AGP Executive Report

Land-Use & Forests: Brazil’s Atlantic Forest has lost 9.7M hectares of mature native vegetation since 1985, even as 8M hectares of secondary growth expanded—yet recent clearing (2021-2025) increasingly targets regrown areas. Harvest Community: Browns is hosting a Farmer Appreciation Harvest Lunch on Sept. 29 to thank local farm families and workers. Cover Crops: Wayne County SWCD is offering a free 50-acre cover crop demonstration using turbo till and an air seeder, with optional additional acres at cost. Smart Farming: A Cambodia smart greenhouse project is helping vegetable growers cut cycles from 2–3 months to about 1 month, with income gains for 30 households. Disaster Relief: Rhode Island will release nearly $15M for eligible farmers hit by 2023-2024 weather losses; applications are expected to open early October. Livestock & Biosecurity: Georgia tightens animal entry rules after New World screwworm was found in New Mexico. Input Costs & Markets: Diesel and fertilizer price pressure continues to squeeze farmers, while USDA backs value-added projects in Wisconsin with $800K in grants. Safety: National Farm Safety and Health Week spotlights harvest-season risks, including rural roadway and equipment safety. Violence Alert: Three farmers were killed in a Baramita camp confrontation; police are investigating.

Pest Relief for Sugarcane: The Philippines’ DSWD-NIR released P410.28m in emergency cash to 39,847 sugarcane farmers hit by red-striped soft scale insects, with more payouts expected to push total aid above P1bn. Livestock Stability in Ireland: Teagasc boss Frank O’Mara says the suckler herd’s recent halt in a decade-long decline should hold into the near future, helped by higher prices and stronger farmer confidence. Governance Pressure in Ireland: Ireland’s Joint Oireachtas Agriculture chair Aindrias Moynihan urged Bord Bia to face the PAC over €1.2m in non-compliant spending tied to procurement. Poultry Tech: Penn State researchers report an AI camera system that can monitor individual turkeys and predict body weight up to three weeks ahead. Water Fight in India: At Tamil Nadu’s Jurala/PAP-linked disputes, farmers and BRS leaders were stopped by police while demanding irrigation water to protect standing crops. Trade & Markets: Peru cut its 2026/27 blueberry export forecast to about 382,000 tons as El Niño weighs on late-season volumes; Thailand durian stakeholders push back on a proposed export cess. Livestock Traceability in Kenya: Kenya launched electronic animal identification and traceability tagging (Anitrac) to meet market requirements and curb livestock theft. Fertiliser Push in Kenya: KTDA began distributing fertiliser to tea factories after 99,000 tonnes arrived in Mombasa, aiming for timely application at the start of rains. Beekeeping Innovation: Daystar University’s “Smart Apiary” lets beekeepers monitor hives remotely to reduce frequent opening and disturbance. Climate & Food Security Research: A US study says removing irrigation would trigger massive land-use change emissions, while irrigation’s yield benefits create a net climate gain.

Diesel squeeze hits farmers and food prices: U.S. lawmakers are pushing for a temporary diesel export ban as record fuel costs strain harvest operations, while Europe’s diesel crisis deepens with France setting new price records and Hungary relying on targeted support instead of a fuel cap. Trade shocks to livestock and dairy: Tariffs and beef market shifts are rattling ranchers, including U.S. concerns that cheaper imports could undercut producers, while Canada’s dairy farmers face uncertainty after U.S. tariffs stalled cross-border demand. Farmers demand water and fair rules: In Telangana, farmers at the Jurala project forced canal gates open after irrigation cutoffs, and in India’s Gujarat, protests over power lines and land impacts are escalating. Policy and safety moves: Senators urge LIHEAP funding to help low-income households with energy bills, while Canada backs farm safety training with new funding. On-farm adaptation: Sugarcane growers in Fiji turn to mechanisation amid labor shortages, and Zimbabwe’s ARDA-backed plan targets drought-tolerant grain expansion ahead of El Niño. Rural livelihoods and support: Nigeria’s ALDDN reports enrolling 63,000 smallholder dairy farmers and linking them to processors. Food security warning: FAO projects 1.81 crore Bangladeshis at acute food insecurity risk as fuel and energy disruptions and floods hit purchasing power.

