AGP Executive Report

Monsoon damage and crop losses: Philippines provinces Bataan and Zambales have declared states of calamity after flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage, with farmers still waiting on full reports of farm and crop losses. Harvest disruption in vegetables: In Benguet, prolonged rains are forcing growers to harvest early as prices plunge and produce spoils while farmers queue at La Trinidad trading. Water security for Rabi wheat: Pakistan’s Tarbela Dam has reached maximum conservation storage, strengthening the Rabi water outlook, while Mangla’s slower filling remains a concern. Maize buying and farmer cash: Sri Lanka’s Food Reserve Agency says it has bought 680,914MT of maize and paid about K3.4bn to farmers, with satellite depots still purchasing designated crops. Food safety push: Sri Lanka plans a certification program to keep fruit sold locally free of harmful chemical residues and to promote safer ripening practices. Tragedy on inland waterways: Nigeria’s Sokoto state saw a deadly overloaded boat capsizing while people traveled to rice farms, with dozens of deaths reported, including many children. Livestock-crop integration: Mongolia’s parliament speaker visited Khos Bers Agro Farm, highlighting wheat and fodder production alongside intensive dairy and small livestock breeding. Post-harvest modernization: In the Philippines, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur secured an abaca spindle stripping machine pilot to cut labor and improve fiber quality for local growers. Agrivoltaics for high-value crops: A rooftop solar experiment in Denver reports saffron under semi-transparent panels produced about twice the flowers and dried stigmas versus unshaded plots.

Tragedy in Rice Country (Nigeria): An overloaded canoe carrying farm owners and labourers to rice fields capsized near Gorau in Sokoto State, killing at least 40 people—many children aged 10–15—with rescues ongoing as officials report deaths could rise. Harvest Watch (Canada): Manitoba’s harvest is delayed by scattered rain, humidity and uneven moisture; winter cereals are progressing while producers say warmer, steadier conditions are still needed. Crop Timing (England/Wales): Growers are urged to delay drilling oilseed rape after an exceptionally dry summer, stressing better seedbed moisture and conditions for early success. Ag Markets (U.S. wheat): Wheat rallies face resistance as hard red winter futures struggle near $7.80, with Black Sea supply and pricing spreads limiting export demand. Farm Safety & People (Minnesota): The state agriculture department and partners are rolling out free QPR and COMET mental health trainings for agricultural communities this fall. Wildlife Conflict (Cameroon): VoNat is piloting “elephant-smart farming” with ginger seeds and thorny citrus barriers to reduce crop raids. Organic Growing (Mississippi): MSU highlights that organic vegetable production can be tough in pest- and disease-friendly climates, requiring careful planning from field to market.

Climate Pressure on Crops: Germany’s grain harvest is forecast to drop about 7% after a dry spring and late-June heatwave, with farmers also hit by higher diesel and fertilizer costs. Smart Farming & Monitoring: Bukidnon (Philippines) rolled out a nearly P10m “smart” agricultural monitoring project using automated weather stations to help farmers plan around climate shocks. Plant Nutrition Breakthrough: NYU researchers identified how plants “sense” enough nitrogen, a finding that could reduce nitrate leaching and cut fertilizer costs. Harvest Updates: Nepal rice transplanting is nearly complete (97.48% of paddy fields by Aug 14), raising hopes for a stronger crop if weather and pests cooperate. Local Diversification: Punjab (India) approved Rs 2.49 crore under the National Bamboo Mission to plant bamboo on 857+ acres as a paddy-wheat alternative. Farm Tech for Quality: IDS showcased an optical precision potato sorter that grades by size and quality in a single pass to ease labor shortages. Farmer Resilience Stories: Drought-hit farms in the UK describe cattle feed shortages and desperate short-term fixes as heat and low river levels bite. Seed Security: Gaza’s seed bank in Deir el-Balah is rebuilding heirloom stocks after war damage to support local wheat, barley, and vegetables.

