AGP Executive Report

El Niño heat stress: Farmers in Bohol, Philippines, are watching rice fields wither as intense heat and dry spells crack soils and leave springs and creeks running low, with some areas still hoping for recovery if rain comes soon. Coffee market push: Yemen’s Al-Jabin District in Raymah has launched a coffee purchasing drive for 2026 specialty harvests, targeting 50 tons for export and aiming to boost cultivation and quality from harvesting to storage. Food security and supply shocks: Kenya’s milk shortage is worsening, with Nairobi supermarkets rationing purchases and prices rising as drought cuts dairy production; separate reporting warns of speculative maize hoarding on Kenya’s coast as traders hold above-normal stocks while a projected national deficit looms. Climate-risk planning: A climate advisory council says agriculture agencies aren’t preparing farmers enough for recurring drought, heat stress, heavy winter rain, and wildfires, urging a practical climate-risk toolkit tailored to individual land parcels. Agri-tech and value chains: Uzbekistan’s Namangan governor says Chinese-backed agricultural technology and inputs are lifting cotton yields and expanding high-value crops like lavender, while a new AfDB response plan targets energy and fertilizer shocks across Africa. Pest and policy pressure: Australia faces renewed calls for stronger action against feral pigs, while a federal inquiry in Australia reopens debate over paraquat use after health concerns.

Fertilizer Supply Boost: CHS and OCP North America announced a proposed phosphate fertilizer joint venture in Waggaman, Louisiana, aiming to produce over 1 million metric tonnes a year and cut U.S. reliance on imports. Climate Finance for Smallholders: IFAD and Equity Group launched ARCAFIM, a $200 million East Africa mechanism to help small farmers and rural businesses fund climate adaptation, targeting 260,000 farmers. Drought Threatens Food Security: South Kordofan and Darfur residents warn rainfall shortages and heat are damaging sorghum, sesame and peanuts, pushing up grain prices. Harvest Disruption From Weather: Heavy rain left MacGregor fields soft during harvest, raising equipment and crop-damage concerns. Market Access & Value Chains: Odisha is partnering with IRRI to scale Kalajeera specialty rice, focusing on preserving aroma and genetics and building local milling and value-added options. Farm Safety at Harvest: Illinois State Police urged drivers and farmers to share roads safely as tractors and equipment move during fall harvest. Soybean Quality Push: The U.S. Soybean Board is encouraging farmers to submit samples for an annual quality survey to support global market promotion. Livestock Sector Reform: Kwara State (Nigeria) is pushing livestock commercialization, reporting gains in milk and carcass weights.

Food Security Funding: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announced €1.5m for two agriculture projects to offset higher costs of oil and fertilisers, arguing a strong primary sector is key for island food security. El Niño Watch: South Africa’s agribusiness confidence ticked up, but growers and traders are bracing for hotter, drier conditions that could lift food inflation and strain the next planting season. Harvest Shock in the UK: England is facing its worst harvest on record after drought, with economists warning that weaker milling wheat supplies could push up bread prices beyond England. Horticulture Subsidy Crackdown (India): India’s National Horticulture Board temporarily froze fresh clearance applications under two schemes for a month after a subsidy controversy involving cucumber farms. Tomato Market Pressure: Tomato prices in Zambia swung sharply, squeezing farmers’ ability to recover costs as supply surges hit bargaining power. Crop Losses from Storms: Banana plantations in Thanjavur were battered by sudden rain and strong winds, damaging nearly 50 acres and uprooting tens of thousands of plants. Pest & Biosecurity: California warned that fruit flies can ruin produce from the inside, urging caution with produce during quarantine and travel. Ag Tech for Small Farms: A robotics engineer is betting small, affordable ground robots can bring autonomy to specialty crops where big tractors can’t operate safely. Market & Storage Infrastructure: Venezuela’s Silos La Flecha facilities were inspected as winter cereal collection ramps up, targeting storage of over 2.5 million metric tons.

