AGP Executive Report

Trade & Logistics: Cambodia says fresh durian exports to China jumped to 5,738 tonnes in Jan–Jul 2026 after direct access and a new overland route via Laos cut transit times to about five days. Food Security & Losses: Nigeria’s cold-chain expert warns the country loses 30–40 million tonnes of food yearly to poor storage, pushing up prices and hurting farmers. Climate & Crops: Europe’s heatwaves are stressing produce supply, with drought compounding damage to salads and berries. Farmer Livelihoods: Bangladesh highlights a papaya farmer in Barishal who turned hardship into income and jobs, supported by government-linked financing and training. Irrigation & Adaptation: Vihiga County (Kenya) expands farmer-led irrigation to help maize farmers shift to African leafy vegetables as dry spells bite. Policy & Support: Kaduna (Nigeria) begins another round of free fertilizer and tractors for 150,000 smallholders, aiming to boost output and curb middlemen. Aquaculture: Iraq reports abundant locally produced fish after hatchery programs boosted native species and launched exports. Safety & Risk Planning: Ontario’s farm group urges emergency preparedness as wildfires, storms, outages and heat can hit any farm. Livestock Health & Biosecurity: Florida arrests a man for bringing unchecked sheep and goats from a New World screwworm area. Markets & Training: Arkansas opens applications for a 2027 Farm School to grow new specialty-crop farmers.

Rural Infrastructure Boost (Fiji): A new 10-kilometre farm road in Macuata (built for over US$460,000) is improving safer, more reliable access to markets for more than 200 farmers, with knock-on benefits for supplies and small business growth. Agri-Business Mindset (Fiji): A former LDS missionary is urging young Fijians to treat agriculture as a business, pointing to strong U.S. demand for products like turmeric, ginger, and dalo and calling for better export pathways. Input & Market Tech (UK/Global): Azotic Technologies says its Encera nitrogen-access product could cut fertiliser use by up to 25%, aiming to help growers manage rising input costs and volatility. Crop Innovation (Kansas, U.S.): Kansas farmers are testing a new K-State durum wheat variety for semolina/pasta, offering a potential route back to wheat profits. Soil, Water, and Recovery (U.S. & Canada): New York farmers received USDA disaster designation after spring weather damage, while Canada’s Prairies crop outlook was described as “solid” despite delays and drowned-out fields. Animal Health (India): Arunachal Pradesh inaugurated its first State Veterinary Polyclinic in Itanagar to expand 24/7 specialist care and disease surveillance. Policy Pressure (Pakistan): Pakistan’s Kissan Ittehad urged the government to announce next year’s wheat policy early and adjust support prices, diesel, and fertiliser costs to protect food security. Weather Impacts (South Asia): Flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab submerged thousands of acres and damaged crops, while Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag saw paddy transplantation pick up again with seeds and bio-input support. Market Access & Community (U.S.): Wichita farmers markets reported higher foot traffic amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak, as shoppers seek local produce. Agri-Branding (India): Madhya Pradesh secured GI tags for 12 horticultural crops, aiming to protect origin and support premium pricing.

Policy & Accountability: Filipino peasant groups urged President Marcos Jr. to turn SONA promises into real agrarian reform and social justice, while the Federation of Free Farmers graded the administration’s agriculture and fisheries performance as “barely passing” to “failing,” citing stagnant yields and rising rice imports. Climate & Inputs: Nigeria’s ActionAid warned low agricultural capital spending could derail food security under CAADP, as Kaduna launched free fertilizer for 150,000 farmers plus mechanisation support. Food Security Prices: Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency set a maize floor price at K347/50kg, with unions calling it fair but stressing timely payments. Weather Impacts: North Dakota wheat faces scorching heat near harvest as prices rise; Saskatchewan reported hay progress but warned disease risk from warm, humid conditions. On-the-Ground Farming: Sierra Leone’s “Farming on Crutches” trains amputees to rebuild livelihoods through farming, livestock and beekeeping. Local Markets & Community: Petrolia’s Veggie Race and Emporia’s watermelon contest spotlight growers and local produce. Livestock Health: South Africa rolled out a self-vaccination authorization system for foot-and-mouth disease. Trade/Tech Pressure: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed calls for a special session to curb data center growth over water and grid risks.

