AGP Executive Report

USDA Reorganization: FSIS employees face a June 30 deadline to choose relocation or separation, with potential job removal if they don’t report to new duty stations. Ag Exports: Yemen’s Agriculture Marketing Sector has started exporting surplus potatoes after seed self-sufficiency boosted production. Farm Finance Politics: Maharashtra’s farm loan waiver is under fire over eligibility rules, even as a cabinet note says restrictions could lower the state’s payout. Rural Innovation: China’s “science and technology backyards” are expanding to link students and researchers with farmers and agribusinesses for practical problem-solving. Crop Losses: Kashmir’s Shopian apple belt reports 30–35% yield drops after last year’s hailstorms damaged buds. Market Access & Community: Lane County Farmers Market expands to Springfield, adding local vendors and running weekly through late October. Food Security Infrastructure: Bangladesh’s Padma Barrage project is pitched as a game-changer for irrigation and groundwater protection in Rajshahi. Pest Pressure: NSW farmers report feral pigs tearing up hay paddocks, worsening feed shortages and pasture damage. Trade Shock: Thailand scrambles to find alternative markets for shrimp after Malaysia suspended imports of several species. Livestock & Safety: Virginia urges farmers to prepare for Atlantic hurricane season with animal protection, supplies, and backup power. Local Ag Economy: Fiji’s new recycling hub in Ba aims to divert waste from landfill and improve access for residents, farmers, and businesses.

Farm Infrastructure Boost: Zamboanga del Sur signed P345M farm-to-market road deals with the Department of Agriculture to cut transport costs and link farms to markets. Aquaculture Support: BFAR-1 distributed 80,000 bangus fry and 1,000 siganid fry to Pangasinan’s SAMAPA, helping fishers recover from weather-related losses. Water-Smart Farming Push: A lawmaker urged faster farmland leveling and water-saving practices as El Niño fears rise, alongside irrigation rehab and rainwater harvesting plans. Crop Decisions Under Weather Pressure: Maharashtra officials expect cotton acreage to jump 10–15% this kharif as farmers shift from soybean amid erratic rains and price swings. Procurement Readiness: Tamil Nadu’s agriculture minister made surprise checks at paddy procurement centers in Kumbakonam, ordering extra storage and steps to prevent grain loss. Biosecurity & Animal Health: California NRCS says it’s ready to help ranchers respond to New World screwworm risks with conservation and monitoring support. Rural Insecurity: Bandits killed farmers preparing fields in Zamfara, raising fears of reduced planting and higher food prices. Renewables for Farmers: Odisha plans an AgriPV policy by 2027 to let farmers earn from solar while keeping farmland productive. Food Safety Spotlight: World Food Safety Day highlights WHO/FAO estimates of unsafe food causing 866M illnesses and 1.52M deaths yearly, with new hazard tracking. Market Access for Producers: Kyrgyz honey producers entered the EU TRACES system, opening a path to export markets.

Wisconsin Dairy Kickoff: “Cows on the Concourse” brought live cows, grilled cheese, and hands-on learning to Capitol Square as National Dairy Month got underway. U.S. Farm Policy Politics: President Trump used a Wisconsin farmer roundtable to argue fertilizer and energy costs will fall, while Democrats criticized his approach. Ag Data Privacy Law: Nebraska enacted LB 525, creating specific rules to protect farm and ranch digital data. Specialty Crops Funding Push: A Washington-focused farm bill proposal would add $1 billion for specialty crops, aiming to keep fruit and berry growers from being overlooked. Livestock Health Rules: Delaware tightened import requirements for warm-blooded animals from Texas after a New World Screwworm detection. Drone Spraying Expansion: Texas AgriDrone Services expanded Central Texas coverage, using drones for pasture weed and brush control. Weather Stress on Fruit: Texas researchers warned last winter’s low “chill hours” could reduce yields for peaches and berries. Crop Damage From Storms: Maharashtra officials assessed rain-and-hail damage across nearly one lakh acres. Food Safety Call: Pakistan’s PM urged everyone to help build a safe, resilient food system on World Food Safety Day.