Pig & Slurry Infrastructure: A Yorkshire pig operation installed a 2,200m3 concrete slurry tank with a pump and mixer to meet environmental rules as herd size rose from 2,000 to 3,200, choosing electric mixing plus solar power for long-term cost control. Composting & Soil Health: Tennessee is pushing back on landfill disposal of food waste, arguing composting cuts methane, lowers fertilizer needs, and supports local crop resilience ahead of Food Waste Prevention Week. Wildlife-Habitat Monitoring: Iowa’s long-running August roadside pheasant surveys show the second-highest population since 2015, but still far below mid-1990s levels due to habitat loss. Crop Stress & Weather Risk: South Africa is bracing for El Niño-driven hotter, drier conditions; India’s Karnataka faces worsening rainfall deficits with drought-hit taluks likely to expand, threatening rain-fed yields. Farm Inputs & Costs: Farmers in the U.S. report squeezed budgets from higher fertilizer, fuel, seed, and equipment costs ahead of harvest. Water & Flood Planning: The Philippines’ DA is studying a major Candaba Swamp canal system to store floodwater, support irrigation, and improve farm transport. Food Safety Training: eHACCP.org plans an IHA-accredited HACCP course for cannabis growers and processors in December 2026. Local Food & Community: A chef-farmer network in Summerland is trying to salvage produce losses after wildfire disruption by reconnecting growers with buyers.

Sugarcane Pest Alert (Philippines): Passi City in Iloilo says red-striped soft scale insects have hit 3,337.85 hectares of sugarcane, threatening livelihoods of about 8,000 farmers and workers, and the city has declared a state of calamity while damage is still being assessed. Stubble Burning Watch (India): India’s CAQM will re-test its “burnt area” protocol after satellite and ground readings diverged for Punjab and Haryana, a key issue for Delhi-NCR air pollution from paddy stubble burning. Farm Safety (US): With harvest season underway, local responders stress fire prevention from equipment, fall hazards, and grain-bin rescue readiness. Crop Resilience (Kenya): KALRO’s new pigeonpea variety Mituki is letting farmers harvest much earlier and multiple times, boosting income during dry periods. Water & Floods (Nepal): Nepal’s deadliest disaster since 2015 continues after a frozen-ground collapse triggered a massive flood wave, with thousands still missing. Rural Investment (China): China unveiled a 2030 rural revitalisation funding push combining fiscal support, credit, insurance, bonds and private capital to strengthen food security. Wheat Policy Pressure (Pakistan): FPCCI calls for a fundamental wheat policy overhaul, including strategic reserves and market-stabilisation rather than suppressing farm-gate prices. Tea Quality & Politics (Kenya): KTDA links uneven tea bonuses to poor green-leaf quality, handling issues and political interference.

Land & Water Deals: A nature restoration firm bought 7,500 acres of England’s moorland for £8.5m to fund a “Britain’s Yellowstone” rewilding plan that could eventually transfer the land to a charity or community trust. 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. Ag Tech & Diversification: China’s Heilongjiang—its top grain province—has turned rice paddies into tourism attractions, using GPS and 3D layout to create giant “rice art” that boosts local income. Diesel Costs Hitting Farms: Diesel prices in the U.S. hit a record above $5.85/gal, with Michigan around $5.88, raising costs for trucking and crop harvest operations. Rice Policy Pressure: The Philippines faces a rice tariff shortfall that could strain funding for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, with lawmakers warning the gap may need other budget sources. Livestock & Herd Trends: U.S. cattle numbers are at a 75-year low, with drought-driven feed costs and sell-offs cited as key drivers. Water Release & Farm Planning: India’s Veligallu project has started releasing water for drinking and livestock first, with officials warning farmers not to rely on it for water-hungry cultivation. Farm Labor & Safety: A California attorney who helped ban the short-handled hoe for farmworker safety has died at 83.