Water Stress & Irrigation: India’s Cauvery delta faces a triple squeeze as groundwater drops, salinity rises, and Mettur releases stay elusive, while Andhra urges Krishna Delta farmers to skip paddy amid a monsoon deficit. Farmers Under Pressure: Nashik Kharif sowing hits 71.66% after good rains, but farmers fear a dry spell and disease risk if rainfall breaks; Oklahoma growers report crop losses from erratic weather. Livestock & Heat: Central Japan dairy farmers worry heat is cutting appetite and milk output, with electricity bills rising as they cool barns. Policy & Trade: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renews calls for action on data centers, warning they threaten rural communities and the electric grid; the U.S. House advances a budget framework with $12B in new farm aid, while Congress considers an additional $11B emergency relief. Markets & Food Access: Arizona’s Supreme Court limits how permanent orchard and vineyard crops can be taxed; local farmers markets keep serving communities amid health and safety concerns, including renewed interest in locally grown produce during the cyclosporiasis scare. Global Support: Nepal and South Korea sign a $11.8M grant to strengthen fruits and vegetables value chains for smallholders. Governance & Land: Moldova’s agriculture minister resigns amid political fallout, and farmers in Karnataka protest a township plan that would take irrigated farmland.

Local Markets & Community Food: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital hosted a July 24 farmers market, bringing local growers and small businesses together for fresh produce and homemade goods. Hemp & Farm Diversification: Indiana farmers could gain from expanding industrial hemp products, but regulatory uncertainty still worries industry leaders. Dairy Feed Guidance: Iowa State University Extension released a free four-part corn silage series aimed at improving dairy herd health and productivity. Crop Progress Watch: Iowa’s hot, dry stretch kept corn tasseling and soybeans blooming ahead of last year, though farmers still want more rain. Weather Stress & Risk: Oklahoma’s heat dome is delaying relief for producers, while severe storms and hail have left farmers facing losses that compensation may not fully cover. Trade & Policy Pressure: Lighthizer says agriculture often bears the brunt of global trade protectionism, with politics overriding “real” market access. Inputs & Fertiliser Logistics: Kenya’s KTDA plans to import 1.98M bags of NPK fertiliser for 750,000 tea smallholders ahead of the 2026/27 season. Farmer Support Systems: India says more than 10.18 crore farmer IDs have been created to streamline subsidy transfers and disaster relief. Animal Health Threat: FAO highlights the New World Screwworm as a growing transboundary livestock risk. Safety & Livestock Operations: Propane Farm Research Program doubled compensation for farmers hit by tornadoes and severe rain in eligible states. Pests & On-Farm Challenges: Rampaging wild boars are increasingly damaging farmland and pets, driven by illegal releases and weak fencing.

Climate Risk: A “super El Niño” is forecast to strengthen by late 2026, raising odds of drought across southern Africa and flooding in the Horn—threatening planting seasons, food prices, and already-stressed farmers. Fertiliser & Inputs: USDA opened $500m for fertilizer investment and expansion, while Kenya Tea Development Agency plans to import 1.9m bags of NPK 26:5:5 for 750,000 smallholder tea farmers ahead of the October short rains. Crop Protection Innovation: Chinese scientists unveiled programmable immune receptors for disease-resistant crops, using AI-assisted protein design to help plants recognize diverse pathogens. On-Farm Guidance: Iowa State released new commercial production guides for napa cabbage and eggplant, and hosted “Conservation On Tap” to connect farmers and residents on practical conservation questions. Local Market & Food Safety: Cyclospora-linked produce concerns are pushing shoppers toward farmers markets in parts of the US, while poultry farmers in Nepal report egg sales down more than half due to rumours despite no bird flu. Storage & Post-Harvest: Bangladesh will distribute 15,000 more airflow machines to expand onion storage and cut imports. Security & Rural Livelihoods: Bandits in Nigeria’s Zamfara killed 23 farmers in an attack on farmlands, and Ogun fish farmers seek emergency relief after flash floods destroyed ponds and equipment.

