AGP Executive Report

Farmland Policy: China passed a new farmland protection and quality-improvement law, tightening controls on arable land use and requiring farmland to be mainly used for grain and key farm outputs, with the rules starting Jan. 1, 2027. Food Security & Livestock: Iran hit chicken self-sufficiency, producing over 2 million tonnes of white meat against about 1.6 million tonnes of domestic use, despite war and drought pressures. Farm Inputs & Support: In Ghana’s Jaman North, NEIP CEO Eric Adjei distributed free fertiliser to help farmers cut costs and boost yields. Climate & Water Stress: Farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris face a sharp tea leaf drop after a 55% monsoon rainfall deficit, while Nagapattinam growers want Tamil Nadu to delay Mettur dam water release to protect samba paddy irrigation. Harvest Impacts: Storm damage is already hitting Kentucky’s Graves County corn as harvest begins, with some fields affected up to 60%. Market & Trade Risks: Turkey is pushing talks to reopen safe Black Sea shipping routes as blocked grain flows and higher prices threaten global food supplies. Protests & Prices: Punjab farmers plan dharnas demanding MSP-linked procurement, loan waivers, and action on floods, groundwater decline, and pollution. Pests & Pollination: Australia warns bee health is under threat after a second Varroa mite incursion, raising fears for pollination and food security.

El Niño & drought planning: The Philippines’ agriculture department ordered agencies to keep revising El Niño response plans as drought risk threatens domestic crops and food prices. Water stress: Arizona’s Colorado River uncertainty is forcing towns and farmers to rethink crop choices and backup supplies, while New Zealand’s Northland faces a drier spring forecast that could pressure water users and ecosystems. Farm credit: Bangladesh cut the rate on its Tk 10,000 crore farm refinance scheme to 7% for farmers to improve access to low-cost loans. Worker safety: A report warns extreme heat can increase pesticide exposure risks for farm workers, as vapour concentrations rise. Food supply & markets: Georgia shoppers are turning to farmers markets after a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce. Ag tech in production: Malaysia’s shrimp project is moving toward AI monitoring to track water, oxygen, temperature and feeding more precisely. Global crop shifts: Vietnam’s Central Highlands is rapidly expanding durian as farmers chase surging Chinese demand, with some switching from coffee for higher returns. Labour impacts: Washington’s Borton & Sons plans layoffs of 928 seasonal farmworkers as harvest winds down.

Climate & Drought Watch: Britain’s NFU says farmers are at a financial crisis point after the worst drought in 50 years, warning that without a Keep Britain Growing interest-free loan and support for bluetongue-hit livestock, next year’s food production and farm livelihoods are at risk. Insurance & Risk Tools: India’s PMFBY crop insurance keeps expanding, with coverage now reaching 25 states/UTs and claims paid at scale, as officials push digital claims processing to speed payouts. El Niño Planning: Zimbabwe is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 season, urging farmers to shift to drought-tolerant and short-season crops and to use climate-smart seed varieties. Water Stress & Food Security: Nevada’s lawsuit over the shrinking Colorado River highlights how water cuts could hit farming and local economies, even as drought plans move forward. Market Shifts in Asia: Vietnam’s Central Highlands is rapidly switching from coffee to durian to cash in on surging Chinese demand, with durian acreage soaring over the past decade. Post-Harvest & Losses: South Africa’s food waste problem is tied to weak cold-chain and handling, with fresh produce losses rising in hot, humid seasons. Right to Repair: Farmers are being notified about a John Deere settlement tied to repair access, a dispute that could affect equipment downtime during planting and harvest. Flood Impacts: In the Philippines, Bayambang declared a state of calamity after storms and monsoon rains damaged rice and other crops, with losses topping P31 million.

