AGP Executive Report

Fuel squeeze for farmers: Diesel prices are hitting record highs as harvest nears, with U.S. states and lawmakers pushing to ease rules on untaxed/off-road diesel; Minnesota also expanded weight limits to cut fuel use, while Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner urged an energy emergency to suspend dyed-diesel limits. Policy and budgets: The Philippines’ House panel approved extra 16B pesos for the Department of Agriculture, including more fertilizer help and solar pump irrigation funding, as El Niño fears grow. EU aid delays: Hungary is eligible for EU crisis aid for fuel and fertilizer costs, but farmers say the emergency payments haven’t reached them yet. On-farm risks and disasters: A farmer couple died after touching an electrified fence in India’s Rajanna Sircilla; Arkansas urged strict smoke management as harvest residue burning accelerates; heavy rains flooded Hatch chile fields, threatening major losses. Productivity and value: Zimbabwe’s agriculture minister urged farmers to move beyond raw sales into value addition and aggregation; Rwanda’s CDAT project is boosting onion output and incomes. Tech for agriculture: A Spanish study found cheap soil moisture sensors often underperform, while mid-range probes can deliver better precision irrigation results. Aquaculture and training: Manipur trained about 170 fish farmers in integrated fish farming, and Japan funded a rice post-harvest facility in Kumalarang to stabilize supply.

El Niño & drought relief: The Philippines’ House panel approved an extra P16B for the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and fisherfolk brace for super El Niño, including more fertilizer support and solar pump irrigation funding. Local agribusiness capacity: In Zambales, the DA and KOICA broke ground on an Agribusiness Incubation Center to give marginal farmers shared processing, training, mentoring, and market links. Fuel cost pressure: Indiana lawmakers backed Gov. Braun’s move to suspend off-road diesel restrictions for harvest hauling, while Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner urged similar action for untaxed diesel; Missouri also temporarily allowed red-dyed diesel on state highways and raised weight limits for farm transport. Drought insurance & grain policy: Kazakhstan reported 517.4k hectares insured and paid 5.1B tenge under drought coverage, alongside instructions to finish harvesting on time. Soil & regenerative research: Michigan State University is studying how regenerative practices affect soil water movement to help farmers make better decisions. Animal health compensation: Bulgaria approved up to EUR 1.8M to compensate small ruminant farmers hit by sheep and goat pox restrictions. Market & trade signals: Wisconsin opened Export Expansion Grant applications (deadline Nov. 4) to grow dairy, meat, and crop exports, and USDA reported pork export sales above average with beef also up week-to-week.

Drought & crop losses: Maharashtra’s drought-hit farming belt is in crisis, with two farmer suicides reported within 24 hours after failed crops and mounting loans, while Nashik says prolonged dry spells have affected 72 revenue circles and put Kharif crops at risk. Drought relief & inspections: In Dhule, a guardian minister inspected stunted cotton and failed maize, urging priority action on drinking water, fodder, and water-resource planning. Onion procurement scrutiny: Nashik authorities have set up an inquiry into alleged onion procurement irregularities, asking farmers to submit complaints and documents as heavy rains also destroyed onion fields in Vijayanagara’s Huvina Hadagali and Uttangi. Fuel-cost pressure: Indiana extended gas tax relief and suspended dyed-diesel restrictions for farmers during harvest, as U.S. officials hinted at more fuel relief amid record diesel prices. Farm income diversification: Utah farmers can apply for Airbnb’s Farm to Stay grants (up to $10,000) to launch or sustain farm stays. Policy & payments: England’s SFI 2026 funding ran out in under six hours, leaving some farmers shut out and sparking calls for a fairer next round. Industry support: Olam Agri Ghana donated GH¢100,000 toward Ghana’s 42nd National Farmers’ Day, and a Ghana committee urged a National Agriculture Development Fund to speed food-systems transformation.

