AGP Executive Report

Food Policy: Bulgaria’s agriculture minister says shop food prices won’t rise “unjustifiably” until the euro-related ban expires in August 2027, while announcing EUR 170m state aid to offset fuel-price gaps for farmers. Climate Risk: El Niño is strengthening, with Southern Africa facing drought and extreme heat and East Africa at risk of heavy rain and flooding—raising alarms for harvests, water and livestock. BRICS & Seeds: BRICS ministers backed a BRICS Grain Exchange concept and launched four farmer-focused initiatives, including a farmer-centric BRICS AGRIN network and a global forum on farmers’ rights in seed systems. Power & Irrigation: Farmers across India protested erratic power cuts hitting paddy and irrigation, including Siddipet and Nizamabad, while Telangana plans solar units on Rythu Vedhikas to cut agriculture department electricity burdens. Inputs on the Ground: Ghana’s Nkwanta South received 2,000 bags of fertiliser for distribution, and Odisha launched field-based vocational agriculture training with OUAT and OSEPA. Farm Safety & Health: Vermont recalled eggs after Salmonella was found, and police arrested after a crash damaged a farmers market stand in Mississippi. Rural Livelihoods: Jamaica’s Agricultural Protection Branch recovered $17.6m in stolen produce since January, targeting praedial larceny.

Disaster Relief & Crop Insurance: The Philippines’ PCIC approved P187M in payouts for Ilocos and other regions after typhoons and monsoon flooding, with rice farmers taking the biggest share of claims. Fuel Cost Pressure: In the US, diesel has surged to record highs near $6 a gallon, squeezing corn and soybean harvest budgets and raising fears of higher food prices. Livestock Health: UK farmers are being urged to vaccinate as bluetongue cases (BTV-3) double and spread toward late-September peaks. Drought Governance: Gujarat lawmakers debated drought declaration rules, with officials saying decisions should follow surveys after Kharif rather than rainfall gaps alone. Farmers vs Infrastructure: Eastern Ontario and Western Québec farmers plan a tractor rally against the ALTO high-speed rail plan, warning it could disrupt farms and agricultural land. Rural Finance: Bhutan is betting on high-altitude hazelnuts to help subsistence farmers earn more, while Nepal’s millet push shows local demand can lift incomes. Market & Supply Risks: A major milk supply contract loss in Queensland is putting dairy plans at risk, highlighting how processor decisions can quickly destabilize farm livelihoods.

Disaster Relief: The Philippines’ PCIC says it has set aside P187m in insurance payouts for nearly 25,000 farmers hit by flooding and other damage from three typhoons and the enhanced southwest monsoon, with rice farmers taking the biggest share of claims. Fuel Shock: U.S. farmers are bracing for record diesel prices—AAA puts Sept. 4 at $5.85/gal and higher since—while rail fuel surcharges are also squeezing what growers get paid. Input + Water Pressure: Iowa farmers face rising fertilizer costs alongside nitrate-driven drinking-water bills, adding financial strain as companies’ profits climb. Power Reliability: Farmers in Karimnagar, India staged protests over unscheduled power cuts threatening standing maize, demanding uninterrupted supply. Cocoa Push: Trinidad and Tobago plans to rehabilitate its cocoa sector with a target of 200,000 new cocoa plants, while Fairtrade warns El Niño could disrupt West African cocoa communities. Land + Tenancy: Worcestershire County Council is encouraging tenant farmers to buy the land they lease, aiming to keep holdings productive and support farm families. Weather Watch: The Farmers’ Almanac is mapping first-snow timing, with parts of the U.S. mountains seeing early chances and South Carolina’s odds pushed toward late 2026 or 2027.