Food Security & Local Procurement: Second Harvest in Knoxville welcomed former Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack to help distribute food and work with a farm partner as part of its “Harvesting Hope” push to buy produce from local growers. Water & Drought Risk: Cities and farmers across the U.S. West are bracing for uncertainty from a new Colorado River plan that could force major cuts, with Nevada suing over potential unmet needs. Crop Choices Under Pressure: Punjab’s kharif data shows rice now covers over 92% of cultivation, squeezing out non-paddy crops. Farm Finance & Payments: Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency says it has paid over K6 billion to maize suppliers and is expanding storage to handle growing volumes. Ag Innovation: A Bangladesh university student built an AI crop recommendation system using soil and weather data, tested at a BADC nursery with high accuracy. Livestock & Biosecurity: In India, investigators are collecting organs and samples after mysterious buffalo deaths, sending materials for further lab work. Harvest Timing Shifts: Lodi’s grape harvest is arriving about two weeks early, driven by warm weather and a light crop. Value-Chain Development: NABARD-backed a citronella distillery in Nagaland to link cultivation, harvesting, processing, and marketing for local farmers. Solar on Farms: Oregon research found lambs gained nearly the same weight under solar panels as in open pasture, despite lower grass under the array.

Drought Pressure on Crops: A Shiv Sena MP in Maharashtra urged a crop survey and financial aid for Marathwada farmers after a 45-day rainfall shortfall left soybean fields drying up. Water & Food Chain Stress: Serbia’s Danube side channels are shrinking into ponds, threatening fish survival and hitting the wider fish industry as drought and heat intensify across the region. Onion Supply Squeeze: Pune onion prices jumped as arrivals at the wholesale market fell sharply—traders blame April rains that damaged crops and delays in the kharif supply. Farm Pollution Scrutiny: South Carolina’s sewage sludge use on fields is under renewed review as a Yale scientist maps PFAS “forever chemical” hot spots and potential risks to nearby wells, streams, livestock and crops. Cover Crops for Pest Control: A Penn State study found cover crop choices can change plant defenses and insect behavior, with pea-based cover crops boosting predator preference for caterpillars. School Meals Link to Farmers: USDA and HHS launched a push to connect local farmers with schools and upgrade school kitchens under the “Harvest to Hallways” effort. Local Roads, Real Impact: In Jamaica’s St Elizabeth, a $50m farm road upgrade is improving access for growers and even helping children reach school.

Drought Pressure: Minnesota’s Ag Commissioner warns dry conditions are already cutting yields, with the next two weeks critical as drought spreads across much of the state. El Niño Watch: A stronger-than-expected El Niño is raising odds of a warmer fall/winter in Wisconsin, while grain and feed markets react to shifting weather risks. Feed Supply Matching: Ireland’s ICMSA is pairing farmers with fodder surpluses to those facing deficits as winter nears, but transport costs remain a major barrier. Organic Supply Chain: A new organic innovation group (OBLIG) is set to connect hill sheep and finishing farmers with processors to keep more organic animals in the premium market. Spray Tech: Magnet-based conditioning is being marketed as a way to reduce spray drift and improve canopy coverage, with claims of better results and lower water/chemistry use. Biofuels Policy Uncertainty: U.S. farmers are questioning the Trump administration’s biofuels direction as small refinery exemptions could disrupt demand and planning. Market Signals: Grain contract highs are being linked to drought and Black Sea conflict, pushing producers to consider advancing sales. Farm-to-Fork & Local Food: Vermont’s Farm to Plate plan and Iowa’s Harvest to Hallways initiative both aim to boost local farm income and expand access to healthy school meals. Climate Resilience Debate: A Reuters study challenges the “robusta is more climate-resilient” narrative, calling it an “internet myth” tied to flawed assumptions.