Drought & climate risk: UK and UN warn of a “super El Niño” this autumn/winter, urging farmers to prepare for harsher droughts and floods. Hay & livestock support: Virginia declared a state of emergency over a statewide hay shortage, speeding transport via over-width waivers and unlocking emergency funding. Water for planting: U.S. lawmakers introduced bills to keep Colorado farmers eligible for USDA prevented-planting help when irrigation water drops due to drought. Market shocks in fruit: USDA will buy $20m of surplus Concord grape juice after contract cancellations, though some Lake Erie growers say it won’t directly replace lost buyers. Mechanisation & inputs: Uganda handed over 150 power tillers to farmer groups, while South Africa announced subsidised input prices will stay the same for 2026/27. Farm resilience & services: Virginia Tech launched an online soil-testing submission system to streamline samples, payments, and records. Rural land pressures: In New Zealand, farmers are calling for a pause on a housing development that would remove productive land near Amberley. Local agriculture investment: Philippines approved a P148m integrated livestock enterprise in Magsaysay, adding an NMIS-accredited abattoir and goat milk processing.

Crop Protection Deal: Corteva and Belgium’s Globachem agreed a 50/50 joint venture to develop and commercialize new crop protection products across Europe and the Americas, timed as Corteva’s crop protection business prepares to spin off as Vylor. Drought & Water Stress: India’s Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh faces a deep monsoon rainfall deficit, with farmers warning of crop and drinking-water risks; in Maharashtra, a drought-like break in rain has prompted emergency planning, loan-waiver steps, and fodder and drinking-water arrangements. Fuel Cost Pressure: Indiana farmers are starting harvest with diesel averaging about $6.71 a gallon—far above last year—raising fears of higher food prices. Farmer Support & Policy: Cyprus approved €1.5m in EU-funded emergency aid to offset rising fuel and fertiliser costs; Punjab and Haryana farmers are also seeing soil-carbon credit payments. On-Farm Training & Tech: Nagaland University’s KVK ran Rabi crop demonstrations, while Haryana’s irrigation upgrade includes a ₹59.60 lakh order for a center pivot system. Market & Community: Madurai’s Agritech 2026 expo drew large crowds with subsidy info and farm tech like drones. AgriFood Trade & Nutrition Debate: A Philippine editorial argues a fresh ube export ban is needed to protect local planting material as global demand surges.

Diesel Shock for Harvest: Record U.S. diesel prices are hitting corn, soybean and cattle farmers hard during peak harvest, with costs rising sharply and raising fears of higher grocery prices. Cover Crops & Soil Care: UVM Extension urges fall cover crops after onions/garlic/peas, but stresses starting with soil tests and using legumes to rebuild nitrogen. Post-Harvest Innovation: Nigeria’s NSPRI won an ISSCA global award for its parabolic-shaped solar dryer, aiming to cut losses and improve shelf life. Farm Inputs Under Pressure: Farmers are also facing nitrate poisoning risks in cattle after flushes of grass growth, while wet late-season conditions raise silage spoilage concerns. UK Rural Tensions: Yorkshire tenant farmers and rural groups are pushing back against policies they say favor landlords and undermine food production, with calls for better communication between tenants and owners. Technology on the Farm: Virginia Tech launched a new online soil testing system, and U.S. growers are using drones to seed cover crops. Policy & Markets: South Dakota producers met lawmakers for a Farm Bill update, while Kyrgyzstan rolled out a test IDyikan app to digitize farmer-government services. Weather Damage: Hailstorms damaged apple orchards in Kashmir just as harvest began.

US Farm Bill Push: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a 12-11 party-line vote, setting up a conference with the House and spotlighting issues like E15 fuel, beef country-of-origin labeling, farm credit, conservation, and dairy/livestock priorities. Livestock Rules Clash: A Prop 12 livestock housing amendment was a flashpoint as lawmakers debated how to avoid a patchwork of state standards. Fuel Squeeze: Farmers are warning that record diesel prices are reshaping harvest and delivery costs, forcing producers to rethink marketing and logistics. Drought & Water Stress: Groundwater levels are plunging in agriculture-heavy districts as El Niño-linked rainfall deficits bite, while Virginia declared a hay shortage emergency to speed transport. Farm Safety: In India’s Adilabad, farmers have been electrocuted after others installed live wires to protect crops; police arrested a suspect. Dairy Support & Disruptions: Wisconsin opened dairy processor grant applications, while Ireland’s Kinisla apologized for delayed milk payments due to a banking issue. Trade & Competition: Beef packers face a major antitrust fight, and an import plan for tariff-free beef drew criticism as favoring big packers over ranchers. Research & Climate: Studies and policy dialogues are pushing “greening” agrifood systems, regenerative approaches, and how irrigation can cut greenhouse impacts. Market Linkages: Togo urged banks to expand agriculture and MSME financing, and a value-added program is linking smallholders to overseas demand.