Fertilizer squeeze and politics: In Wisconsin, President Trump told farmers fertilizer prices will “come way down” as attacks near the Strait of Hormuz continue, tying costs to the Iran conflict and promising a faster turnaround. Input-cost pressure: An Iowa farmer op-ed argues fertilizer market consolidation is crushing growers, with bushels needed to buy common inputs rising sharply over the past five years. Extreme weather hits crops: Violent hailstorms and intense rain in northern and central Italy have damaged cereals, vegetables, fruit, and vineyards, with losses potentially running into the millions of euros. Pest and plant-health alerts: California’s CDFA urged anyone who bought Costco grapevines in Northern California (Apr 21–May 21) to contact local officials after detection of the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Biosecurity and disease control: Namibia’s livestock producers were urged to tighten foot-and-mouth biosecurity and report suspicious symptoms; Cyprus also completed culling of 6,650 animals to eradicate FMD. Farmer support and market access: FAO launched farmer field schools in Moldova to help small vegetable producers use climate-resilient practices and improve market access; Kenya’s KMSA advised moisture-conservation steps for a June outlook with near-average to below-average rainfall. Local agri-economy boosts: Farm-to-market road projects in Catanauan, Quezon (P120m) are nearing completion to speed transport of agricultural products to markets. Community and markets: Slinger Farmers Market opens Sunday, while multiple regional farmers markets are gearing up for the season. Land and conflict: Farmers in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli temporarily halted protests after assurances on land acquisition for a proposed airport, while opposition to India’s Third Mumbai project is set to escalate with a June 7 convention.

Farm Infrastructure: DAR inspections are nearing completion on P120m farm-to-market roads in Catanauan, Quezon, aimed at speeding up farmers’ access to markets. Community & Markets: Overland Park’s new Clock Tower Landing opens to expand its farmers market footprint, while West Salem’s June Dairy Days kicks off with parade, music and fireworks. Farmer Support & Finance: Pakistan’s Askari Bank and Verdora Ventures signed a Rs250m facility to fund high-value crops like tomatoes, turmeric and chillies; Ghana’s MoFA and Finance Ministry clash over whether GH¢1.677bn was actually released. Risk & Resilience: Louisiana tightened New World screwworm interstate movement rules; Canada’s Fraser Valley poultry gets $1.4m for avian influenza protection tech; Wisconsin farmers juggle drought relief as rain returns after extreme swings. Policy & Politics: Trump’s Wisconsin farm roundtable mixed job-growth messaging with tariff and input-cost claims; Georgia WIC Farmers Market programs expand access to free produce for eligible families. On-the-Ground Stories: A lightning strike killed a Chandpur farmer; farmers in Western Australia face opposition to a youth “night space” plan near an agricultural precinct.

Pest Watch: Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network reports the first Japanese beetle captures of 2026, urging growers to scout soybean and corn now as peak activity may hit in 2–4 weeks. Livestock Health Alert: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case, triggering a quarantine zone and tighter movement rules plus calls for farmers to monitor wounds and newborn calves. Input Costs & Policy: Benue State (Nigeria) announced subsidized fertilizer at N28,000 per bag, with government paying the balance to protect farmers from price spikes. Farmer Support Programs: Scotland’s pig sector faces mounting losses and calls for government help as producers exit the industry. Food Security Funding: The African Development Bank and WFP signed an $87m Sudan project to cut post-harvest losses, restore production, and support rainfed wheat and sorghum farmers. Market & Community: Multiple regions kick off farmers market seasons, including a June 6 opening in Forrest City and ongoing SNAP/EBT matching at Genesee Country Farmers Market. Rural Risk & Safety: A farmer in Isabela was reportedly stabbed to death after a dispute over Wi‑Fi, highlighting how tensions can turn deadly.

