank to preserve traditional varieties.

US-Philippines Trade: The Philippines says it can reapply to resume blue swimming crab exports to the US after Washington allowed market-access reapplication, with a submission planned by September and hopes for approval before yearend, tied to dolphin bycatch monitoring compliance. Food Security & Farm Performance: A Philippine farmers’ group grades the Marcos administration’s agriculture push as weak, citing stagnant rice yields and rising import dependence. Court & Agrarian Funds: The Sandiganbayan convicts Janet Lim-Napoles and a former DAR official over alleged diversion of P50M meant for farm input assistance, ordering restitution. Farm Infrastructure in Pampanga: President Marcos inaugurates a P71M rice processing system aimed at cutting postharvest costs for 30,000 farmers, plus livelihood and emergency response projects. Cattle Trade Restart: Mexico’s president says the US will resume Mexican cattle exports after the screwworm ban, with shipments expected in late August. Pesticide Safety: Yemen’s Dhamar runs a field campaign warning against indiscriminate pesticide use and health/environment impacts. Market Watch: Andhra’s Rayalaseema tomato prices swing with arrivals and demand, with heavy supplies in peak season. Right to Repair: Deere reaches a right-to-repair settlement requiring access to diagnostic and repair tools for farmers and independent shops. Water Stress: India’s Cauvery delta faces triple blows as groundwater drops, salinity rises, and Mettur water remains elusive.

Water & Crops: Iraq’s Diyala orchards in Mandali are reviving after river flows from Iran returned, with officials expecting a ~20% output boost for citrus, dates and other crops. Invasive Species: Iraq is mapping the spread of African catfish, saying eradication is impossible and outlining a national management plan with monitoring, targeted fishing and public awareness. Flood Relief: India’s Assam floods have hit agriculture and livestock across 11 districts; the Centre says a high-level team will visit to assess damage and recommend more support. Policy & Markets: Fiji’s PM says privatisation of the Fiji Sugar Corporation remains an option, but reforms and consultations with sugarcane farmers come first as the SOE faces insolvency. Trade Pressure: US trade veteran Robert Lighthizer argues agriculture “bears the brunt” of global protectionism, citing how countries shield essential farm sectors. Food Systems & Tech: Kenya’s Lake Victoria aquaculture is expanding with floating cages, boosting fish supply and livelihoods. Farm Finance: US Farm Bureau analysis warns 2027 could bring deeper losses for major crops as costs stay volatile. Dairy Outlook: USDA’s WASDE trims milk price forecasts for 2026–27 while adjusting production estimates. Local Food Culture: Indiana’s Local Food Week spotlights farm business logistics, not just farm-to-fork ideals.

Agricultural TVET & jobs: Malaysia reports employment for agriculture TVET graduates rising from 61% (2018) to 76% (2024), with those working in agriculture earning slightly more than peers outside the sector, though overall outcomes still lag the national TVET average. Animal welfare in dairy: A new award-winning documentary, “A Dairy Story,” spotlights a commercial model keeping cows and calves together, with a Norwich preview and Q&A featuring industry leaders and a Norfolk farmer. UAE dates push: Sharjah’s 10th Al Dhaid Date Festival runs July 23–26 with expanded exhibitor space, new date varieties in contests, and workshops aimed at more sustainable date farming. Seed & biosecurity policy: Angola moves to strengthen protection for new seed varieties, while Nepal tightens entry rules for fresh mangoes from China to block high-risk pests. Farm resilience & training: Zimbabwean farmers are urged to fully adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa for the 2026/27 season, and Pakistan’s PARC signs on with FAMSUN to create a technology display park to speed agricultural innovation. US fertilizer & timber investment: USDA opens major fertilizer investment support via its FIELDS program and announces $80m in guaranteed loans to expand timber processing in Nevada and Oregon. Livestock health staffing: Nigeria’s Rivers State veterinary group calls for more vets, better diagnostics, and rehabilitated abattoirs to strengthen animal health and food safety. Market & food support: Louisiana activates D-SNAP for Tropical Storm Arthur-affected parishes, while Minnesota offers free nitrate well-water testing at Farmfest.

Farmland Protection: Frederick County, Maryland approved permanent preservation of four Rocky Ridge farms, adding 704 acres and bringing its Installment Purchase Program total to 24,959 acres. Dairy Economics: Ireland’s milk volumes dipped about 1.5% in May as farmgate prices fell, with fuel and feed disruptions cited by AHDB. Invasive Pests: Spotted lanternfly was confirmed in Kanawha County, West Virginia, marking the 22nd county in the state with detections. Livestock Health Crisis: A federal roadblock halted a proposed Bee County screwworm facility, even as Texas and Mexico report soaring case numbers. Drought Impacts: North Wales saw parts declared in drought or “prolonged dry weather,” with reported effects on wildlife, fisheries, farming and peatlands. Policy & Incentives: The EPA floated linking farm succession support to nature restoration, potentially trading reduced farming activity for up-front payments. Trade & Tech: China aims to lift grain capacity to 725 million tonnes by 2030, emphasizing seeds, machinery and AI. Market Tools: Farmers Business Network launched FBN Market Intelligence with an AI crop price outlook for corn and soybeans.