Poultry Management: Tanzanian experts stress that poultry success hinges on house design, ventilation, deep-litter hygiene, vaccination and daily supervision, warning that ammonia buildup from waste can drive respiratory disease. Leadership & Rural Economy: Missouri’s Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge brought women leaders to northeast Missouri farms and food businesses, including livestock, aquaculture and higher-education sites, to show how agriculture supports the state’s economy. Soil Carbon Research: Argentina’s INTA reports alfalfa-based perennial systems can build about 25% more soil organic carbon than continuous cropping in semiarid sandy soils, pointing to deeper, longer-lasting roots. Farm-to-Table Spotlight: California’s Cal Expo launched “Evening on the Farm,” pairing local growers, winemakers and chefs to highlight fall harvest crops and support the working farm after storm damage. Trade & Market Access: South Africa’s cherry exports gained China access after a protocol signing, boosted by China’s zero-tariff policy for qualifying products. Disaster & Food Security: Nepal’s floods damaged about 1,800 hectares of crops and killed thousands of livestock, with FAO backing emergency veterinary support and damage assessments. Climate Risk: NOAA warns “super El Niño” odds are rising for 2026/27, raising the likelihood of punishing heat, drought, flooding and disrupted rainfall across Africa. Input Cost Pressure: Iowa farmers face record diesel prices near $6/gal ahead of harvest, forcing cutbacks and cost-saving shifts like no-till. Biosecurity & Pest Watch: Victoria, Australia began spring locust surveillance in priority areas and urges early reporting so spraying can be timed after hatching. Land Tenure: Zimbabwe targets 360,000 title deeds for A1/A2 farmers to secure tenure and help land become “bankable,” with thousands already processed.

Typhoon and monsoon payouts: The Philippines’ PCIC set aside $2.99m for 24,987 farmers across eight regions, with rice taking the biggest hit and the largest share of claims. Harvest disruption: Manitoba Agriculture reports heavy rain and high winds delayed harvest, with spring cereals and canola work still uneven across regions. Biofuels pressure: U.S. ethanol production dipped while stocks rose, and demand signals stayed cautious, keeping corn-linked margins under watch. Irrigated rice gains: Zanzibar’s Unguja farmers are expanding irrigated rice, with yields reportedly rising from about 3 tonnes to 5.8 tonnes as plots and irrigation infrastructure scale up. Clean fuel tax clarity: The U.S. IRS issued guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, giving corn growers more certainty on regenerative practices and next steps for rules. Seed and pesticide rules: India’s agriculture minister met farmers’ groups on draft Seeds and Pesticides Management bills, promising consensus-based finalization and tighter controls on fake inputs. Farm safety and security: A farmer was shot dead in Banting, Malaysia, as police detained a suspect and investigations continue. Climate risk for next season: A “Super El Niño” forecast is raising alarms for both crops and cattle planning into 2027. Corn diversity warning: Researchers flagged critically low genetic variation in key U.S. corn breeding stock, warning it could limit future high-yield development under climate stress. Local ag-tech and markets: Idaho highlighted how precision tools and AI are powering its farm-linked tech workforce, while BC promoted farmers’ markets as a core community and income engine.

Guaranteed Prices for Nigerian Farmers: NCX, Bank of Agriculture and AFAN launched a Guaranteed Minimum Price programme to protect 500,000+ farmers, secure 400,000 tonnes of grains and reach 11.25 million households. Women & Youth Mechanisation Push (Nigeria): First Lady Oluremi Tinubu backed Agri360 training to equip 5,000 women and youths with mechanisation, digital skills and agribusiness support. Rural Veterinary Capacity (Georgia, US): ABAC and the University of Georgia signed a five-year deal to build a pipeline for food-animal vets serving rural communities. Red-Meat Export Route (South Africa–Egypt): South Africa’s veterinary certificate deal with Egypt opens a path for red-meat exports as the industry works through foot-and-mouth recovery. Smart Farming in China: Xinjiang’s automated cotton “super field” uses drones and smart irrigation to cut costs and raise yields. Drought & Resilience Planning (Australia): WA finalised a Wheatbelt Regional Drought Resilience Plan with 30+ priority actions for water security and farm support. Tea Sector Strain (Burundi): Burundi tea output fell 30% over a decade, with abandoned hectares blamed on low prices, fertilizer gaps and labour shortages. Livestock Health & Movement Rules (Scotland): Bluetongue has become endemic in Scotland, leaving some farmers stuck in restricted-zone movement limits. Market Access for Fruit (South Africa–China): China granted South Africa market access for cherries; blueberry talks are nearing finalisation. Farm Costs & Rent Pressure (UK): Tenant farmers are urged to seek 10–20% rent cuts as yields and returns lag behind rising costs. Poultry Supply to Curb Prices (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock minister urged poultry farmers to boost egg and meat output while tightening quality and antibiotic controls. Dryland Knowledge Exchange (India): Global Dryland Congress 2026 begins in New Delhi with 800+ experts focused on resilient farming, seeds and climate-smart systems.