Smart Farming & Climate Resilience: Bukidnon (Philippines) rolled out a nearly P10M “smart” agricultural monitoring push, installing automated weather stations to give farmers and local officials faster data for planning and climate-shock protection. Crop Protection Tech: InterPlant’s CropVoice Whole Farm uses AI and plant optical signals to flag corn and soybean infections weeks before symptoms, aiming to sharpen fungicide timing starting in 2027. Farm Policy & Labor: U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson says the SAWA bill would modernize the H-2A guest worker program as advertised ag jobs have surged while domestic applicants lag. Market Access for Families: Ohio’s ODJFS reminded SNAP users they can buy food at participating farmers markets using the Ohio Direction Card/EBT. Conservation Recognition: Iowa honored 33 farm families with Farm Environmental Leader Awards for soil health and water-quality practices like cover crops, no-till, buffers, and rotational grazing. Drought & Water Tensions: A BC fish protection order on the Salmon River was rescinded amid drought and wildfire concerns, sparking a dispute with wildlife groups as farmers manage limited water. Agri Tech for Post-Harvest: Agrograde installed an automated onion grading system in Maharashtra, cutting grading labor and boosting throughput while targeting reduced skin damage.

Climate-smart farming & resilience: Reuters spotlights how some UK beef producers are building drought-proof pasture and soil health, while Europe’s heat crisis: farmers warn extreme hot, dry weather is already shrinking vegetable and grain harvests and could drive food shortages and price hikes. Drought relief & water storage: England’s government rolls out a £65m drought package aimed at keeping crops and livestock going, including support for on-farm water storage. Seed & planting progress: Yemen’s seed-sifting drive targets cleaner, healthier seed to boost germination and yields, while Bangladesh reports farmers have finished 96% of Aman rice seedling planting in Rangpur. Food security shocks: Kenya plans to import 25 million bags of maize after drought-linked crop failures. Policy & farm economics: The Supreme Court is set to hear a PIL seeking enforceable MSP for all notified crops using the Swaminathan cost-plus formula. Labor & farm safety: A UK livestock group urges sheep farmers not to delay shearing despite bluetongue fears, and California’s sheriff warns drivers to be patient around harvest equipment on roads.

Monsoon Damage in the Philippines: Pangasinan farmers reported P267.5M in farm and fishery losses from Aug. 1–17, with palay hit hardest (P147.5M) as floods submerged newly planted seedlings; some two-week-old plants may recover if water drops soon, but replants submerged for days face low survival. Market Disruption in Benguet: The Philippines’ agriculture department is stepping up efforts to cut vegetable losses after persistent rains in Benguet triggered dumping of 5.8 tons of Chinese cabbage and carrots, citing slow logistics and poor road conditions; it’s also pushing transport help and buyer linkages. Drought Fallout in Germany: The German Farmers’ Association warns grain harvest may fall 7% to 41.9M tons after dry spring heatwaves, with regional crop failures and higher input costs squeezing farms. Iowa Conservation Expansion: Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig announced the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands program will expand into 22 Greater Des Moines watershed counties, paying producers to convert erodible row-crop acres into pasture and hay to improve water quality. Ag Tech Push in Nebraska: Husker Harvest Days will debut an Ag Tech Pavilion Sept. 15–17 to connect farmers with new tools and research on precision, automation, AI, and connectivity. Irrigation Tensions in India: Farmers in Khammam’s Wyra command area protested over uncertainty in irrigation releases, saying drinking water is being prioritized while crops sit at risk.

Agricultural Finance: Philippines banks boosted lending to agriculture, fisheries and rural development to P3.1 trillion in June—29% higher year-on-year and the strongest compliance since Sept. 2025—far exceeding the statutory 25% earmark. Disaster Response: The Philippines Department of Agriculture released P177.67M in farm inputs for habagat and storms Luis and Maymay, including seeds, rice allocations, crop-insurance indemnities and zero-interest SURE loans. Drought & Crop Risk: Europe’s heat and drought are already cutting yields and water access, with farmers facing rules limiting irrigation; in the U.S., corn and soy acreage hit records while prices firm on tighter stocks. Market Pain: Bangladesh jackfruit growers in Gazipur are stuck with unsold fruit as demand and prices fall, while Wisconsin apple growers are bracing for drought stress ahead of peak tourism. Policy & Trade: India’s planned farmer march to Delhi was blocked at the Haryana border amid trade-deal fears; in the U.S., Sen. Schumer urged USDA to buy surplus Concord grape products for nutrition programs. Pest Management: A new online BYDV tool in the UK helps winter wheat and barley growers judge aphid-virus risk and avoid unnecessary insecticide sprays. Biosecurity: Australia’s plague locust watch is underway, urging landholders to monitor egg sites and report sightings. Sustainable Farming Debate: Namibia’s environment ministry pushed back on claims that charcoal threatens biodiversity, arguing managed bush control can restore rangelands.