EU Legal Pressure on Peat: The European Commission will refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice over continued failures to properly apply environmental impact rules for large-scale peat extraction. Budget Boost for Farmers: Ghana released 85% of its 2026 Agriculture Ministry budget (GH¢1.677bn) to back mechanisation, irrigation, certified seeds and fertiliser supply, plus poultry and food buffer stock support. El Niño Hits Crops: Dry weather across Asia is disrupting planting and raising food-price risks as a strong El Niño pattern is expected to intensify heat and drought. Livestock Health Alarm (US): New World screwworm has been confirmed in a Texas calf, prompting quarantines and movement controls; officials stress vigilance rather than panic, while Nebraska ranchers weigh impacts. Dairy Effluent Case (NZ): A Waikato dairy farmer was fined after effluent breaches tied to missing/unused storage infrastructure. Feed Crisis (Barbados): Pasture fires are driving a severe feed-and-forage shortage, pushing hay prices sharply higher. Farmers’ Wellbeing Snapshot (NZ): Stats NZ reports farmers make up 1.8% of employment, with most reporting job satisfaction and rising numbers of older farmers.

RUAS Leadership: A Maguiresbridge dairy and beef cattle farmer has been named Deputy President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, highlighting long-running livestock breeding and show-ring experience. Trade & Compliance: The U.S. says new forced-labor tariffs match an EU timeline, while an ag economist warns equipment tariff cuts may not lower prices for farmers. Farm Safety & Crime: Farmers in Faridkot, India are offering UPI payments to thieves to stop repeated tubewell motor thefts; in Pretoria, a farmer was shot during a robbery with no arrests yet. Market Pressure: Rajshahi mango prices are sliding after Eid demand cooled; Maharashtra onion growers urge vigilance against fertiliser and seed dealers charging above MRP. Policy & Funding: Ghana released GH¢1.677bn (85% of its 2026 MoFA budget) for seeds, fertiliser, irrigation and farmer service centres; USDA issued a second supplemental disaster payment for eligible producers. Climate Risk & Support: Britam paid Ksh97.3m to 402,681 farmers and pastoralists via parametric insurance after weather shocks. Research & Tech: Next-gen ag robots are moving toward plant-by-plant crop management, and a study finds women farmers face higher mental health strain from extra unpaid work. Pest Watch: Locust numbers are surging in north-west Victoria, with authorities urging early reporting and targeted treatment.

Policy & Payments: Ireland’s CAP beneficiary database for 2025 is published, with analysis arguing the biggest BISS payouts don’t follow the “20% take 80%” narrative. Environmental Compliance: A Waihi dairy farmer was fined about $39,000 after unlawful cow-waste discharges, with regulators citing inadequate storage. Rural Economy: A U.S. rural bank CEO survey shows the Rural Mainstreet Index slipping below growth-neutral again as farm income and credit tighten. Climate Risk & Food Security: El Niño fears are driving government moves to shield crops, while drought worries in Utah push ranchers to plan for a “new normal.” Biosecurity Threat: Texas officials and USDA respond to a suspected New World screwworm case near the border, with calls for faster adult-suppression action. Local Markets & Community: Farmers markets expand and relaunch across the U.S. (Idaho, Maryland, Colorado-area listings), boosting local growers and fresh produce access. Tech for Farmers: Michigan’s EnviroWeather goes mobile for on-the-go frost and pest protection. Regenerative & Soil Health: A Michigan livestock farm partnership tests regenerative practices, linking soil biology to pasture and animal health. Development Finance: Bangladesh signs a $70m IFAD-backed GREEN project to fund climate-resilient farming and nutrition through 2031.

Precision Farming & Extension: Missouri’s Hundley-Whaley Center is upgrading soil sampling and precision ag tools to give farmers more accurate nutrient and fertility guidance. Farm Labor Policy: California growers may cut H-2A wages under a new calculation rule, with potential savings up to $100M—if legal challenges don’t stop it. Animal Health Alerts: Texas confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy herd, while USDA says the New World screwworm is creeping toward the U.S. border, triggering heightened prevention steps. Input Costs & Permits: Malaysia’s Kedah will help farmers get special permits to buy more fuel for machinery, with hundreds approved since Jan. Weather & Planting: Ohio farmers are finally getting workable conditions after a very wet May, and Illinois Valley reports planting is catching up as warmer weather arrives. EU Farm Governance: Slovakia’s subsidy changes drew an EPPO warning that they may weaken protection of EU financial interests. Food Security Investment: Oman is pushing a $4.2B agriculture development plan in Batinah to boost local production and cut import dependence.