ASEAN–India Ag Talks: Malaysia’s agriculture minister joined the 9th AIMMAF in New Delhi, pushing deeper ASEAN–India cooperation on R&D, tech transfer, value chains, and regional food security. AI for Farm Decisions: A Purdue/CME Ag Economy Barometer says farmers are increasingly using AI for strategic planning, with finance and strategy among the biggest perceived gains. Fertilizer Lock-Ins: Midwest producers are already securing 2027 fertilizer, but worry about global conflict and input costs—especially potash—shifting overnight. Fuel Squeeze: Farmers in Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, and Wisconsin report diesel prices cutting into margins, changing how many field passes they can afford and raising hauling costs for crops and dairy. Invasive Catfish Processing Funding: USDA announced another $6M to expand processing capacity for invasive wild blue catfish, backed by lawmakers as a way to protect waterways and support rural seafood jobs. Urban Water Quality Push (Iowa): Iowa’s agriculture secretary announced final 2026 urban water quality projects, adding $1M+ in state cost-share to local stormwater and nutrient-reduction efforts. Conservation Agriculture Abroad: Morocco and Australia partners are preparing a conservation agriculture and soil health project aligned with Morocco’s Génération Green strategy. World Agriculture Day (Venezuela): Venezuela’s seed-producer network is scaling native seed conservation and participatory genetic improvement, reaching thousands of families. Dairy Pressure in Kenya: Kenya’s milk shortage is tied to dry spells shrinking pasture and forcing costly feed purchases. Biosecurity Alert (Wisconsin): Wisconsin confirmed a first EEE case this year in a horse and urged mosquito bite prevention. Ag Trade & Logistics (Maryland): Baltimore’s new grain transloading facility aims to speed exports for Maryland farmers. Inputs Policy (45Z): Updated 45Z Clean Fuel guidance links qualifying carbon reductions to regenerative farm practices, signaling clearer pathways for biofuel producers.

Seed Regulation: India is preparing a stricter Seed Act to curb fake and substandard seeds, with farmer leaders set to weigh in ahead of Parliament. Climate Preparedness: Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council says farmers aren’t being properly readied for extreme weather and wants a practical, parcel-specific climate-risk toolkit within 12 months. Farm Inputs & Costs: UK farmers are warning that domestic food output keeps falling while imports rise, as drought, bluetongue, and higher fuel, fertiliser and energy costs push many farms into losses. Sustainable Farming Trials: Wales is trialling farmed seaweed as a biostimulant to cut imported nitrogen fertiliser use and improve soil and nutrient uptake. Ag Tech Uptake: McKinsey reports farmers are embracing AI faster than most other farm technologies, using it for planning and day-to-day decisions. Livestock & Markets: A strong season is boosting lamb feed and prices in Australia, with a ram sale planned after well-timed rainfall. Trade & Commodities: Kyrgyzstan is pushing to export beans to Pakistan, targeting direct links with importers and supply volumes. Food Security & Finance: Kenya’s Agricultural Finance Corporation received global recognition for embedding climate resilience into lending decisions. Policy & Assurance: Ireland’s Bord Bia plans updates to its Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme and a “new approach” to farm audits.