Disaster Response (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture says tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay plus habagat rains have caused P1.03B in ag losses, hitting 30,073 farmers and 25,662 hectares, and it has readied P177.67M in seeds, plus NFA rice for affected LGUs, PCIC insurance payouts, and zero-interest SURE loans up to P25,000. Pest Pressure (Philippines): Sugar industry stakeholders in Bacolod agreed to form a national ad hoc committee to coordinate a whole-of-government response to the worsening Red Striped Soft Shell Insect infestation, aiming for faster detection and transparent aid. Farm Finance (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Bank set a 54% higher FY26-27 target for agricultural and rural credit at Tk 60,000 crore, easing group lending rules and expanding eligible activities. Market & Trade (US/NY grapes & Mexico avocados): Schumer and Gillibrand urged USDA to buy concord grape juice after contract cancellations left 130 growers (2,600 acres) exposed; meanwhile Mexico avocado exports to the US have restarted after a security alert, but growers still fear violence and extortion. Water Stress (India): Andhra Pradesh flagged groundwater declines across 8,503 villages, with some areas reporting borewells failing to find water. Climate & Invasives (Mediterranean): Scientists warn warming seas and easier migration routes are accelerating invasive species into the Mediterranean, reshaping fisheries and food chains. Drought Relief (UK): England’s £65m drought support package is rolling out as heat and dry conditions push some farms toward earlier harvest and feed shortages. Soil & Cover Crops (Iowa): Practical Farmers of Iowa opened applications for its 2026 cover crop cost-share, offering $15/acre for fall planting ahead of next year’s corn and soybean crops.

Disaster Recovery in the Philippines: Tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon (habagat) have damaged agriculture worth ₱1.03B, hitting 25,662 hectares and 30,073 farmers across multiple regions; rice took the biggest hit (₱589.44M, 16,105 MT), with high-value crops also badly affected, and the DA says more losses may surface as assessments continue while it prepares ₱177.67M in seeds and other inputs plus NFA rice aid. Crop Insurance Push: The Philippine House approved HB 10365 to expand the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s coverage for farmers and fisherfolk, adding protection for high-value crops, livestock, aquaculture, fishery products, agroforestry, and more against calamities, diseases and pests. Kenya Seed Crackdown: Kenya’s agriculture ministry announced a fresh crackdown on counterfeit seeds, warning fake maize inputs can fail months later and deepen farmers’ losses as weather stress grows. Liberia Solar Boost: Liberia’s electricity regulator issued a 20MW solar license to LEC for Mount Coffee, backed by a World Bank project, aiming to cut diesel dependence and add capacity for 200,000+ urban residents. South Africa Pecan Outlook: South Africa’s 2026 pecan harvest is progressing with strong quality—94% of exported nuts so far have kernel percentages above 55%, supporting export potential. Local Market Pressure in Benguet: In the Philippines’ Benguet, farmers dumped cabbage and carrots after low prices and weak buyer demand made transport to trading centers too costly.

Agricultural Insurance Push (Philippines): The House approved HB 10365 to expand and strengthen the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., aiming to protect farmers and fisherfolk from typhoons, floods, drought, crop/livestock/fish diseases, and pests—so one disaster doesn’t spiral into years of debt. Farmgate Pain (Philippines): In Benguet, vegetable growers dumped cabbage and carrots along a road after low prices and fewer buyers made it too costly to haul produce to trading centers, with heavy rains adding more damage. Right-to-Repair Pressure (U.S. farm equipment): A proposed $99 million FTC deal would require John Deere to provide farmers and independent repair shops better access to diagnostic software, manuals, and repair tools, targeting delays that can hit planting and harvest. Drought and Water Stress (U.S.): Lake Powell dropped to a new record low, raising alarms for power generation and downstream water supplies that also affect California farms. Border Tensions Over Farm Policy (India): Haryana sealed the Khanauri border to stop a planned farmers’ march tied to India-US trade and MSP procurement demands. Solar Water for Food Security (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe is expanding solar-powered community gardens with boreholes to keep vegetables growing year-round during drought. Ag Tech for Harvest Labor (UK): A University of Essex spin-out, Versatile RobotX, secured £1m+ to scale crop-picking robots tested with major growers. Local Support & Events: Farm Bureau held a fall market outlook meeting, while Ireland’s Virginia Show gears up for its 83rd edition focused on “Harvesting the Future Together.”