Fuel Relief & Policy: Arkansas and Indiana extended dyed-diesel and gas-tax relief for farmers and loggers as diesel and gasoline costs bite into harvest budgets, with Arkansas suspending on-road dyed-diesel penalties and Indiana easing dyed-diesel restrictions for farm-related work. Mental Health in Farming: A University of Arkansas survey found high anxiety and depression rates among Arkansas farmers and ranchers, highlighting stress pressures and the lack of a statewide system to reach producers for health research. Livestock Facility Fight: A neighboring landowner appealed Lafayette County’s approval of a new livestock facility in Wisconsin, arguing setback, odor-score, and manure-volume calculations were wrong; a state review board will consider public “statements of position” through Oct. 30. Trade Pressure on Crops: U.S. soybean farmers said they’re disappointed after Trump-Xi talks didn’t deliver extra China tariff relief, with soybeans dropping and growers estimating major per-acre margin hits. Food Prices & Markets: Guyana plans weekly farmers’ markets to cut middlemen markups blamed for high produce prices, while also pushing livestock expansion with more pregnant heifers expected. Climate Risk Planning: Zambia urged farmers to prepare for El Niño with drought-tolerant seeds, conservation farming, and better water management; in Tamil Nadu, Samba farmers demanded drought-hit status and Rs 15,000/acre relief as water shortages persist. Agritech & Resilience: NASA and partners advanced plans for lunar crop-growing tech, and Rodale Institute released a state-by-state organic market “toolkit” for U.S. producers.

Policy & Regulation: ACT says it will set national standards for core farming activities and the method councils use to set freshwater limits, aiming to cut costly red tape for routine farm work. Drought & Water Security: Maharashtra’s drought cabinet panel ordered banks not to visit farmers for loan recovery and directed a 10% urban water cut while preserving supplies; in Afghanistan’s Zabul, residents and farmers report falling groundwater and long walks for drinking water. Animal & Livestock: A Nigeria cattle rearers group urged the North-East Development Commission to partner on job creation and agriculture; in Sri Lanka, an elephant was electrocuted by an unauthorised electric fence and a farmer was arrested. Farm Economics & Inputs: South Africa’s diesel refund system now requires farmers to reregister on a new digital platform, while current VAT-linked claims continue during the transition. Nutrition & Crops: Tanzania released three vitamin A-rich banana varieties; in Bangladesh, pesticide-free bitter gourd yields look strong but low prices disappoint farmers. Agriculture Support & Tech: Nairobi’s trade fair spotlights climate-smart tech like drones; Ghana’s Bono region targets 1.2m tonnes of maize for 2026. Food Systems & Safety: WFP support in Zambia backs smallholder resilience and nutrition goals, and U.S. farm safety week highlights harvest-season risks.

Agriculture Policy & Prices: Kyrgyzstan’s agriculture ministry faced questions after meat hit 800–1,000 soms/kg, with officials saying pasture beef costs far less and announcing more state meat sales points plus livestock facility restoration. Livestock Health: Wisconsin confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County, with deer also testing positive; officials stress fly control and fast vet diagnosis. Farm Inputs & Compliance: Telangana’s Chigurumamidi mandal carried out surprise checks at fertiliser shops, warning dealers against overcharging and pushing farmers to demand proper bills and bag details. Fuel Cost Relief: An Indiana lawmaker is urging dyed/red diesel relief during harvest, arguing current rules leave farmers paying more on-road fuel taxes. Ag Education & Community: Missouri’s FFA Foundation awarded $20,000 to expand the Carthage School Farm outdoor classroom, while Kentucky State University’s Ag Roundup drew about 1,600 students to hands-on ag and STEM learning. Water & Environment Funding: New York set aside about $25M for farm water-quality conservation projects under its nonpoint source program. Market & Trade: Minnesota’s AG said a Corteva settlement could lower pesticide costs by ending a loyalty program that steered buyers away from cheaper generics. Digital Ag & Development: Azerbaijan and the World Bank discussed a CRAIS project to boost irrigation and agricultural services, while Ethiopia’s digital public infrastructure push included work with its agriculture and identity/payment teams.