Wildfire Response: Farmers in Ireland used tractors and tankers to build firebreaks and slow the Slievenamon blaze in Co Tipperary, even as winds reignited it. Pest Relief for Sugarcane: The Philippines’ DSWD will start emergency cash transfers for small farmers in Negros after red-striped small-scale insects hit over a third of sugarcane fields, with payouts up to P10,000. Tea Levy Debate in Kenya: Agriculture officials say Kenya’s tea uptake has reached 93% and that the 0.08% levy is paid by buyers, not farmers, funding marketing and research. Market Tools for Farmers: FBN launched “Market Intelligence” with AI-based crop price outlooks for corn and soybeans plus daily cash-market updates. Food Supply Under Heat: Jamaica’s agriculture ministry says it’s stabilizing prices and supply during hot, dry conditions via sourcing, greenhouse support, and repairs. EU Crop Outlook: Copa Cogeca forecasts EU cereals down in 2026 while oilseeds and protein crops stay on a positive track, with results highly weather-dependent. Onion Storage Upgrade (Bangladesh): Bangladesh plans to supply 15,000 airflow machines to cut post-harvest losses and reduce onion imports. Drought Warning (Uganda): Acholi farmers are urged to delay the second planting season due to insufficient, scattered rains. Farm Safety Push: A seriously injured farmer backs “stop and think” safety messaging to prevent accidents on farms. Agrivoltaics in Colorado: A Colorado farm is expanding agrivoltaics, growing crops under solar panels to cool plants and add income.

Drought & community resilience: Libon, Albay staged its Paroy Festival to honor rice farmers and keep morale up amid a prolonged dry spell, with street performances tracing the rice cycle. Weather risk management: In North Carolina, recent rain eased drought stress for corn growers, but officials warn farmers still need steadier precipitation and face washout risks from heavy downpours. Flood damage response: Kashmir’s agriculture chief reviewed flood preparedness with district agriculture officers, pushing field monitoring and rapid assessments as waterlogging threatens crops. Food safety & market shifts: A Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce is driving shoppers toward local farmers markets in Delaware and beyond, boosting some growers even as restaurants grow cautious. Policy & farm finance: Pennsylvania’s new budget adds $10m for freeze disaster recovery grants after late-April crop losses, while RADA in Jamaica says backyard gardeners don’t need a farmer ID card. Market access & trade: A U.S. Senate hearing highlighted tariff/trade deals aimed at expanding market access for American agricultural exports. Agribusiness innovation: An IIT Delhi-founded startup is digitising India’s cattle market to help dairy farmers buy and sell more easily. Organic support: Fiji provided equipment to 195 organic farmers to improve productivity and strengthen local food security. Farmers under threat: An Ekiti farmer was tortured by masked gunmen seeking his missing brother; police are investigating.

Fuel Income Support Scheme: Ireland has started fuel-cost payments for farmers and agricultural contractors, with €20.7m going to 29,464 people and more batches to follow. Fertiliser Crunch: Odisha farmers are camping outside co-ops over urea and DAP shortage fears, while officials push alternative nutrients and warn of hoarding crackdowns. Livestock Markets: Namibia is moving ahead with a US$5.5m livestock price equalisation fund for northern communal farmers to narrow the “redline” price gap. Food Safety & Local Trust: A cyclospora-linked shredded lettuce recall is driving shoppers to ask questions, but local growers say washing/peeling/cooking and buying nearby can help. Climate Pressure on Crops: Europe’s June heatwave is estimated to have wiped out about 9m tonnes of crops and cost grain farmers around €2bn, raising food-price worries. Ag Tech for Decisions: Satellite crop monitoring is helping farmers compare current conditions with past seasons to spot emerging risks earlier. Market Access: Shelby, Connecticut is launching a year-round indoor farmers market starting September, giving vendors a steady sales runway. Drought & Community Resilience: In Libon, Albay, a Paroy Festival celebrates rice farmers’ push to keep producing despite dry spells.