Fertiliser Access & Prices: Pakistan’s federal and Punjab agriculture ministers met to keep urea supply steady and prices affordable ahead of the crop season, with the federal minister rejecting claims of shortages. Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry: Sri Lanka’s antibiotic-free poultry producer New Anthoney’s is pushing back against routine antibiotic use in farming, arguing the science supports safer practices. Farm Safety & Incomes: Ireland’s farm fatalities data highlights tractors and livestock as major risk sources, while Irish farm-income outlooks warn 2026 will bring tighter margins after higher input costs and lower output prices. Land-Use Certainty: New Zealand’s Waikato farmers are pressing for clarity on Plan Change 1, after Minister Chris Bishop hinted at further amendments. Policy & Compliance for Ag Land: USDA’s proposed AFIDA overhaul could expand reporting for foreign interests tied to U.S. agricultural land and infrastructure, raising stakes for developers. Local Extension & Training: India’s Jharkhand plans “Krishak Pathshala” farmer schools in every district to boost modern practices and extension. Market & Trade: China’s Tianjin Port welcomed the first shipment of certified Beef-on-Track from Brazil, with more bulk arrivals expected next. Ag Events & Community: Dorset’s Bere Marsh Farm is launching a summer programme blending wildlife, farming and workshops, while Maine’s Open Farm Day invites visitors onto working farms.

Coconut Value Push (Indonesia): Indonesia’s agriculture ministry targets 151,554 hectares for coconut downstream production in 2026, backed by about 427 billion rupiah for seeds, organic fertilizer, and land-prep support. Fuel Relief (Ireland): Ireland has started paying the Fuel Income Support Scheme—€20.7m to 29,464 farmers and contractors (avg €600 for farmers, €4,000 for contractors) covering March–July fuel-cost pressure. Fertiliser Crunch Fears (India): Odisha farmers report urea/DAP shortages and alleged diversion amid kharif sowing; officials cite alternative nutrient plans like ammonium sulphate and complex fertilisers. Livestock Market Support (Namibia): Namibia is preparing a US$5.5m livestock price equalisation fund for northern communal farmers to narrow the north–south price gap. Disease Watch (Croatia): Croatia confirms two new African swine fever outbreaks, with authorities stepping up wild boar culling. Trade & Exports (Canada): Canada commits over US$4m to beef promotion under its AgriMarketing program to expand export reach. Young Farmers Pipeline (EU): A €6m Horizon Europe project led by the James Hutton Institute aims to bring more young people—especially women—into farming careers. Climate Adaptation (Telangana): Telangana reports groundwater down about 1 metre under El Niño and plans to shift acreage toward drought-tolerant crops. Ag Tech Insight (Satellite Farming): Satellite monitoring is helping farmers compare crop conditions against past seasons to spot emerging risks. Market Signals (US Ethanol): US ethanol blending rose week-on-week, with inventories slightly higher, pointing to steady demand.

Fisheries Infrastructure: Philippines’ DA chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. inspected a new 60-metric-ton ice plant at Bulan Fish Port, saying it will cut post-harvest losses and protect catch value, with plans to expand the site into a five-hectare agro-marine industrial port by 2028. Food Safety & Industry Trust: US regulators and Taylor Farms clash over the cyclosporiasis outbreak response, after a disputed FDA “apology” claim was posted then deleted, reigniting scrutiny of recall timing and lab findings. Farmer Support Funding: The Trump administration seeks $11.1B in farm aid, including $10B for 2026 economic assistance and $1.1B for freeze recovery, as costs and income pressures mount. Program Rollout in Nigeria: Nigeria received the final report for the $500m World Bank AGROW value-chain programme, with VP Kashim Shettima saying it will link farmers to national planning and scale agriculture. Global Hunger Watch: IFAD warns conflicts and energy shocks could push millions more into hunger even as hunger declines modestly. Pesticide Politics (France): France’s emergency farm law reauthorizing two pesticides triggers a ministerial resignation threat, underscoring the policy fight over farm chemicals. Crop Theft (Sri Lanka): Planters’ Association of Ceylon calls organised theft of high-value crops a serious economic threat, warning it deters investment and hurts exports.