Trade & Farm Security: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung vowed to directly consult farmers and fill a 1 trillion won gap as CPTPP worries mount after analysis warned agriculture, forestry and fisheries could lose about 850 billion won over 15 years. Drought Politics: Maharashtra opposition leader Rohit Pawar said farmers and ag labourers will block the Mumbai–Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway Oct 12–15 unless drought relief is announced, citing crop losses of about Rs 77,000 crore. Weather Risk: South Africa issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail and local flooding across several inland provinces. Farm Tech Tensions: In Punjab, villagers protested drone surveys tied to rail land mapping, fearing land pooling and corporatisation. Food Security Funding: FAO urged more funding for Sudan as El Niño threatens food security, focusing on staple crops, livestock health and animal feed. Research Priorities: Illinois Soybean Association’s Growing Concerns Survey seeks farmer input to steer checkoff-funded research, with weed management topping the latest list. Policy Planning: India’s agriculture ministry began contingency planning for possible deficient-rainfall rabi season, emphasizing water management, fertiliser and crop choices. Animal Health: New Zealand revealed a revised dairy welfare code, including calf feeding standards and rules around thin calves and electrified backing gates. Co-ops & Markets: India’s NCCF reported turnover up 68% to Rs 13,908 crore, with major pulse and oilseed procurement benefiting millions of farmers.

Climate Risk Prep: Philippines’ DA Mimaropa is building a ₱147m El Niño support package for Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, including seed, fertilizer, planting materials, machinery and a fuel subsidy of ₱5,000 for eligible farmers. Fuel & Input Pressure: Ireland’s ICSA warns rising fuel costs are becoming unsustainable and urges Budget 2027 action, while Macra calls to double the fuel support payment to 40c/l and reopen the scheme for more young farmers. Grain Prices & Markets: Ireland’s Tirlán set 2026 barley at €220/t and wheat at €230/t with bonuses, and Athenry Mart saw lamb prices jump to €220–€225. Trade & Food Safety: The EU confirmed a no-Brazil-beef-for-two-years stance after the hormone oestradiol 17ß issue, while US and China agreed tariff cuts on $60bn of goods including some agriculture. EU Farm Policy: EU ministers moved toward a post-2027 CAP deal, pushing for simpler rules and more flexibility. Farm Tech & Efficiency: USDA research says more accurate sprayers could cut chemical costs by 30–85% by reducing drift and waste. Drought & Relief: Maharashtra said drought-hit farmers won’t get immediate cash until crop-loss assessments are completed. Biofuels Demand: EPA renewable volume obligations are boosting biodiesel/renewable diesel output and lifting demand for soybeans.

Drought Relief Pressure (India): NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has urged Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to deliver immediate drought help, including a full waiver of farm and allied loans, land-revenue and electricity bill relief, and direct aid of ₹1 lakh per hectare, after the state declared 265 talukas drought-hit and began crop inspections. Crop Protection & Inputs (Kenya/UK/Middle East): Kenya’s KALRO is testing heat- and drought-tolerant cowpea, pasture and fodder varieties in Wajir under a World Bank-backed resilience push; England farmers are warning that bluetongue vaccine delays can cost ewes, after one farm lost 15%; and Bahrain opened applications for subsidised urea fertiliser via a GPIC-backed partnership. Invasive Pest Alert (US): Michigan confirmed spotted lanternfly in Berrien County, urging grape growers and others to stay vigilant as heavy infestations can stress crops. Agri Innovation & Value Chains (Congo/Caribbean): In Mindouli, Congo, Unicongo advisers say the “Germe” business-management method is helping smallholders track profits and improve sales; FAO also trained coconut producers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to boost yields and pest control. Market & Livestock Signals (UK): UK livestock auction coverage highlighted rising lamb and heifer prices, including a top £136 Texel lamb sale and a heifer hitting £3800. Agri Policy & Trade (EU/Global): Bulgaria’s agriculture minister will attend EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council talks on CAP support after 2027 and fisheries rules, while Australia’s exporters are preparing for the EU deforestation regulation from year-end.