Farm Safety & Violence: Police in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon are investigating the stabbing death of an 82-year-old farmer found tied to a sofa with 14 wounds. Fisheries & Post-Harvest: Philippines’ agriculture chief inspected a new 60-metric-ton ice plant at Bulan Fish Port, with plans to expand into a five-hectare agro-marine industrial port by 2028 to cut losses and protect fish value. Rural Politics & Agriculture Priorities: In California’s 3rd Assembly District, former Chico mayor Andrew Coolidge endorsed Jamie Johansson, citing rural healthcare, public safety, and protecting agriculture. Water Security & Farm Incomes: Uttar Pradesh is revamping Prayagraj’s “Khet Talab Yojana” with farm ponds and rainwater harvesting subsidies to recharge groundwater and support diversification. Drought Fallout: Colorado peach growers warn prolonged Colorado River drought and weak snowpack are threatening yields and growers’ futures. US Farm Aid Push: The Trump administration seeks $11.1 billion in agricultural assistance, including $10 billion for 2026 economic relief and $1.1 billion for freeze recovery. USDA Funding Reversal: A federal judge ordered USDA to reinstate $127 million in grants for Black and underserved farmers. Fertiliser Supply: India says it strengthened fertiliser security by expanding urea production and diversifying imports to keep supplies steady. Food Prices: Nepal egg prices rose after bird-flu cut production, with farmers still not fully covering costs. Farm Protests: Haryana police sealed the Shambhu border to stop farmers marching to Delhi over a proposed India-US trade deal.

Pesticide Fight in France: France’s parliament is set to reauthorize bee-harming insecticides acetamiprid and flupyradifurone, with Environment Minister Monique Barbut warning she could resign if the Senate approves—sparking backlash from Greenpeace and beekeepers over risks to bees and health. Food Safety: Quebec recalled lean ground beef sold at a Montreal-area grocery due to possible E. coli traces. Regional Food Security: SAARC experts urged stronger South Asia cooperation to improve safe crop production, value chains, and trade. Climate and Prices Watch: Analysts discussed whether El Niño-driven drought could hit South Africa’s 2026/27 harvest and food prices. Farmer Protests and Policy Pressure: India’s Punjab farmers were stopped at the Shambhu border en route to a Delhi mahapanchayat against the India–US trade deal. Agrivoltaics Boom: Texas ranchers are expanding “solar sheep” agrivoltaics, turning solar sites into grazing land for added farm income. Input and Market Integrity: India’s CAMPCO warned that sub-standard imported arecanut is being blended into domestic supply, threatening growers’ livelihoods. Afghan Drought Support: FAO said Afghan farmers still face drought, water shortages, pests and economic pressure, and called for better emergency crop-based assistance.

Fertiliser & farmer prices in focus (India): Congress MLAs staged protests in Madhya Pradesh over fertiliser shortages, e-token delays, and “non-remunerative” crop prices, while BJP defended the e-token system as a curb on black marketing. Food safety & local produce (US): A Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce remains uncertain after FDA reversed an earlier positive test for Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce, pushing shoppers toward local farms and raising questions for growers. Rice support measures (Philippines): Iloilo’s NFA will raise the wet palay minimum buying price to PHP21/kg from September and pause Iloilo rice imports during peak harvest to protect farmers’ returns. Policy for risk management (Canada): Federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers pledged AgriStability reforms, including better treatment of family labour and eligible contract work for small farms. Food security expansion (Nigeria): NALDA plans to convert degraded forest reserves into commercial agricultural estates under a mega-farm programme, including cashew clusters for rural livelihoods. Pasture pest alert (Texas, US): Texas officials confirmed pasture mealybug in 70 counties and urged early detection to protect ranch and hay lands. Climate pressure (Global): FAO COAG opened with a call for science and innovation to tackle hunger, soil health, water scarcity, and rural poverty.

Tobacco Supply Chain: PMFTC says it bought 8.297 million kg of Philippine tobacco in 2025—about 69% of what manufacturers received—while the National Tobacco Administration urges earlier planting to blunt looming El Niño dryness. Farm Safety: Farm Safety Week 2026 spotlights serious injuries that can permanently sideline workers, not just fatalities, as agriculture deaths remain a major concern. Climate Stress in Crops: Western Europe faces heat and moisture stress threatening unirrigated crops, adding pressure to already fragile harvest conditions. Water Management for Rice: In Ifugao, the National Irrigation Administration orders irrigators to follow rationing and cropping calendars under the Hapid Irrigation System to protect rice, corn and fishponds during the dry spell. Regenerative Push: ADM, General Mills and Walmart expand regenerative wheat efforts across shared acres, aiming to strengthen resilience for key ingredients. Policy and Regulation: Kenya’s MPs urge the National Biosafety Authority to get an exemption from recruitment freezes to better regulate GMOs. Wildlife Damage: A Malaysian coconut grower reports RM20,000 losses after a wild elephant destroyed 34 fruiting trees, with authorities investigating the animal’s route.