Agriculture Policy & Finance: Bangladesh Bank orders banks to prioritize marginal and landless farmers with “smart cards” for agri loans, and to give extra priority when crops are hit by heavy rains. Biosecurity & Animal Health: Scotland’s egg sector is still reeling from repeated HPAI outbreaks, with producers questioning how far biosecurity can go when virus appears deep inside barns. Wildlife & Land Conservation: USDA expands Farm Bill-funded support for farmers and ranchers to protect big-game migration corridors across 17 states, offering “wildlife-friendly practices” funding. Pest Threats at the Border: U.S. officials warn New World screwworm detections are creeping closer to Texas via Mexico, raising stakes for cattle and wildlife. Young Farmers & CAP: An EU push calls for ring-fencing at least 10% of the next CAP budget for young farmers to tackle land, finance, and income barriers. Soil & Inputs: Nepal’s 2026/27 budget promises incentives across the agriculture value chain, including higher fertilizer funding to ease paddy shortages. Local Food & Markets: Farmers markets keep expanding—Sycamore’s season starts at a new DeKalb County History Center site, while Nebraska’s summer meal program supports kids with free breakfasts and lunches. Food Safety & Regulation: Australia faces renewed pressure over paraquat, banned in 70 countries, amid health concerns.

Farm Finance in India (Maharashtra): Maharashtra’s cabinet has approved a farm loan waiver for loans up to ₹2 lakh, aiming to help about 56 lakh farmers, with an extra incentive for regular repayers; the formal announcement is being held back until after June 18 Legislative Council elections. Food Prices Enforcement (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture is stepping up surprise market inspections to enforce a PHP50/kg cap on imported rice with 5% broken grains, issuing notices of violation to retailers that exceed the limit. Dairy Expansion Plan (Indonesia): Indonesia says it needs about 1.4 million more dairy cows to reach milk self-sufficiency, with the target herd size around 2 million if productivity stays near current levels. Fertiliser Shortage (Kenya): Maize farmers in North Rift are camping at the Eldoret NCPB depot over a shortage of topdressing fertiliser (CAN), warning the delay could cut yields. Rural Digitalisation (Zimbabwe): FAO and the government are accelerating digital transformation in rural farming through “digital villages” to improve productivity and market access. Livestock Disease Response (Cyprus): Farmers agreed to continue foot-and-mouth culling where outbreaks are detected, with compensation increased for sheep and goat farmers. Agri Policy & Incentives (Philippines/Trade): The Philippines’ latest Strategic Investment Priority Plan version expands incentives for agriculture and processed agri-food activities, alongside other value-adding sectors. Urban Farming (Philippines): Las Piñas is running free hydroponics training and distributing seedlings and seeds to boost urban food production.

Food Safety Alert: Minnesota’s MDA issued a consumer advisory for Milkjam Creamery ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts after a routine inspection found possible metal fragments in specific products/lot codes, urging shoppers to discard or return items. Climate & Water Shocks: Flooding along the Euphrates River in eastern Syria has submerged farmland and destroyed wheat, disrupting irrigation and leaving farmers with no income while authorities assess damage. Market Access for Growers: South Kashmir opened a dedicated garlic market at Pulwama’s Fruit Mandi, drawing growers and traders and boosting daily arrivals and price discovery. Input Costs & Crop Outlook: Australia’s wheat crop is forecast to drop 26% as dry conditions and higher fuel/fertiliser costs linked to Middle East conflict squeeze profitability and planting plans. Local Food Security: Philippines’ DA highlighted Central Luzon farmers and fisherfolk as pillars of food security during the Gawad Saka awards. Agriculture Policy & Infrastructure: J&K’s agriculture minister reviewed mandis and Kissan Ghars and ordered renovations/upgrades to protect public assets and improve farmer services. Rural Risk & Resilience: Farmers in Australia are bracing for possible El Niño impacts, weighing flood risk against a potential shift to drier conditions. Livestock Crime: Tennessee authorities announced indictments in a cattle theft case involving 94 head sold without permission, underscoring the need for coordinated enforcement. Community Markets: Multiple towns are rolling out or expanding farmers markets and market programming, including a new Wappinger Farmers Market launch and summer market events.