Drought Relief & Trust in the UK: UK PM Andy Burnham unveiled a £65m drought support package as farmers warn heat and low rainfall are pushing yields down and costs up, with Burnham also facing criticism that help is arriving too late and that government must rebuild farmers’ trust. Input Support in the Philippines: In Batac City, Ilocos Norte, 555 registered farmers received foliar fertilizer to sustain high-value crops and cut production costs during costly input pressures. Onion Self-Sufficiency in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture aims to boost local big onion output to cover about half of national needs in the upcoming Yala season, using training to raise yields and manage expenses. Hop Farmers Turn to Solar: Germany’s hop sector is shrinking fast as climate stress and falling beer demand drive closures; one Bavarian grower is trialing solar “hats” to protect harvests and stabilize income. Pollinator Focus: National Honey Bee Day highlighted how extreme heat affects hives, with bearding and wing-fanning used to cool colonies and protect pollination. Aquaculture Water Management: Zimbabwe’s aquaculture guidance stresses oxygen-first pond management for El Niño conditions, including reduced stocking, deeper water, aeration, and careful feeding. Disaster Calls in Ilocos: A farmers’ group urged comprehensive aid after monsoon flooding damaged crops, fishponds, irrigation, and equipment, warning livelihoods were already strained before the storms. Food System Resilience: A separate push in Zimbabwe links value addition to competitiveness as the country targets agro-industrial growth by 2030.

Drought Relief in the UK: UK PM Andy Burnham announced a £65m support package for drought-hit farmers, including help for environmental schemes and new on-farm reservoirs, after the driest July on record raised fears of lower yields and higher food prices. Crop Progress in Canada: Saskatchewan’s harvest is still only about 2% complete, with cooler, scattered showers easing some stress but dry conditions continuing to limit topsoil moisture. Heat Stress in Pakistan: Date workers in Sindh say extreme heat is becoming “unbearable,” with reports of heatstroke and fainting during the peak harvest. Disaster Aid Push in CNMI: Senate VP Corina Magofna is urging local agriculture officials to pursue more disaster funding for CNMI farmers and ranchers after super typhoons damaged livelihoods. Food Security via Gardens: Philippines Sen. Francis Pangilinan wants community and school gardens institutionalized through the Gulayan sa Barangay at Paaralan Act to fight hunger and malnutrition. Oil Palm Expansion in Ghana: TCDA says it will boost Ghana’s palm oil output through regulation, plantation growth, and value-chain development to close the production gap. El Niño Warning for Latin America: NOAA says there’s a 95% chance of very strong El Niño by late 2026, raising risks for rainfall and farming across the region. Flood Damage in the Philippines: A peasant group in Ilocos Sur is calling for urgent government assistance after monsoon flooding damaged crops, fishponds, and farm infrastructure. Fisheries Focus in Bangladesh: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman highlighted fisheries as key to food security, jobs, exports, and sustainable growth, urging a modern, science-based sector. Ukraine Harvest Hit by Drone: A Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia killed a harvest worker and damaged a combine harvester and wheat field. Palm Oil Self-Sufficiency in Ghana: TCDA’s roundtable aims to turn policy into practice for the “Red Gold” push.

