AGP Executive Report

Rising Costs: A California Farm Bureau survey of more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers found high diesel prices are squeezing operations: three-quarters report greater financial stress, and 40% have cut field work. Farm Technology: Xinjiang’s cotton sector is expanding drone use and other smart-farming tools; the region produced 92.8% of China’s cotton in 2025. Conflict Prevention: Fodder plots and fish farming are helping ease farmer-herder tensions in a Katsina community by keeping livestock away from crops. Investment: Liberia is seeking investors for a US$370 million agriculture portfolio, led by rice, cocoa, cassava and maize projects to boost local food production. Climate Pressure: El Niño-linked dry spells have caused an estimated 6.8 billion pesos in Philippine agricultural damage, while Maharashtra declared 305 talukas drought-hit and announced ₹5,000 in aid per farmer. Sugarcane Dispute: Karnataka growers are continuing protests despite a new central panel to review pricing and other demands, including a higher cane price.

Drought Relief: Maharashtra will pay farmers ₹5,000 each before Diwali as drought spreads, with the state estimating a ₹6,000-crore cost. The aid has drawn criticism from farmers and opposition leaders. Farm Costs: US farmer sentiment weakened in September as input costs reached a record concern for 52% of respondents; the overall barometer fell to 123. Trade and Production: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soy to Barbados and aims to meet domestic livestock-feed needs, after previously importing about US$40 million of the crops annually. Water Security: Jamaica’s agriculture minister is at an international irrigation congress in France, seeking ways to expand irrigation and advance a project in St. Elizabeth. Sugarcane Returns: India has formed a panel to review growers’ demands, including higher returns and sugar pricing. EU Integration: Ukraine says it is ready to discuss transition periods and safeguards as its agricultural sector moves toward closer EU integration.

Sugarcane Dispute: Farmers’ protests over cane and ethanol prices have disrupted the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway, with growers demanding higher payments and warning the agitation could widen. Flood Damage: Rice farmers in Ghana’s Weta district say floods destroyed fields and livelihoods across an irrigation scheme serving 1,203 registered farmers; the government has promised rehabilitation and support. Harvest Pressure: Iowa’s wet September has left corn harvest 20 percentage points behind its five-year average and soybean harvest 28 points behind, though recent dry weather helped crews make progress. Climate Risks: Peru has cut its 2026 Hass avocado export forecast by 1.7% from last year, citing El Niño’s impact on fruit size and harvest timing. In Tonga, an agricultural scientist says tracking soil moisture could give farmers earlier warning of drought. Farm Investment: Sri Lankan lenders are promoting solar-powered irrigation and machinery financing, aiming to help farmers cut fuel costs and improve productivity.

Biofuel Markets: EPA proposed reallocating refinery exemptions to protect biofuel demand, a move farm and ethanol groups say could preserve markets for U.S. crops; the oil industry objected. Harvest Costs: Minnesota diesel prices topped $6 a gallon, nearly $3 above a year ago, adding to farmers’ harvest bills. El Niño Readiness: Tanzania ordered timely delivery of seeds, fertilizer and farm advice ahead of forecast rains. In South Africa, officials said strong dam levels and grain stocks offer a cushion, though risks remain. Crop Innovation: Canadian researchers are using genetics and AI to identify soybean traits that resist white mold, potentially reducing yield losses and fungicide costs. Food Security: Afghanistan’s lack of cold storage puts produce at risk, with an analyst estimating 25% of farm output is lost. In Zambia, a World Food Programme partnership is helping smallholders store crops in airtight bags and sell surplus produce. Farm-to-Plate: The John Deere Foundation pledged $18.5 million to food banks and programs linking more than 100 Iowa farmers with local food banks.

Animal Health: Bird flu has been detected at commercial duck and turkey farms in Indiana and Minnesota, and another Texas dairy herd has tested positive for H5N1. Kazakhstan Trade: The country aims to lift oil and fat product exports to $1.5 billion by 2028, while sunflower growers warn cheaper Russian imports could depress local prices. Drought-Ready Crops: Turkish researchers have developed three wheat varieties suited to dry conditions, with registration and seed production still ahead. Water & Resilience: Uganda is looking to solar irrigation as erratic rains threaten smallholders; affordability and reliable water access remain key hurdles. Market Access: The Philippines has committed $144 million to 605 kilometres of farm-to-market roads and is pursuing a grocery partnership to connect growers with buyers. Agricultural Cooperation: Azerbaijan and China signed an agreement covering research, digital agriculture and trade, including work on animal health and crop production. Food Security: South Korea is sending $500,000 in aid to drought-hit Honduras, where about 620,000 people face severe food insecurity.