Drought Relief & Local Aid: Maharashtra says it will extend all possible help to drought-hit farmers after declaring 265 talukas drought-affected, with loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions and continued waiver processing. Crop Loss Pressure: Farmers in Kalaburagi face a double bind as crop losses and loan notices pile up, while heavy rain and rainfall deficits keep harvests uncertain across regions. Livestock Health & Disease Response: Namibia’s farmers are urged to follow foot-and-mouth protocols as an FMD outbreak response calls for emergency funding, culling on infected farms and compensation. Trade & Market Signals: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture proposes a phased increase in imported pork duties to protect hog prices, while Kansas groups warn ICE raids in southwest Kansas could disrupt the beef supply chain. Farm Security & Tech: In India’s Pune region, pomegranate thieves are being deterred with solar and night-vision CCTV, and Ghana’s Complete Farmer partnership aims to grow and export 500+ acres of organic sesame. Policy & Governance: Texas and other lawmakers highlight agriculture priorities amid rising costs and stress, while Kansas farmers push for “re-humanized” immigration policy to protect farm labor stability.

Climate Risk & Water Shortages: Philippines’ El Niño is now hitting 14 of 18 regions, with the agriculture sector reporting about P6.87bn in damage and 223,214 farmers affected, while India’s “slower warming” is linked to aerosols and cloud cover masking heat. Drought & Flood Impacts: India’s heavy rains have killed at least 18 people in 48 hours and damaged crops, and Tamil Nadu’s delta farmers are still waiting as Mettur dam releases far exceed inflow, delaying samba planting. Farm Economics & Prices: California wine country growers say falling wine demand has crushed grape sales, pushing some to consider tearing out vineyards; South Africa’s onion prices remain extremely high even as carrots and tomatoes ease. Policy & Support for Farmers: India plans a Rabi 2026 conference to strengthen Centre–State coordination; Ghana’s agriculture ministry signed an MoU for a $50m fertiliser blending plant; Kyrgyzstan is moving toward fully online farmer lending via “iDyikan.” Livestock & Animal Health: Ireland highlights lameness costs up to €5,000–€15,000 per year; South Africa faces rising black-backed jackal predation; Teagasc beef mart events focus on weanling performance. Rural Infrastructure & Services: Davao Oriental is breaking ground on an 8.5km farm-to-market road to improve banana transport. On-the-ground Safety & Community: A farmer was hacked to death in Bangladesh’s Narail after a drug-use dispute, underscoring rural security pressures.

Diesel squeeze on farms and food supply chains: Diesel prices pushed above $6 a gallon in the US, with Michigan farm diesel also jumping, forcing trucking and farm operators to add surcharges or cut margins. Drought preparedness and water stress: Fiji’s agriculture minister urged farmers to store water, manage livestock early, and plan for prolonged Super El Niño dry conditions. Maharashtra drought relief ramps up: India declared 265 talukas drought-hit, triggering land revenue waivers, crop-loan recovery pauses, and electricity concessions for agricultural pumps. Uganda fertilizer subsidy controversy: Farmers questioned whether “free” fertilizer is truly free after Uganda’s government fertilizer programme required a 30% beneficiary contribution and raised concerns over allocation and supplier quality. Crop damage from heavy rain: In India’s Madhya Pradesh, continuous rain waterlogged soybean and urad fields, with calls for impartial surveys and compensation; elsewhere, storms disrupted crops and power in Uttar Pradesh. Agriculture investment and infrastructure: Namibia’s pension fund urged more direct investment in agriculture and water projects; Indiana’s Superior Ag broke ground on a new fertilizer terminal to expand high-capacity distribution for regional farmers. Market and education boosts: Egypt’s new applied agricultural technology school is being launched with Saskatchewan Polytechnic support; Bahrain marked Arab Agriculture Day with more farm plots, training, and farmers’ market activity.

Drought & water stress: Maharashtra reported an 18.8% rainfall deficit, with major crop losses and protests as officials plan crop-damage surveys. In India’s Cauvery delta, delayed canal flows are pushing farmers to postpone samba cultivation. Subsidies & farm support: Wales boosted advance farm payments from 70% to 80% and extended slurry/manure spreading to Nov 15 to help drought-hit grass and reduce overflow risks. Karnataka announced Rs 2,500 input subsidies for drought-hit farmers (first phase Rs 1,250 crore). Policy friction: Estonia is cracking down on “empty planting” schemes where farmers chase vegetable subsidies without harvesting. In England, Wales’ slurry rules and England’s SFI closure both show how timing and paperwork can derail farm plans. Markets & income: Punjab’s early paddy maturity is colliding with late procurement, raising fears of distress sales below MSP. Karnataka’s GI-tagged Gulbarga tur dal export to the Maldives is paying farmers 30% more. Costs hitting production: Record diesel prices tied to the Iran conflict are squeezing farms and the food supply chain across the US. Livestock & biosecurity: Missouri urged poultry owners to strengthen defenses against avian influenza during fall migration. Innovation & sustainability: IIIT-Delhi researchers built an AI satellite dataset to monitor crops and predict yields; Zambia piloted urine-diverting toilets turning human waste into fertiliser. Agriculture & climate security: ECOWAS lawmakers warned climate-driven land and water shrink is intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and displacement.