Drought Relief in the UK: Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £65m package for drought-hit farmers, adding £50m to the Sustainable Farming Incentive and £15m for on-farm reservoirs, as England faces official drought and livestock producers are already burning through feed reserves. Heat and Water Stress: Farmers across Europe and the UK report harvest damage and animal feed shortages as heatwaves and dry spells intensify, while Oklahoma drought worsens and ranchers are forced to buy extra feed. Crop and Livestock Risk: In the Philippines, the PCIC approved P36m in payouts for 5,005 farmers after monsoon flooding, with rice the biggest insured loss. Farm Policy and Peacebuilding: The Philippines’ agriculture and peace office are designing a livelihood program to move former rebels into plantation-style farming tied to private buyers. Local Farming Impacts: In India’s Warangal, deficient rainfall cut rice sowing sharply and the state expanded farmer support and insurance; in Kashmir, torrential rain and hailstorms damaged paddy and orchards. Land Use Pressure: A Midlands report flags a massive housing plan that could swallow good crop-growing land, raising fresh questions about farmland protection. Innovation and Research: Scientists identified a wheat gene variant (TaSCE1-A1) that boosts drought resistance, pointing to new breeding options.

Storm Claims & Crop Damage: The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. will pay about P36M to 5,005 farmers after typhoons and southwest monsoon rains, with rice taking the biggest hit (P25.6M) and Ilocos and Central Luzon leading losses. Drought Pressure & Harvest Uncertainty: Germany’s drought is blamed for roughly 3 million tons of grain and rapeseed losses since mid-June, while Missouri soybean yield forecasts slid as heat and dry soil hit key reproductive stages. Feed Security Worries: In Ireland, Sinn Féin and farm groups are urging the government to prepare for a fodder crisis after hot, uneven rainfall cut grass growth and threatens next spring’s feed supply. Input Costs & Farm Cashflow: U.S. farmers are bracing for higher 2027 costs as fuel and fertilizer stay elevated, and UK lender Lloyds is rolling out tailored support as dry weather strains yields, feed, water use and cashflow. Biosecurity & Orchard Risk: A New Zealand orchardist reflects on lessons from Psa, warning growers to treat biosecurity like insurance and manage what moves on and off farms. Trade Disruption: Ukraine’s export logistics problems could leave more than half of planned 2026/27 exports stuck, threatening farmer liquidity and the next sowing season. Market Access & Partnerships: The USDA is moving to better integrate seafood into federal funding and services via a new partnership with the University of Maine, while the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria launches “Freedom 250” to deepen agricultural trade and livestock investment.

Weather & Harvest Losses: Typhoons and southwest monsoon rains are driving fresh farm damage claims in the Philippines, with PCIC set to pay P36M for insured losses affecting 5,005 farmers, led by rice in Ilocos and Central Luzon. Drought & Feed Pressure: Ireland’s farm groups are warning of a coming fodder crunch as hot, dry weather cuts grass growth, pushing calls to reconvene the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. Water & Logistics Stress: Ukraine’s grain exports could be sharply constrained if Black Sea shipping problems persist, threatening farmer cashflow and raising global food price pressure. Farm Finance & Risk: UK lender Lloyds says it’s stepping up support for drought-hit farmers, offering working capital, repayment holidays and other tailored relief. Policy & Inputs: Tamil Nadu poultry producers are asking for power tariff concessions and subsidy support to keep new sheds viable, while Cebu is pushing to expand corn production with better market access and post-harvest facilities. Ag Tech & Knowledge Transfer: Spain’s IVIA is rolling out plant health, digital livestock and sustainable crop training through workshops, including recovery guidance after extreme weather.

Storm Damage in the Philippines: Tropical storms Maymay and Luis plus the southwest monsoon have battered farms in Pangasinan and Oriental Mindoro, with initial damage estimates reaching P127M in Pangasinan (palay worst at P89.5M) and P56M in Oriental Mindoro (heaviest in Naujan at P26.4M), including losses to rice, vegetables, corn, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate Pressure on Farming: Europe’s heatwaves are forcing emergency energy steps and worsening drought impacts, with farmers warning of yield losses and feed shortages. Wildlife Conflict and Crops: Nepal’s human-wildlife conflict is intensifying as rhinos, tigers, and elephants raid farms, while Southern Africa faces higher elephant crop-raiding risk as farms and settlements expand and protected areas dry out. Policy and Inputs: California moves to phase out paraquat after manufacturers withdrew health data, while India’s Kerala expands certified wild boar shooting statewide to speed responses to crop and safety threats. Water and Resilience: UK farm leaders stress food security depends on water storage and infrastructure as drought deepens. Ag Tech Caution: A Chinese farmer reportedly lost nearly 25 acres after trusting an AI-generated pesticide/weedkiller plan.