Drought Pressure on Farms in Europe: Record-low river levels are disrupting crops, shipping, and even power cooling across Europe as heat and dry conditions bite. Hurricane Recovery in Hawaii: Hurricane Lala left Hawaii Island farmers scrambling after water lines were destroyed, with crop losses reported for growers in Pahala and Kaʻu. Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: The US declared drought disasters in 26 Puerto Rico municipalities, unlocking emergency loans as avocados, plantains, bananas, coffee, and cacao suffer and livestock face feed shortages. Fertilizer Access in Malawi: Press Cane Limited says it has started producing organic fertiliser in Chikwawa, aiming to reach the 2026 season and cut reliance on imports. Food Prices Watch in South Africa: El Niño risk is raising alarms that a weaker 2026/27 summer harvest could push staple prices higher. Farm Support in India: Assam announced low-interest loans and subsidies for agri-entrepreneurs and FPOs by combining the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund with PMFME incentives. Livestock & Breeding News: Michigan launched a dairy grazing initiative to help small and mid-sized dairies cut input costs, while India officially registered Nagal pig as a distinct indigenous breed. Harvest & Market Moves: Greece and Cyprus are promoting kiwifruit and Halloumi in Miami via an EU export campaign, and Iowa launched “Honor Harvest” to connect rural veterans with fresh local food from Choose Iowa members.

Drought & Disaster Relief: Puerto Rico has been hit with a new U.S. drought disaster declaration covering 26 municipalities, unlocking emergency loans for farmers as more than a third of the island faces extreme drought. Flood Damage to Crops: In Pangasinan, the town of Mangatarem reported about P138.61M in agricultural losses after heavy rains and flooding, with thousands of hectares affected. Livestock & Biosecurity: African Swine Fever was confirmed in three Kohima villages, triggering movement bans and surveillance zones; meanwhile, India’s ICAR has officially registered the Nagal pig as a distinct indigenous breed. Market Pressure for Farmers: Northern Plains farmers are slowing some crop sales as drought raises uncertainty for soybean production, while U.S. cattle ranchers are pushing back against Trump moves that could expand beef imports. Inputs, Policy & Trade: U.S. farm and biofuel groups urged Trump to reject expanded small-refinery waivers that could cut demand for U.S. crops and renewable fuels. Ag Innovation: A Vietnam cocoa processor is turning 5,000 tons of waste pods into biochar and using the resulting gas to cut bean drying time from ~15 days to ~7, reducing mould risk.

El Niño Compensation: Sri Lanka set aside Rs. 3 billion to compensate farmers for El Niño-linked dry weather damage, covering about 8,000 acres across key districts and paying Rs. 100,000 per hectare for crops like paddy, maize, onions, potatoes, soybeans and chillies. Seed & Varieties: Uganda’s NARO has started seed multiplication for four newly released Irish potato varieties (NAROPOT 7–10), aiming to scale clean seed and boost yields with disease resistance and shorter maturity. Climate Risk to Food Prices: South Africa’s maize outlook looks better than feared for now, but analysts warn a strengthening El Niño could cut summer production and lift staple food prices in 2026/27. Drought Pressure on Livestock: UK dairy farmers report grass failure and earlier-than-usual cow housing, with worries that winter feed costs could spike. Market & Cashflow Strain: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo millers shut down amid a maize shortage, while Kenya’s Kirinyaga rice growers say delayed government payments are triggering cashflow crises. Research & Support: Nigeria’s Katsina plans an agricultural research institute plus input and technology support, and Uganda’s potato push is paired with soil conservation needs in hilly highlands. Harvest Disruptions: El Niño-linked wildfires in Colombia have scorched over 20,000 hectares in Tolima, threatening crops like lemons and avocados.

Regenerative Shift in Row-Crop Farming: Christensen Farms near Lyons is leaning harder into regenerative agriculture, crop diversification and new tech, including later corn planting to protect non-GMO purity. Apple Outlook: Michigan apple growers are expecting a high-quality 2026 crop with strong size and color, and early reports point to especially good Honeycrisp. Soybean Tech for Faster Diagnosis: University of Maryland’s SoyAI lets growers upload cellphone photos of soybean symptoms for AI-based identification of eight common diseases or nutrient issues. Grower Costs and Policy Relief: Ireland’s horticulture charter highlights rising input and labor pressures, while Maryland expands nutrient management plan eligibility from three to five years for qualifying low-risk operations. Food Supply Under Strain: Arkansas rice farmers are facing the squeeze of drought plus high inputs and weak prices, with 2026 acreage at its lowest in about 50 years. Community Food Systems: CTK Farm in Whatcom County says it has grown and gleaned more than 100,000 pounds of food for local families. Agtech and Automation: John Deere is partnering with Reservoir on rugged AI for high-value crops, aiming to move innovations from prototype to field impact. Animal Health Alert: Michigan has confirmed chronic wasting disease in farmed whitetail deer in three counties ahead of fall hunts. Weather and Harvest Risk Abroad: Lithuania declared a nationwide extreme situation after storm damage hit crops, livestock and farm infrastructure, with preliminary estimates showing major crop losses in the west.