Irrigation Rationing in Ifugao: Nigeria’s Dele Oye warns the federal government’s 900+ MDAs are costing the economy N862bn and stalling reforms, while in the Philippines the National Irrigation Administration orders Ifugao irrigators to stick to water rationing and a cropping calendar under the Hapid Irrigation System to protect rice, corn and fishpond output during dry conditions. Water for Krishna Delta: India’s Andhra Pradesh government halted unauthorised Godavari water lifting from the Polavaram canal to keep flows reaching tail-end Krishna Delta paddy areas. Climate-smart wins in Zimbabwe: A Zimbabwe family in Umguza credits the Intwasa/Pfumvudza conservation agriculture programme with turning repeated drought losses into stable harvests. Pest and input innovation: BASF’s Apthena biological tool aims to attract beneficial insects for earlier aphid control, and Holkham’s UK trial tests liquid low-carbon fertiliser on sugar beet. Farm safety push: Farm Safety Week spotlights life-changing injuries and poor agriculture safety outcomes. Livestock tech: Australia’s virtual fencing startup Halter expands GPS-enabled remote herd management. Policy and trade pressure: CBI arrests a man impersonating an animal husbandry official to extort AHIDF loan bribes, while US moves to impose a 25% tariff on Brazil goods after a trade probe.

Guaranteed price + fertilizer push (Nigeria): Nigeria plans a Guaranteed Minimum Price model for 2 million smallholders and will distribute 10 million fertilizer bags, linking farmers to aggregation companies for certified inputs, extension, and government-approved off-take. Food security aid (Malawi/Morocco): Morocco donated 500 metric tonnes of fertilizer to Malawi to support vulnerable smallholders, with priority for winter irrigation farmers. Export-ready mangoes (Dominican Republic): Plant health upgrades include tighter fruit-fly monitoring and trap review to expand mango exports to Europe and the US. Animal welfare dispute (UK/Ireland): ICSA is calling for an independent investigation into a Department enforcement operation after footage showed cattle destroyed, arguing welfare standards must be met. Climate stress + drought planning (India): Karnataka’s chief minister urged officials to verify drought relief on the ground and prepare for El Niño-linked rainfall deficits; Telangana farmers face water stress and calls for alternative crops. Market pressure on livestock (US): Catfish producers warn rising costs are outpacing prices, pushing senators to seek USDA action to buy surplus. Safety on farms (Australia): Farmsafe Australia’s Safer Farms report says 53 farm deaths and 182 serious injuries occurred in 2025, renewing calls for stronger safety culture. Horticulture exports (India): First shipment of premium Kashmir cherries and Centrose plums to Singapore aims to raise grower prices and expand export access. Agriculture tech + heritage (UAE/Kyrgyzstan): Abu Dhabi launched a date palm documentation initiative using a digital registration app; Kyrgyzstan and the EU discussed irrigation modernization, organic farming, and EU market access.

Farmer Income & Policy: Telangana’s Tummala Nageswara Rao urges southern states to push the Centre for oil palm MSP and higher crude palm oil import duty to stabilize growers’ earnings. Market Access: Pokhara Metropolis backs cattle farmers with incentive grants and improved seed distribution, while Fiji’s Wainunu opens a new farmers market to cut transport costs and boost local sales. Sugar Industry: Fiji MP Alvick Maharaj argues privatising FSC could revive the sugar sector and calls for faster, in-season cane payments. Land Conflicts: In Hyderabad’s Shamshabad, protests erupt as officials fence land for the bullet train hub; farmers and political leaders accuse authorities of taking fertile farmland without fair compensation, with arrests reported. Food Safety & Demand: Cyclospora fears keep driving shoppers toward farmers markets in the US, with vendors reporting strong turnout and early sellouts of leafy greens. Tech for Farming: Australia expands virtual fencing via app-controlled herd management, and Malaysia promotes retired civil servants to enter modern, tech-enabled agrofood businesses. Livestock & Training: Southeast Mississippi hosts a first Ag Career Day for youth, and Belize runs pasture establishment training with grass seed support. Crop Updates: Zimbabwe seed cotton intake falls sharply as the 2026 marketing season nears end, while Kashmir’s SKUAST-K launches field outreach to modernize vegetable farming.