Agriculture Research: West Virginia State University secured a record $26.5 million USDA grant to build a complex for agricultural research, education and producer support. Food Security: At the FAO forum in Rome, Venezuela announced a national food plan and proposed a local-economy law; FAO also recognized Andean seed keeper María Catalicia Torres for preserving native potato varieties. Farm Finance: Guyana is negotiating preferential-rate agricultural loans with commercial banks, while a planned poultry plant is expected to triple processing capacity. Crop Markets: USDA raised its U.S. corn production forecast by 234 million bushels and projected higher ending stocks, while lowering its expected farm price to $4.70 a bushel. Drought and Livestock: Telangana urged farmers to avoid risky second-season paddy planting amid worsening drought, and Cyprus plans to cull 2,000 more animals as it responds to foot-and-mouth disease.

Drought and Crop Losses: Telangana could lose Rs 20,000 crore in Kharif crops after rainfall deficits, while officials warn water shortages may sharply reduce winter planting. In the Philippines, Camarines Sur has launched a 30-day plan to secure water and prepare farms for a potentially severe El Niño. War and Harvests: Gaza’s olive output has plunged, with some trees yielding up to 80% less as damaged or inaccessible groves, shortages and rising costs squeeze farmers. Farm Access: Villages near India’s Bhogapuram airport say construction traffic has damaged roads, leaving farmers struggling to reach fields and move crops and supplies. Farm Technology and Finance: Agricover has launched a digital platform combining payments, credit and agricultural information for farmers. Livestock Risks: The UK has urged bird keepers to strengthen biosecurity after avian flu was confirmed in Scotland.

Climate Resilience: Solar-powered irrigation in the Philippines will supply year-round water to 70 hectares farmed by 87 growers, as authorities prepare for El Niño and dry conditions. Farm Costs: US farmers face sharply higher diesel and fertilizer bills during harvest, squeezing earnings despite continued political support from some growers. Drought Relief: Candon City, Philippines, is giving rice farmers 20 litres of diesel each, while warning that dry conditions threaten crops and water supplies. Market Support: Namibia has set aside N$70 million to buy surplus maize, but still needs N$50 million more to purchase all available grain. Dairy Growth: Moldova’s farm milk output has nearly tripled in five years to 64,000 tonnes, though domestic production meets only about 60% of demand. Animal Health: Namibia detected foot-and-mouth disease in a second region, prompting emergency vaccination and livestock movement restrictions. Crop Outlook: USDA cut its forecast for Philippine sugar production by 8% for 2026–27, citing pests, drought and rising input costs. Women in Farming: Maharashtra is preparing certificates to formally recognise women farmers, including those who work land they do not own.

Climate Resilience: The Philippines is expanding solar-powered irrigation in Eastern Visayas, including a project serving 87 farmers and 70 hectares, as El Niño threatens prolonged dry conditions. In Candon, Philippines, farmers are receiving diesel aid, while officials warn thousands could face drought damage. Harvest Pressure: Iowa farmers are racing to bring in crops after weeks of rain delayed harvest, with more wet weather and early snow possible. Crop Losses: Heavy rain and flooding have damaged paddy, sugarcane and vegetables across Nepal, raising concerns about lower production and increased food imports. Water Shortages: Telangana farmers are pleading for irrigation water as crops dry, underscoring mounting pressure on water supplies across farming regions.

Drought and Water: A central team surveyed drought-hit crops in Maharashtra as farmers sought compensation; in Tamil Nadu, coconut growers are buying tanker water to save trees. Andhra Pradesh farmers credited the Pattiseema project with transferring 500 TMC of water to the Krishna Delta over 11 years, helping secure irrigation elsewhere. Harvest Strain: Heavy rain threatens Saskatchewan fields, where harvest is 82% complete, well below the five-year average. Manitoba farmers also face one of their worst harvests in more than a decade after extreme rainfall. Costs and Technology: Record-high diesel prices are squeezing US farmers, with new tax relief offering only partial help. In India’s Rayalaseema region, farmers are turning to spray drones to ease labour shortages; the state offers an 80% purchase subsidy. Markets and Cooperation: Perlis and Uzbekistan’s Tashkent Region are exploring cooperation on kenaf cultivation, while the Philippines is considering a grocery partnership to give farmers and cooperatives steadier markets. Farmer Safety: Palestinian farmers faced fresh attacks during the olive harvest; reports say settlers abducted three farmers and stole crops and equipment near Tulkarm.

West Bank: Palestinian officials reported 19 settler attacks targeting olive farmers, trees, crops and livestock during the harvest, including assaults on pickers and the burning or uprooting of trees. Maharashtra Drought: A central team is assessing crop losses in Marathwada, where rainfall was 65% of average and reservoir storage has fallen to 31%. Farmers are seeking compensation of up to ₹60,000 per acre and payment of overdue insurance claims. Nepal Storm Damage: Heavy rain and strong winds have ruined paddy left to dry in western Nepal, with some grain sprouting in flooded fields; fruit and vegetable crops were also hit. Irish Tillage: 676 farmers left the sector in 2026, bringing the total to 10,764. Macra says financial aid alone will not reverse the decline without profitable markets and stronger demand for Irish grain. Ghana Investment: A new water conservation project is expected to support year-round farming for 220 farmers, while research institute training is helping growers adopt greenhouse tomato production to reduce imports.