Diesel shock hits farms and food logistics: Diesel prices above $6 a gallon are squeezing U.S. farmers and truckers, forcing fuel surcharges and raising harvest costs. UK SFI funding rush: England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme saw farmers scramble as the £253m-style pot was exhausted within hours, with new applications paused until 2027. Beef supply chain disruption: Cattle groups in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma warn ICE enforcement is delaying cattle shipments and could push beef prices higher. Rain and harvest stress: Heavy rain and gales damaged crops across India’s Andhra Pradesh (tens of thousands of hectares) and delayed North Iowa soybean harvest, raising loss concerns. Poultry and disease watch: Manitoba reports avian influenza detections in wild birds and poultry, with biosecurity urged during fall migration. Farm safety milestone: Case Farms’ Farmerville facility hit 1 million man-hours without a lost-time accident. Policy and support moves: Ireland’s Beef Welfare Scheme drew 24,821 applications; New York announced new Climate Resilient Farming and school food infrastructure funding. Tech for farm efficiency: An AI tail-injury sorter for pigs and a soil aeration “Aeropod” aim to cut labor and improve welfare and soil health.

Climate & Water Stress: Philippines researchers warn “Super El Niño” could drive major heat impacts, while drought is cracking fields in Agusan del Sur and leaving farmers waiting on rain. Policy & Farm Finance: UK farmers face backlash after the SFI scheme closed in about six hours, and Bulgaria’s agriculture minister says high-fuel relief is designed to reach more than just big producers. Fuel Costs: Louisiana declares a diesel emergency to help farmers and loggers use dyed fuel without fines during harvest. Drought Relief in India: Karnataka urges the Centre to waive farmers’ loans, and Maharashtra promises crop insurance and loan waivers after dry spells damage kharif crops. Risk & Water Rights: Idaho farmers sue over groundwater curtailments tied to connected surface-water rights. Livestock & Biosecurity: South Africa will let private firms manufacture FMD vaccines using ARC IP to expand supply. Agritourism as a Lifeline: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust offer grants up to $10,000 for “Farm to Stay” upgrades as farm incomes come under pressure. Poultry Profit Squeeze: Bangladesh poultry farmers report rising feed, medicine, and electricity costs while chicken prices fall. Research & Sustainability: Tasmania launches a “Closing the Clover Gap” program to cut synthetic nitrogen and methane intensity in dairy systems. Local Governance: Ontario’s agriculture federation urges farmers to engage municipal decision-makers on roads, drainage, and land use.

Drought Relief in India: Maharashtra’s Shinde toured Akola’s dry-hit villages, saying tur and soybean losses will be met with financial assistance after rainfall deficits. Water Politics: Telangana pressed Karnataka to release Krishna River water; after protests, sluice gates were opened to send water into Jurala canals. Farm Support Funding: England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) closed in under six hours as £233m/£253m budgets were snapped up fast, leaving many farmers shut out. Input Cost Pressure: Iowa farmers urged diesel relief as prices surged during harvest, warning costs are compounding into major stress. Ag Tech for Profit + Planet: Manitoba farmers are using soil sampling and variable-rate fertilizer to cut impacts while protecting margins. Trade + Biosecurity Risk: Hokkaido potato growers fear lifting Japan’s U.S. fresh-potato ban could spread long-lasting pests like potato cyst nematodes. Labor and Processing: Australia’s National Farmers Federation struck a deal to speed backpacker visa processing to ease harvest workforce gaps. Food Safety + Water: Researchers found bacteria in some Adelaide rainwater tanks, with many households using tank water for drinking and cooking.