Tomato supply crunch in Ghana: Anloga-Avume growers say a bumper crop is rotting on farms due to a shortage of harvesting crates and alleged “load boys” demanding bribes, threatening food security and jobs. Soybean pest scouting: The Soybean Board urges farmers to use nematode management guides now, warning soybean cyst nematode can slash yields with few visible signs. Land rights flashpoint in India: An Attappady tribal farmer filed a complaint after alleged fencing and resale of ancestral land, reigniting the land grab row. Livestock health in the UK: Scotland reports a sharp rise in bluetongue (BTV-3) vaccination activity, with movement rules still in place. Rural insecurity in Nigeria: Bandits in Kebbi reportedly killed five farmers and abducted others, raising fears for access to fields. Sugar beet price squeeze (UK): Growers warn yields could halve if beet prices stay too low amid rising diesel and urea costs and stalled talks. Farm policy + labor pressure (Australia): Labor’s backpacker visa caps face backlash from farmers, who fear harvest labor shortages and higher food prices; officials point to the PALM scheme. Soil carbon payments (India): Punjab and Haryana farmers received ₹2.9 crore for verified soil carbon credits, showing a new income stream from regenerative practices. Fertiliser stress (India): Kendrapada farmers report urea shortages, inflated prices, and stem borer damage after flooding and replanting. Tech for farms: Absolute’s AI-led biological platform INERA starts commercial operations in Kenya, while North Dakota programs push faster adoption of ag-tech on farms. Diesel shock (global): Multiple reports highlight record diesel costs squeezing farmers and the wider supply chain. Drought relief (UK): RABI opens an Emergency Drought Grant for eligible farming households in drought-designated areas. Trade and market uncertainty (South Africa): Agoa extension offers short-term relief for SA citrus and poultry exporters, but eligibility review keeps uncertainty high.

U.S.-China Trade & Soybeans: China is stepping up purchases of American soybeans ahead of the Xi–Trump summit, a move that could matter a lot for North Carolina growers already squeezed by drought and high input costs. Fuel Cost Shock: Record diesel prices are tightening margins for farmers and truckers, with new analysis pointing to practical ways to cut fuel use and blunt the hit. Virginia Hay Emergency: Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency for drought-hit Virginia farms, easing transport rules so hay can move faster and triggering emergency support. Policy Fight in Washington: Attorneys general including Raoul and Brown backed a lawsuit challenging USDA’s planned reorganization, warning it could disrupt programs that support farmers and food assistance. Soil-Carbon Payments: India began disbursing soil-carbon payments to 2,550 farmers in Punjab and Haryana under a farmer carbon programme. Local Market Access: Guyana announced a nationwide farmers’ market rollout to reduce food price pressure by linking producers more directly with consumers. Livestock & Dairy Moves: Dairy Farmers of America plans to expand its Middlebury Center plant, while California cattle leaders warn of mounting challenges from imports, wolves, water, and regulation. Farm Tech & Equipment: New machinery and automation highlights at Ireland’s Ploughing Championships included direct drilling, calf-handling upgrades, and an autonomous robot tractor drawing contractor interest. Community & Education: Farmers markets keep expanding as hubs for local food and activities, from live music to fall programming.

Energy & Water Pressure: Queensland farmers near the Darling Downs say an Anthropic data centre could drain scarce water and power just as El Niño tightens conditions, raising fears of a new rural resource squeeze. Farm Policy & Trust: An Irish survey finds most farmers rate Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon’s performance poorly, citing strained relations and fuel protest fallout. Rural Crime & Land Access: UK rural groups warn organised hare coursing gangs are trespassing and damaging farms, prompting stronger police action. Drought Relief in India: Maharashtra leaders push for Latur to be declared drought-hit and for urgent crop-loss surveys after Oct 5, with compensation and fodder support urged. El Niño Impacts in Asia: Cambodia’s drought is forcing corn farmers to cut acreage or abandon crops as El Niño threatens deeper dry conditions. Climate Threats to Crops: Greenpeace Japan reports heat-damage days have surged, putting autumn crops at risk and threatening farm incomes. Breeding for Rotations: UQ research argues crop breeding should target what varieties leave for the next crop, aiming to cut fertiliser costs and lift yields. US Farm Bill Momentum: Farm groups applaud Senate Agriculture Committee progress on a long-awaited farm bill. Local Market Support: Delaware signs a Farm to Community Program to connect farmers with local buyers and expand fresh food access. Livestock & Feed Stress: Virginia declares a state of emergency over hay shortages, easing transport rules to move critical feed faster. Agriculture Innovation Awards: Queensland recognises a Women in Agriculture winner for connecting agrifoodtech ecosystems, and a nut innovator for turning lower-grade nuts into high-value powder.