Rice Support: Malaysia’s 2027 budget allocates RM2.62 billion in aid for paddy farmers, including higher harvesting incentives and support for a five-season planting plan. Consumer advocates say results must include stronger domestic supply and affordable prices. Farm Innovation: Trials in Mexico’s Yaqui Valley found science-based wheat practices cut fuel use 42% and water use per tonne 26%, while yields rose 27% to four tonnes per hectare. Water and Infrastructure: Bulgaria says irrigation will be a 2027 budget priority, with 35 approved projects potentially adding 40,000 hectares of irrigated land. Farm Rules: Canada’s proposed red-tape bill would speed approvals for some farm inputs and simplify applications for cash advances. Harvest Outlook: Minnesota soybean results are sharply uneven: one central farmer expects record yields after timely rains, while a southeast grower reports small beans and poor pod fill.

Farm Modernization: Mechanized harvesting and improved irrigation have helped a Chinese grain farmer raise yields and income, freeing time for family travel — a change increasingly seen across rural China. Climate Pressure: Cambodian rice farmers are still planting after drought and floods delayed the season by weeks, raised input costs and dimmed harvest hopes. Rising Costs: US farmers face diesel prices up more than 67% since February and fertilizer costs that have doubled; federal safety-net programs are set to pay eligible producers about $13.8 billion for the 2025 crop year. Food Security: Liberia’s agriculture minister is seeking $69 million to strengthen extension services, citing a shortage of 298 technicians needed to support farmers. Procurement Concerns: Punjab’s new mandi-by-mandi paddy buying targets have unsettled farmers and traders, who fear this year’s bumper crop could exceed allocations based on past averages. New Rice Varieties: Researchers in Nagaland are promoting seven varieties bred for local conditions, with shorter growing periods and tolerance to drought, pests and disease.

Crop Recovery: New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduced a bill proposing aid for growers in 13 states after an April freeze caused an estimated $300 million in specialty-crop losses. A second bill would develop crop insurance for freeze damage. Fuel Costs: Federal and state orders are allowing some farmers to use tax-exempt dyed diesel on roads, but tax questions remain and producers say the relief may be limited. Harvest and Drought: Manitoba had harvested 65% of its crop by Oct. 6 after drier weather helped fieldwork, while Kansas soybean yields are running below trend after drought and heat. Karnataka says 90% of crops were damaged and has released initial relief; the Philippines expects farm output to contract through early 2027 amid monsoon damage and El Niño risk. Seeds and Innovation: USDA launched a $180 million initiative to protect seed supplies and support crop innovation.

El Niño and Drought: Northern Samar declared a state of calamity after dry conditions affected 917 farmers and damaged 269.65 hectares of farmland, with losses estimated at ₱27 million. Malaysia is urging oil-palm growers to conserve soil moisture and strengthen irrigation as El Niño threatens production. Farm Data: Sri Lanka will use 16,000 tablets for its first fully digital agriculture census, gathering data on crops, livestock, irrigation and disaster impacts to guide future policy. Food Security: Only 5% of British farmers are optimistic about the country’s long-term food supply, as rising costs, erratic weather and policy uncertainty squeeze profitability. Farm Viability: Ireland lost 676 tillage farms in 2026, bringing the total to 10,764; most exits were among smaller growers. Climate Pressures: A hot, dry summer left British potato crops smaller, while a Mayo researcher warns that changing rainfall is putting grassland productivity and winter forage at risk. Farmer Rights: Kenya’s High Court has opened the way for farmers affected by substandard subsidised fertiliser to seek compensation.

Farm Costs: U.S. farmers and truckers say a temporary diesel-tax break offers little relief as fuel prices remain sharply higher than a year ago. Conflicting state rules and concerns about dyed fuel lingering in tanks add uncertainty. Next Generation: Texas is partnering with Texas A&M and the Texas Farm Bureau to offer aspiring farmers and ranchers access to state land, practical training and mentorship. Climate Risks: A strengthening El Niño threatens crops, livestock and water supplies in Belize, while researchers warn climate shocks have cut southern African legume harvests by as much as 78%. Drought Emergency: Karnataka says 217 of 240 taluks are drought-affected, with crop losses estimated above ₹46,000 crore and farmers struggling with debt. Food Security: FAO says more than 1.2 million people in Gaza and the West Bank faced critical food insecurity this spring, and is seeking $140.9 million for an agricultural emergency response in 2027. Farm Technology and Competition: USDA announced a $180 million seed initiative as it moves to examine seed prices and access to crop-breeding genetics; the FTC and USDA are also seeking public input on barriers to buying, repairing and servicing farm equipment.