Farmer Livelihoods & Policy: Philippines House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III backed the Sagip Saka Program, stressing that stable food supply depends on stable farmer incomes and reliable markets. Agronomy & Research: Southwest Minnesota State University will host an Agronomy Field Day and Ag Bowl, spotlighting soybean health, weed control, hay preservation, and value-added farm practices. Campaigns & Community: Central Valley Ag launched “The Land We Love” to celebrate the people and communities behind agriculture. Aquaculture Strategy: China’s fisheries plan targets a big jump in high-quality aquatic product supply by 2030, with more facility-based production and tech upgrades. Drought & Food Security: Sudan’s farmers warn severe rainfall shortages are damaging sorghum, sesame, and peanuts, pushing up grain prices. Animal Health & Farm Operations: Cyprus livestock producers face delays after foot-and-mouth rules; authorities say rebooting farms depends on proper disinfection. Climate Finance: IFAD and Equity Group launched a $200m East Africa climate adaptation mechanism aimed at smallholders and rural businesses. Market Access & Quality: U.S. Soybean Board quality sampling encourages farmers to submit harvest samples to prove U.S. soy quality for global buyers. Food Safety: The USDA recalled imported ready-to-eat Italian pork products over possible listeria contamination.

Arunachal Agriculture Push: Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the State Agriculture Information Hub-cum-Farmers’ Hostel in Naharlagun and flagged off Matsya e-Vaahini plus an e-Rickshaw to boost fish-farm logistics and training. Heat Safety for Farm Workers: Reports warn extreme heat is driving deadly illness risk for agricultural workers, urging shade breaks and electrolyte rehydration. Insect Protein Expansion: South Korea completed its first insect industry hub complex in Gangwon, with smart-farm infrastructure aimed at producing up to 1,000 tons of mealworms annually. Climate-Resilient Farming Ideas: Chinese researchers propose “underground agriculture” in abandoned coal mines to create stable, closed-environment farming. Horticulture Subsidy Crackdown: India’s National Horticulture Board froze new clearance applications for two schemes after a subsidy controversy involving cucumber farms. Farmgate Price Pressure: Tomato growers report collapsing prices and losses as supply surges outpace demand. Value-Add Processing Support: Japan funded a ginger and timur processing centre in Nepal’s Myagdi district to help women farmers boost product value. Disaster Hits Crops: Heavy rain and strong winds wrecked about 50 acres of banana plantations in Thanjavur, uprooting tens of thousands of plants and prompting calls for compensation. Livestock Vaccine Demand: Tanzania’s veterinary agency plans to expand livestock vaccine production and improve delivery methods as demand rises, especially for Newcastle disease vaccines. Food System Stress: UN-linked reporting highlights a “resilience crisis” as extreme weather and conflicts strain inputs and logistics even when global cereal output looks strong.

Pig & slurry infrastructure: A Yorkshire pig farm added a 2,200m³ concrete slurry tank with a pump and mixer after expanding herd size, aiming for easier mixing and lower long-term costs. Government delivery focus: PM Modi reviewed MoS performance, stressing timely, high-quality and transparent project execution, with Agriculture Ministry flagship schemes on the agenda. Drought pressure on farms: Maine’s drought is worsening, with record-low groundwater in parts of the state and little relief expected soon—raising risks for agriculture and water supplies. Swine health surveillance: Canada is funding faster national swine disease testing to improve early detection and limit outbreaks’ damage to producers and animal welfare. Crop resilience research: German researchers identified a plant steroid-hormone mechanism that helps balance growth and immune defense, pointing to more resilient, high-yield crop breeding. Animal health warning: Ireland reported a bluetongue case in an unvaccinated heifer, urging farmers to monitor closely during peak midge activity. Fertilizer support & input access: Ghana’s Afadzato South MP donated fertilizer in phases to multiple farming communities to cut production costs and boost yields. Food safety recall: The US issued a recall for about 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork products due to possible listeria contamination. EU subsidy scrutiny: The European Commission temporarily withheld €3.18m in Czech farm subsidy reimbursements to Agrofert while it reviews potential conflict-of-interest concerns. Water & farming logistics: The Philippines is studying a major Candaba Swamp canal system to store floodwater, reduce inundation, and create farm transport routes. Fodder management: Ireland urged farmers to maximize recent grass growth recovery to boost fodder supplies, while noting 2026 pasture production remains below normal. Market and trade signals: Uganda’s coffee exports fell 15% in July, while South Africa–Zimbabwe talks highlighted agriculture’s role in regional value chains and trade.