Climate & Weather Pressure: El Niño planning is straining budgets as Malawi says it needs K324.8bn more for 2026/27 preparedness, while floods in Pakistan’s Ghizer district blocked roads and damaged crops. Farm Inputs & Costs: Farmers in the UK and across Europe are dealing with heat, drought and higher costs at the same time, with Visegrad Four urging EU action over fodder shortages. Water & Irrigation: Lesotho is bracing for below-normal rains and intense heat, and Zimbabwean livestock producers are turning to non-timber forest feed as grazing and crop residue fail. Ag Tech & Productivity: Google DeepMind launched an AI project in India to map fields and detect events, and Kazakhstan researchers unveiled drone tech to spread beneficial insects faster. Livestock Health: Ireland’s sheep welfare guidance highlights critical autumn decisions and parasite risks for lambs. Local Farm Stories: Yuma growers say rain arrived at the wrong time, while South Australia canola farmers complain tourists are damaging crops on private land. Policy & Training: Uganda is developing a practical curriculum to train youth in agricultural mechanisation, irrigation and soil testing. Market & Storage: India’s cooperative grain storage plan aims to bring storage and services closer to villages to cut losses and distress sales.

Heat Stress on Farms: Japan farmers are shifting harvest to the coolest hours, with some cutting flowers at night after heatstroke cases and record greenhouse temperatures. Cocoa Price Shock: Ivory Coast will keep the cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, disappointing growers after a near-60% cut earlier this year. Honey Boom in Tanzania: A youth-run honey business backed by TADB lifted output from 350 to 500 tonnes and is targeting 1,500 tonnes, using a “borrow a beehive, repay with honey” model. Harvest Disrupted by Weather: Alberta farmers report a very wet season delaying haying and forcing some grain fields to be converted to silage or written off. Farm Labor Tensions: Sonoma County Farm Bureau and immigrant advocates clash over how local policies intersect with ICE reporting tied to jail information. Water and Climate Adaptation: Ladakh plans 36 check dams to boost drinking water and irrigation, while UK farms install rain-harvesting systems to cut flood risk and drought stress. Ag Tech and On-Farm Innovation: Agrivoltaics research suggests solar panels can reduce perceived heat for crop pickers, and AGCO unveiled “Farmer-First” equipment and autonomy updates at Farm Progress Show.

Climate Finance for Farmers: IFAD and Equity Group launched a 12-year, $200m ARCAFIM scheme in Kigali, with Uganda among four East African countries to back smallholders and rural businesses with climate adaptation funding for irrigation, water harvesting, resilient dairy/livestock, post-harvest storage, renewables and agro-processing. Drought Pressure in South Asia and Europe: Visegrad agriculture officials urged the EU to act fast as drought cuts crop output and threatens feed and dairy; in Maharashtra, opposition leaders warn El Niño-linked dry spells could push most districts toward acute drought. Water Woes for Irrigation: In India’s Cauvery delta, Mettur releases dwindled to about 1,500 cusecs at the Upper Anicut, raising alarms for farmers’ irrigation needs. Farm Economics Under Strain: In Bangladesh’s Naogaon, paddy costs rose while prices fell to Tk 800–950 per maund, leaving farmers unable to recover production costs. Input Costs Hit Harvests: Record diesel prices are squeezing U.S. farmers, limiting hay cuttings and raising costs across planting, fertilizer hauling and transport. On-Farm Innovation: Kansas farmers are looking at Kernza, a drought-tolerant perennial grain, as a stability play amid extreme weather. Food Safety and Stewardship: A new push highlights how farmers can curb antimicrobial resistance by using medicines responsibly and prioritizing prevention and biosecurity.

Drought & heat stress: Visegrad Four farm groups urged the EU to act fast as drought cuts fodder and threatens livestock feed, while Cambodia’s coffee sector warned El Niño could persist through Feb 2027, pushing smallholders to boost irrigation and water management. Crop protection pressures: In the UK, flea beetles plus a very hot, dry summer are stunting brassicas and could knock Brussels sprouts off the holiday menu; in India’s Karnataka, the CM’s drought survey found crops failing to come up properly in Bagalkot. Farm income & costs: USDA projects Northwest farm income down 5% in 2026, even as other regions rise; in the US, diesel hit a record $5.85/gal, adding pressure to harvest and transport costs. Policy & support: France announced €1bn in emergency aid for weather-hit farmers, and crop insurance reminders in Illinois urged producers to document damage early. Markets & trade: Montana Farm Bureau warned Canada tariff retaliation could hurt farmers and ranchers as US-Canada trade talks unravel. On-farm innovation: New Holland rolled out AI-assisted forage harvesting to reduce operator guesswork, and BASF showcased nematode resistance soybeans.