Clean Tech Fertilizer Push (Canada): Canada is investing up to $1.98M in Lucent BioSciences to develop biodegradable coatings for controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers, aiming to cut greenhouse gases and microplastics. Drought Emergency (Virginia, US): Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a Virginia State of Emergency to address a hay shortfall of 500,000 tons, speeding deliveries with over-width waivers and emergency funding. Fertilizer Market Pressure (USDA): USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden heard farmer concerns in Iowa about a highly consolidated fertilizer industry and signaled antitrust and competition actions. Livestock Traceability Costs (NAIT, UK/Europe context): NAIT cattle tag fees are rising, with farmers questioning whether traceability costs are worth it. Water Quality Warning (EPA, US): EPA’s early nitrogen report shows river nitrogen up 4.3% in the first half of 2026, with agricultural sources driving pressure in vulnerable areas. Human-Wildlife Conflict (Kenya): Kenya Wildlife Service and partners translocated an elephant bull after repeated fence breaches and crop raids. Local Markets & Food Links (US): Oregon’s Farmers Ending Hunger marks 20 years, while California’s Brawley Farmer’s Market is back through April 2027. Trade & Input Costs (US/Global): Tennessee cattle farmers criticize a White House move to expand beef imports, and a Missouri soybean farmer highlights growing U.S. soy demand in Thailand. Policy & Land Use (Illinois, US): Illinois will accept bids for 2027-2031 agriculture leases tied to wildlife habitat and soil-health goals. Ag Tech for Smallholders (Togo): Togo’s SIHAM system is now operational, delivering climate and market info to farmers via DigitKiosks and SMS.

Vertical Farming R&D: Oishii is expanding plant-biology research via a new R&D hub, arguing vertical farming’s next growth depends on deeper crop lifecycle knowledge. Dutch Farm Sabotage: Seven farmers were arrested after highway fires on Budget Day; the infrastructure minister says charges will be pursued and also condemned rail sabotage. Climate & Water Stress: In the Philippines, El Niño is forcing some rice farmers to skip planting, with diesel-powered pumping raising costs. Crop Resilience: Hybrid rye is gaining attention as drought resilience becomes a bigger priority for growers. Livestock Health: Michigan confirmed its first 2026 West Nile case in a horse; Wisconsin reported bird flu in a commercial flock with quarantines and depopulation. Farmer Protests & Policy: Romania’s sheep and goat farmers clashed with police over disease-related restrictions, while Ireland’s CAP talks sparked political criticism over the agriculture minister’s approach. Food Supply Risks: FAO warns Hormuz Strait shipping disruptions could cut global food production and fertilizer access in 2026-27. Market Costs: Farmers in the U.S. are bracing for record diesel and transport surcharges that squeeze harvest margins. Local Community: Mayfield, Kentucky’s Downtown Farmers Market will host a Harvest Fest with tractors, music, and local vendors.

AI for agriculture and health: The Gates Foundation pledged $1B over two years to expand access to AI in health care, education, and agriculture, with a focus on low-income communities and language infrastructure. Dairy market shift: Nepal’s milk supply is tightening as more milk is shipped to India for better prices; ghee exports to Dubai are underway, but domestic dairy prices are rising. Livestock disease watch: Wisconsin confirmed its first 2026 West Nile virus cases in a human and a horse in Brown County, prompting vaccination and mosquito-control reminders for horse owners. Farm policy momentum: In the U.S., Senate farm bill progress is expected as lawmakers return, with attention on moving the bill beyond the Senate Ag Committee. Input cost pressure: Farmers are pushing back on fertilizer prices and dealer commissions, while antitrust action against “Big Fertilizer” is framed as a potential path to break alleged price-fixing. Water quality funding: New York announced about $25M for farm water-quality conservation projects, supporting on-farm practices through its long-running nonpoint source program. On-farm risk & safety: SaskPower urged harvest-season precautions around power lines, citing hundreds of farm incidents in recent years. Soil and fertility practices: Teagasc highlighted organic manures in tillage, showing similar yields to chemical fertilisers while improving soil structure and water retention.