Regenerative Push: ADM, Louis Dreyfus Co. and Moulins Soufflet joined 40 food groups in a Geneva-backed declaration to scale regenerative farming through the SAI Platform’s Regenerating Together Programme. Livestock Disease Control: South Africa is spending R494m on foot-and-mouth vaccine procurement and has vaccinated about 4.4m animals, with more doses approved to expand coverage and protect red-meat export access. Cotton Economy Plan: USDA unveiled the Great American Cotton Plan to restore cotton farm profitability, boost domestic textile demand, and expand trade—pairing it with an upgraded “Plant Not Plastic” push. Farm Risk Tools: USDA’s Risk Management Agency is switching rainfall data sources for several crop insurance programs, aiming to improve producer confidence in coverage calculations. Biosecurity & Pests: Wisconsin plans 6,700 spongy moth traps statewide to track new outbreaks and limit spread. Local Food Access: Farmers Union Processing + Meats opens in Minnesota June 2 to add local custom-exempt meat processing capacity. Farmer Support & Recovery: Maryland’s April freeze triggered state emergency assistance for orchards, vineyards and fields after losses topped 90% in some areas. Market Stabilization (Eggs): Indonesia’s nutrition agency ordered local units to buy chicken eggs directly from farmers to lift farmgate prices amid falling costs.

Agtech & farm tech investment: Investors are increasingly funding “picks-and-shovels” agtech that cuts fuel, fertiliser and labour costs, with livestock automation and embedded farm infrastructure leading the shift. Soil sensing for growers: Australia’s QUOLL electronic nose is moving toward farm-ready commercialization after IP was transferred to the University of Tasmania, aiming to deliver fast soil biological insights. Fertiliser access and transparency: Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will pilot a fertiliser booking app using QR codes to reduce queues and prevent forced purchases. Input shocks and trade support: China pledged oil, gas and fertiliser supplies to Cambodia to ease rising costs, while the World Bank urged PNG to make agriculture a core driver of long-term transformation. Disaster aid after frost: New York requested USDA disaster designation after April frost damaged fruit and early vegetables, unlocking low-interest emergency loans. Farm safety: A Canterbury coroner warned against changing massive tractor tyres alone after a farmer was crushed, urging proper equipment and help. Market livelihoods: Kashmir garlic growers report a bumper harvest and stronger prices, but still want better market linkages and storage.

Fertiliser Shock & Input Costs: Farmers across India are reporting fertilizer overpricing and wider cost pressure, from Asifabad urea/DAP complaints to vegetable price jumps in Malaysia’s highlands as Middle East conflict lifts fertiliser, pesticide, and transport costs. Policy Push for Soil Health: India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” from June 1, urging balanced fertiliser use, soil testing, and alternatives like nano-urea and organic inputs. Food Security Warning: FAO warns that disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could deepen global food insecurity in 2026-27 by raising fertiliser and seed prices and forcing farmers to cut planting and inputs. Climate & Pest Threats: Iran’s farmers are battling locust swarms while eastern Syria faces flood evacuations that damaged farmland and cut transport links. Market & Livelihood Strain: Onion growers in Maharashtra demand a Rs 10,000-crore revival package and stable export policy after export restrictions and falling prices. Dairy Sector Growth: Tanzania’s smallholder dairy farmers are gaining access to formal markets and better milk handling, reaching 1.3 million households through partnerships. Ag Innovation & Training: An intra-Africa agroforestry mobility drive targets climate mitigation, while India’s FALI-12 convention spotlights agri-innovation for 1,500 students. Local Agriculture Life: Farmers markets keep expanding—Judd Hill’s 20-year celebration and multiple new/returning markets signal steady community demand.