El Niño Fallout for Farms: Northern Mindanao (Philippines) says about 141,000 hectares are vulnerable to a long dry spell, with September “decisive” for whether farmers plant corn and palay or skip the cycle as Pagasa forecasts below-normal rainfall. Drought Compensation Moves: Sri Lanka’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Insurance Board begins paying compensation for dry-weather crop losses, including paddy and maize, with Polonnaruwa credits starting Sept. 4 and other districts by Sept. 15. Livestock Disease Alarm: Central Kashmir faces a suspected lumpy skin disease outbreak, with reports of 350 cattle affected and calls for urgent veterinary response and compensation. Water-Smart Irrigation Push: Nigeria’s NASENI is demonstrating solar irrigation pumps in Kano to help dry-season rice farmers cut costs and reduce dependence on fuel. EU Gene-Editing Fight: Hungarian NGOs urge legal action at the EU Court of Justice to overturn new rules that deregulate most gene-edited crops, arguing farmers and consumers will lose key safeguards and labeling clarity. Harvest Disruption & Safety: Manitoba/Saskatchewan researchers confirm four tornadoes, including one near Elkhorn reaching 155 km/h and damaging farm structures and crops; meanwhile, multiple regions are warning drivers to slow down for harvest traffic and farm equipment.

Water stress hits rice in the Philippines: Valencia City, Bukidnon says below-normal rainfall has damaged about 80% of its 300-hectare rainfed rice area, with farmers struggling to move from vegetative to reproductive stages as local water sources dry up and the National Irrigation Administration schedules deliveries. Fertilizer supply chain push in Canada: Developers say a new phosphate terminal under construction at the Port of Johnstown could move up to 400,000 tonnes a year, aiming to cut Canadian farmers’ reliance on U.S. import routes. Pest control, less pesticide use in Saudi Arabia: Weqaa launched a nationwide “Healthier Choice” campaign to promote integrated plant pest management based on monitoring, diagnosis, prevention and targeted interventions. Heat resilience science: Researchers report a molecular mechanism that helps keep leaf cooling pores active during high temperatures, pointing toward future climate-resilient crops. Harvest pressure and costs in the U.S.: Arkansas farmers are racing through early corn, rice and soybean harvests as hot, dry weather speeds progress, while diesel prices push fuel bills higher. Farm tech and inputs: Case IH unveiled new precision mapping for hay producers, while DOST-Davao installed an automated weather station to support smarter crop management. Policy and trade backdrop: A U.S. continuing resolution keeps crop insurance and disaster relief funding running through December, while El Niño forecasts warn of bigger weather swings ahead.

El Niño Alert: The UN’s weather agency warns El Niño is set to intensify into a “very strong” event, likely lasting into February and raising risks of drought, floods, and extreme heat that could hit farming and food security worldwide. Fodder Pressure in Ireland: ICSA says farmers need immediate action on fodder, calling for faster rules on cutting riparian areas, an extension on chemical fertiliser deadlines, and support to plant fast forage crops and move grain and fodder to where it’s needed. Punjab Protest: Farmers at the Chandigarh border (Day 3) are demanding a legal MSP guarantee, debt relief, crop insurance, and changes to water-sharing agreements, saying the government has stayed silent for years. Water Projects in Uttarakhand: India’s Centre urges Uttarakhand to speed up 15 watershed projects under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, extending the completion deadline to Sept. 30, 2026. Gaza Seed Bank Rebuild: Farmers in Gaza are rebuilding a local seed bank and cultivating heirloom crops to preserve local varieties despite land and access constraints. Drought Hits Water Supply in US: New Mexico’s Elephant Butte Reservoir has fallen to about 1.4% full, underscoring how basin drought is squeezing irrigation-dependent farms.