Fertiliser probe in Kedah: Malaysia’s MACC opened an investigation into delays in supplementary compound fertiliser distribution to padi farmers in Kedah, after a complaint by PESAWAH, with the probe also looking at governance weaknesses. Farm safety for harvest: A local emergency responder warned that fall harvest hazards are often preventable, urging better equipment maintenance to prevent field fires, plus safer handling around grain bins and power take-offs. Aquaculture levy fight: Kenya’s Lake Victoria fish farmers escalated their legal battle over new aquaculture charges, appealing a High Court decision that upheld licensing fees and a levy that they say could threaten small operators. New crop genetics for drylands: Kenya’s KALRO-developed pigeonpea variety (Mituki) is helping farmers harvest in about three months and earn income even during dry periods. Pesticide harm spotlight: A new study estimates 402–433 million cases of acute pesticide poisoning among farmers and agricultural workers each year, with South Asia worst affected. Water for rice in Tamil Nadu: India’s Mettur Dam discharge was increased to 12,000 cusecs to support Cauvery delta irrigation for samba cultivation. Co-op seed push in Manipur: BBSSL and MASOCA signed an MoU to expand seed production and improve access to quality seeds through a cooperative-led network. Dairy credit in Gujarat: India distributed 6.57 lakh RuPay Kisan Credit Cards to dairy farmers via cooperative banks to improve timely, lower-cost liquidity. Shrimp industry scale-up: Ecuador’s shrimp sector is growing fast and shifting toward more industrial, large-scale outdoor operations, with exports now comparable to Norway’s salmon by volume. Pineapple investment drive in Malaysia: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 saw LPNM secure potential pineapple investments worth over RM2.3 billion, pushing downstream processing and high-value products.

Heat & Crop Losses: Britain’s flower growers are pulling out of markets after record heat and weeks without rain scorched fields and wiped out stock. Energy Costs for Farming: Diesel hit a record $5.85/gallon, with Michigan farmers and trucking facing higher input costs tied to U.S.-Iran fuel disruptions. Dairy Expansion Scrutiny: Minnesota’s agriculture department is collecting public input on the socioeconomic impact of large-scale dairies as a proposed expansion moves forward without an environmental impact study. Livestock Health for Trade: Irish livestock groups urge early dosing and vaccination to protect weanling sales, warning exporters may pause purchases if health programs slip. Policy & Land Use: The Philippines is pushing a national land use law to protect prime agricultural areas as population growth strains rice output. Food Security Support: President Marcos’ P20/kilo rice subsidy is set to continue through 2028, with officials stressing it must stay targeted to avoid squeezing farmer incomes. Pest Control: Georgia agriculture officials report ongoing yellow-legged hornet tracking and eradication efforts to protect honeybees. Climate Risk to Rice: The Philippines narrows its El Niño rice decline projection to about 400,000 MT, citing monsoon-fed dam levels. Community & Rural Support: Minnesota offers free farm mental health trainings, while Bangladesh’s IFIC Bank joins a Tk 3,000 crore refinance scheme to boost ag production, storage, processing, and exports.