Pest Pressure on Crops: Jigawa farmers in Nigeria report severe armyworm damage, with one bean grower saying over 90% of his crop was destroyed, prompting calls for more support and technical help. Heat Hits Harvests: Hiroshima oyster farmers are delaying harvest for a third straight year as heatwaves slow growth and reduce plankton, raising fears of higher mortality. Input Crackdown: Kenya’s agriculture chief ordered intensified inspections of agrovet shops after a reported 95% drop in illegal pesticide imports, aiming to keep banned products out of local markets. Food Prices & Supply: In Occidental Mindoro, rice inflation eased to 13.7% in July from 17.8% in June, with analysts pointing to slower fuel costs and lingering supply from the earlier harvest. Farm-to-School Push: The USDA’s “Harvest to Hallways” initiative is set to expand school meals and fund school kitchen equipment, linking farm supply with child nutrition. Carbon Forestry Debate: New Zealand’s environment watchdog says forestry should be phased out of the emissions trading scheme, warning it rewards “cheap” offsets while raising wildfire and management concerns. Onion Support: Jamaica’s RADA is backing St. Thomas onion farmers with land prep, seeds, crop protection and post-harvest training, plus a buyer meeting ahead of harvest. Flood Damage to Aquaculture: Odisha shrimp farmers face losses after successive floods inundated ponds and forced sales of undersized shrimp at lower prices.

Harvest to Hallways: Arkansas signed on to USDA’s pledge to get more locally produced food into school cafeterias, alongside $50M for cafeteria infrastructure and $25M in Farm to School grants. Farmgate & food security: Pangasinan farmers and fisherfolk reported P508.19M in flood losses from cyclones Luis and Maymay, with rice hit hardest. Drought planning: Ireland’s Teagasc is launching fodder clinics in drought-hit counties, urging farmers to bring feed stocks and livestock numbers to build winter plans. Crop progress: Iowa corn and soybeans are maturing ahead of last year, while Illinois reports corn at 90% dough and soybeans at 90% pod-setting. Market pressure: Oregon grass seed growers say 2026 tall fescue prices haven’t lifted enough for other cultivars, leaving many near or below break-even. Climate & land use: A study warns Pax Silica’s AI data centers could worsen heat stress for nearby rice farming. Local land conflict: Ogun State residents allege land grabbers destroyed long-standing farms, including cassava, yam, maize and palm trees. War-linked grain risk: Grain exports face disruption as Ukraine targets Russia’s Black Sea ports.

Drought & Prices: Kenya’s drought is cutting maize harvests hard, pushing up staple costs and raising pressure on households as the government weighs imports to plug the gap. Floods & Harvest Risk: Heavy rain in India’s Rajasthan (Dausa) waterlogged roads and flooded a vegetable market, while Odisha’s Kalahandi saw major river flooding that could damage newly planted paddy and deepen farmer debt. Farm Input Crackdown: The Philippines’ DA is stepping up enforcement against counterfeit and illegal fertilizers after seizing hundreds of fertilizer bags, warning that fake inputs can wreck harvests and livelihoods. Market Stability Push: Sri Lanka plans interest-free loans for rice millers to keep paddy purchases flowing during the Yala season, aiming to protect farm-gate prices. Tech for Crops: Japan is using satellite monitoring to forecast cabbage supply and help retailers stabilize prices. Policy & Food Systems: The U.S. USDA is backing “Harvest to Hallways” to boost local food in schools, while Nebraska leaders pledge healthier school meals. Livestock Trade: Israel says it has halted live cattle shipments to Grenada as part of a push for local supply and a modern abattoir plan.