Digital Ag Tech: Northeast China’s Heilongjiang is using AI, drones, satellites, and real-time data maps to monitor crops and tractor activity across millions of hectares, pushing mechanization to near-total levels. Climate & Markets: Traders are warning that El Niño and Himalayan instability could keep volatility high for commodities, while diesel prices are spiking—an added hit for farm costs and harvest logistics. Water & Drought Response: Germany’s agriculture minister says drought damage is a national crisis and is moving toward €1B in low-interest support; South Africa is bracing for El Niño-driven below-normal rains; and Iowa’s Greater Des Moines Watershed program has surged cover-crop enrollment past 300,000 acres (and statewide beyond 1 million). Policy & Farm Economy: California lawmakers advanced a farmland-to-solar bill tied to water-stressed land; Georgia set grape quality rules for its 2026 harvest (including a lowered Saperavi sugar threshold). Food Systems & Safety: USDA is rolling out “Harvest to Hallways” to connect more local farms to school meals, while new research flags pesticide poisoning as a major global farm health crisis. Local Agriculture Life: Utah approved 450 extra elk permits amid drought, and North Dakota is urging safer roads as harvest equipment fills highways.

Flood Risk & Food Systems: Central Luzon’s 2026 Habagat flooding in Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac submerged farmland and disrupted infrastructure, with the report pointing to more than rain—river siltation, erosion, land subsidence, dam operations and sea-level rise—pushing a call for basin-wide management and long-term financing. Smart Farming Push: Malaysia’s Perak is seeking budget support to expand its Smart Agriculture Development Programme, aiming for smart farming areas, matching grants and tech like smart irrigation, robotics and mechanisation. Water Supply Shock: Israel’s desalination plants shut down after a spike in seawater turbidity, raising concerns for agriculture while authorities shift to wells and the Sea of Galilee. Pesticide Poisoning Crisis: A new study estimates about 46% of farmers are acutely poisoned by pesticides each year, with major impacts in southern Asia and India. Farmgate Price Pressure: India’s onion prices have surged sharply despite stable production, with officials and industry pointing to quality issues after rain delays and harvest disruptions. Farm Safety & Labor: Ireland’s Longford farmers are turning to vaccination to reduce weaning-related calf pneumonia, while Hawaii highlights rising mental health risks for farm workers after repeated storms. Tech for Harvesting: CLAAS unveiled combine harvesting accessories and precision tech aimed at higher throughput and cleaner grain quality.

Ag Tech & Digital Services: Malaysia’s Fisheries Department rolled out eSPeKS for online aquaculture assistance applications and AquaTrack as a digital logbook to track stocking, feed use, harvest yields, and calculate feed conversion and break-even points. Weather & Farm Risk: The Philippines’ agriculture department reported about P2.84B in farm losses from the enhanced southwest monsoon and typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng, hitting rice hardest and affecting tens of thousands of farmers and fishers. Crop Timing Under Heat: Purdue Extension warns late-summer triple-digit heat could speed corn maturity and trigger faster dry-down, raising stalk-rot and standability concerns ahead of harvest. Insurance & Flood Damage: Illinois crop insurance claims are rising as excessive rainfall drives replant and production-loss payouts; farmers are urged to file claims early and wait for adjuster inspections before harvesting damaged fields. Policy & Support: India’s agriculture minister reviewed progress of the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana in 100 low-productivity districts, focusing on convergence, district action plans, and beneficiary-level outcomes. Drought Pressure: In India’s Karimnagar, a dry spell is stunting cotton growth and could cut yields sharply if rain doesn’t arrive soon. Market Watch: Corn prices are rallying into September, with analysts saying $6 corn is possible as harvest begins, though yield swings remain wide. Aquaculture & Trade: Malaysia and Thailand completed virtual inspections for seabass and shrimp export activity as part of fisheries oversight. Flood Alerts: Nigeria’s Ogun State issued a fresh flood warning for September’s second rainy-season phase, urging residents in vulnerable areas to relocate.