Fertiliser Accountability: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim ordered MACC to investigate delays in Fertiliser 3 (Baja 3) deliveries to paddy farmers in Kedah’s MADA area, warning contracts could be cancelled and prosecuted if companies repeatedly fail. Budget Push for Farmers: At MAHA 2026’s closing, Anwar hinted the Agriculture and Food Security ministry’s Budget 2027 allocation may rise, citing strong programme performance. MAHA Results: The exhibition drew about 4.3 million visitors (target set to be surpassed), logged RM66.88m in sales, and secured MoUs for potential investments around RM10.3bn—aimed at turning deals into on-farm benefits. Coffee Expansion: In Bukidnon, officials met indigenous coffee growers in Quezon, backing coffee as a higher-value shift from traditional monocrops and highlighting a national coffee fund plus seedling propagation support. Cocoa Support: Ghana’s NPP leadership says a new cocoa policy package is being prepared after farmer consultations, alongside disease-control equipment for cocoa groups. Roads for Trade: Ghana’s Wa–Tumu–Bolgatanga corridor upgrade is framed as a boost for moving farm produce and expanding rural opportunities. Farmer Health & Livestock: Ireland’s agriculture ministry warned sheep farmers about autumn lamb risks and urged vaccination and stress control during weaning. Crop Success Stories: Bangladesh highlights a Pirojpur farmer scaling malta (citrus) from a small plot into a commercial orchard and nursery. Tech for Pest Control: Kazakhstan unveiled drone-based BioDrop tech that spreads beneficial insects more efficiently than manual release. Land Compensation: India’s Noida authority raised farmer land acquisition compensation to ₹6,459/sqm and added a 5% developed plot for some cases.

Agri-Investment & Trade: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 drew huge deal momentum, with MoUs hitting RM12.6B (above RM8B), including RM4B from China and RM1.5B via NAFAS to expand fertiliser capacity. Climate & Heat Impacts: Japan farmers are shifting to night work as deadly heat reshapes schedules, with greenhouse harvesting running through early hours. Beef & Prices: Nebraska ranchers warn that tariff-driven beef moves could worsen feed-calf pain without fixing long-term costs, as US crop-price rallies lift optimism. Animal Health & Skills: The University of Minnesota is running a hands-on Beef Skills Workshop (Sept 12) focused on calving, scoring, handling and injection-site management. Fertiliser Support Abroad: Morocco donated 1,000 tonnes of DAP to Mali to bolster food security and yields. Disaster Response: Algeria’s Jijel fire compensation survey topped 98% completion, covering crops, livestock and poultry; Bihar’s CM ordered round-the-clock flood relief and embankment monitoring. Water & Irrigation: Ladakh plans 36 check dams (over Rs 56 crore) to raise stream flows and support farmers’ irrigation. Cocoa Income Shock: Ivory Coast kept cocoa farmgate prices at 1,200 CFA/kg, disappointing growers after a near-60% cut earlier this year. Regenerative & Solar on Farms: Studies and pilots highlight agrivoltaics’ potential to cool farm work, while UK farming-linked solar and regenerative initiatives keep gaining attention.

Diesel Shock in Bolivia: Hundreds of coca farmers marched in Cochabamba after President Rodrigo Paz doubled diesel prices for bulk buyers, saying “No diesel, no diesel” as fuel shortages worsen. Climate Finance for Smallholders: IFAD and Equity Group launched a $200m ARCAFIM scheme in Kigali to back climate adaptation for about 260,000 small farmers across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, including irrigation, storage, renewables and resilient processing. New Farmer Training in Wales: Wales’ Farmstart programme opened applications to help aspiring farmers access land, shared machinery and mentoring for year-long, hands-on business training. El Niño Tea Crisis in India: Nilgiris tea growers face major green-leaf shortfalls as heat and failed monsoon conditions cut supply to factories, threatening tea powder output and livelihoods. Drought and Fertilizer Pressure: Sri Lanka’s insurance board says El Niño-linked dry weather damaged 8,500 acres and will start payouts; in Bangladesh, paddy prices fell to Tk 800–950 per maund while costs rose, squeezing farmers. Rural Credit Moves: USDA will streamline farm loan processing via a permanent fast-track approach to speed approvals for farmers and ranchers. Food Security Tensions in South Asia: Tamil Nadu farmers plan a five-day protest against Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam push, arguing it threatens irrigation water shares. Livestock and Biosecurity: SIART training in the Solomon Islands boosts young extension officers with financial literacy and feed formulation skills for local agribusiness groups.