Typhoon & Habagat Precautions: The Philippines’ DA urged farmers to secure crops, seeds, equipment and livestock as Typhoon Obet (165 kph, gusts to 205 kph) interacts with the southwest monsoon, bringing rain and possible flooding across Luzon and nearby regions. Farm Inputs Crackdown: The Philippines also stepped up enforcement against counterfeit and illegally sold fertilizer, seizing 778 bags in Nueva Ecija and directing the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to intensify market surveillance, including online sellers. Irrigation Finance Push: The Philippines is seeking a $100m ADB loan to expand solar-powered irrigation nationwide, aiming to boost year-round water access for smallholders and support climate-resilient farming. Fodder Crisis Response (Ireland): Ireland’s cattle and sheep farmers called for faster fodder transport and a catch-crop incentive as drought strains feed supplies, while DAFM reviews SIM withdrawal requests amid demand for straw bales. Crop Threats & Research: Iowa researchers report soybean cyst nematode is still adapting to PI 88788 resistance, warning growers to diversify SCN management. Water & Wildfire Pressure: Drought-linked wildfire risk is rising in parts of the UK and the US Northwest, with farmers urged to prepare for fire and pest pressure as conditions dry out. School Meals Market Link: The US USDA launched “Harvest to Hallways” to connect local farmers with schools and invest in kitchen capacity to serve more nutrient-dense food.

Farm Labor Abuse in Japan: Six Myanmar workers described repeated violence and verbal abuse at a Hokkaido farm, raising scrutiny of foreign-worker systems. Drought Pressure on UK Harvests: Suffolk growers say crops are “rotting in the ground” because water supplies are too low to run harvesters, as drought and early ripening hit yields. Maize and Food-Output Warnings in Kenya: Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii warned of possible 60% drops in maize after failed rains, with some farmers forced to cut crops and talk of future imports. Cauvery Delta Water Update (India): Tamil Nadu’s Mettur dam nears 87 ft as inflows rise, with officials watching for releases once storage and irrigation needs align. Farm Finance Strain (Kenya): CBK survey data shows more farmers are borrowing as input, fuel, labor and equipment costs climb. Crop Protection for Autumn (UK): UK cereal growers are urged to protect against BYDV this autumn, with targeted insecticide guidance as aphid risk stays high. Sugar Market Shock (India): Sugar prices jumped sharply in multiple states, with the government citing lower production, weather damage, global supply tightness and imports. Solar Irrigation Boost (Ethiopia): Farm Africa-backed solar pumps are helping smallholders cut fuel costs and reduce emissions while improving irrigation reliability. Co-op Training Push (Indonesia): Indonesia launched an internship program to strengthen village cooperative administrators’ skills in farming, harvest management and digital business.

Input Integrity Crackdown: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture intercepted 778 bags of unregistered fertilizer, ordering the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to tighten market surveillance across online and physical sellers after cases in Nueva Ecija and Rizal. Climate Stress on Farms: In the U.S., record heat is driving more heat-related illness while drought-hit regions struggle to keep crops alive; in Europe, wildfires are exposing buried World War II ordnance as drought and heat intensify. Women’s Market Barriers: FAO Bangladesh says women do much of the farm and post-harvest work but face restrictions on selling in markets, limiting their control over income. Livestock and Trade Tensions: Ranchers are pushing back on Trump’s plan to allow tariff-free beef imports, warning it could undermine herd rebuilding. Targeted Support for Farmers: Kenya announced a cut in subsidised fertilizer prices (from Ksh2,500 to Ksh2,000) and a 50% maize seed subsidy; in Negros, DSWD released P138.6M in cash transfers to small sugarcane farmers hit by RSSI pest damage. Digital AgriStack Fit for Local Needs: Nagaland urged India’s AgriStack rollout to account for hill-state realities like shifting cultivation and weak land records, with priorities including pulse seed security and market linkages.