Fertilizer Safety & Soil Health: A new report warns that cadmium and arsenic can build up in rice-growing areas through phosphate fertilizers, raising long-term food safety risks and pointing to agroecology and organic approaches to cut exposure. Farm Finance Under Drought: Bank of Ireland announced discounted 4.88% working-capital loans for drought-affected farmers in Ireland, covering inputs like feed, seed, fuel and fertiliser, plus repayment flexibility. Climate-Smart Irrigation & Resilient Crops: In Kenya’s Turkana, farmers are using improved cowpea varieties and irrigation scheme support to keep producing despite heat and sandy soils. Soybean Processing & Testing: CHS plans a $700m soybean processing site in Wisconsin, while a regional Americas network will test soybean cultivars across 180+ environments to speed better matches for local conditions. Fraud in Government Procurement: India’s Economic Offences Wing alleges fake farmer registrations were used to buy cheap moong and sell it to government at MSP in Madhya Pradesh. Rural Security & Theft: California’s Yuba-Sutter walnut growers are stepping up patrols and cameras after rising theft of equipment and crops. Farmers’ Livelihoods & Policy Pressure: Fiji’s PM urged farmers to move beyond just producing more toward higher productivity, innovation, value addition and better returns. Rural Infrastructure: Residents and farmers in India’s Jogulamba Gadwal protested for service roads and highway entry/exit links to make farm access and transport easier. Biofortified Food Innovation: England cleared a gene-edited “Sunshine” tomato enriched with vitamin D closer to market, aiming to improve diets through biofortification.

Fuel Shock: Record diesel prices are squeezing U.S. farmers right as harvest ramps up, with Missouri averages topping $5.9/gal and producers warning they can’t simply pass costs on. Fertilizer Stress: A looming sulfur shortage is pushing phosphate fertilizer costs higher and may even limit availability, adding to already tight input budgets. Fall Safety: Minnesota is urging extra precautions for anhydrous ammonia use, while farm safety groups highlight grain bin entrapment risks ahead of harvest. Livestock Markets: Irish sheep trade shows a small but meaningful lamb carcass-weight limit lift to 22.5kg at several outlets; U.S. dairy prices are mixed with nonfat dry milk near $2. Policy & Support: U.S. Senate Ag Committee chair John Boozman says farmers need another bridge payment as lawmakers work through farm bill timing. Water & Power: Iowa water-quality advocates say voluntary nutrient reduction rules aren’t delivering; Punjab protests target unreliable power for farm tubewells. Global Ag Rules: Ukraine’s new GMO law begins in 2026, reshaping registration, labeling, traceability, and cultivation controls.

Farm Trade & Markets: Deniliquin’s Country Women’s Association sold out its Naponda Farmers’ Market scones (120+ sold) and will use proceeds for community CWA work. Livestock Export Rules: Irish calf exporters hit back at Dutch threats over “politically motivated” demands for 12-hourly milk feeding for unweaned calves, arguing EU law doesn’t require it. Holiday Direct Sales: Seoul’s Chuseok Seoro Market returns with 100+ vendors and discounts up to 30%, spotlighting regional garlic, kimchi and seafood plus beef/pork trucks. Climate & Water Resilience: A new push at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali backs scaling irrigation because most African farmland is rain-fed and El Niño drought risk is rising. Land-Use Planning: Namibia’s Oshana region handed over an integrated land-use plan to guide growth while protecting agricultural land. Transport & Emissions Policy: Estonia’s plan to buy state buses (electric and gas) drew criticism from operators who say the system should stay contract-based. Research for Tough Conditions: A University of Newcastle study mapped genetics of salt-tolerant Salicornia to support future breeding for salty soils. EU-FAO Support for Farmers: The EU and FAO launched a €5m initiative for Afghan farmers and agribusinesses, including market hubs, early-warning info, and restoration of degraded land. Farm Finance for Smallholders: India’s PM-KMY pension scheme marks seven years, with millions of small and marginal farmers enrolled for an assured old-age income.