AGP Executive Report

Farmer Income & Policy: Telangana’s Tummala Nageswara Rao urges southern states to push the Centre for oil palm MSP and higher crude palm oil import duty to stabilize growers’ earnings. Market Access: Pokhara Metropolis backs cattle farmers with incentive grants and improved seed distribution, while Fiji’s Wainunu opens a new farmers market to cut transport costs and boost local sales. Sugar Industry: Fiji MP Alvick Maharaj argues privatising FSC could revive the sugar sector and calls for faster, in-season cane payments. Land Conflicts: In Hyderabad’s Shamshabad, protests erupt as officials fence land for the bullet train hub; farmers and political leaders accuse authorities of taking fertile farmland without fair compensation, with arrests reported. Food Safety & Demand: Cyclospora fears keep driving shoppers toward farmers markets in the US, with vendors reporting strong turnout and early sellouts of leafy greens. Tech for Farming: Australia expands virtual fencing via app-controlled herd management, and Malaysia promotes retired civil servants to enter modern, tech-enabled agrofood businesses. Livestock & Training: Southeast Mississippi hosts a first Ag Career Day for youth, and Belize runs pasture establishment training with grass seed support. Crop Updates: Zimbabwe seed cotton intake falls sharply as the 2026 marketing season nears end, while Kashmir’s SKUAST-K launches field outreach to modernize vegetable farming.

Irrigation Pressure: In Malaysia’s Perak, hot weather and a pump breakdown have hit over 400 hectares of padi, stunting growth and disrupting the second planting season. Climate Risk & Water Gaps: Ghana’s Upper East farmers warn that shifting rainfall is shortening seasons and pushing calls for more irrigation, including small dugouts and boreholes, while a prolonged dry spell threatens millet in Nabdam and nearby districts. Land Conflicts: In Telangana, farmers in Bahadurguda near Shamshabad clashed with police and revenue officials over acquisition of 650 acres for a bullet train, with injuries reported. Market Access & Imports: Ghanaian farmer leaders urged tighter control of food imports, saying illegal rice inflows via unapproved borders are flooding markets and blocking sales for local producers. Farmer Protection & Governance: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister promised zero tolerance for irregularities in flood aid distribution and accelerated livestock vaccination. Ag Finance & Insurance: Nigeria’s agricultural insurance push brought NAIC and finance/ag officials together to expand affordable coverage under the Renewed Hope agenda. Export Boost: India’s APEDA helped J&K’s Areko cherries and Scentrose plums reach Singapore for the first time, aiming to lift grower returns. Input Fraud Alert: Karnataka farmers protested alleged counterfeit MKP fertiliser sales, fearing crop losses. Digital Payments: Bushel launched lien protection for grain payments to reduce paper checks and speed settlements. Tech in Farming: A University of Hawaii lab is supplying “clean,” virus-free sweet potato planting material to local growers.

EU Fertilizer Relief: The EU greenlit a €41 million aid plan for Greek farmers to offset higher fertilizer costs, using a temporary state-aid framework. Farm Economy Pressure: Iowa Farm Bureau and partners warned of a multi-year downturn as costs keep outpacing revenues, with net farm income down sharply. Input Cost Fight: A new National Corn Growers Association report says U.S. farmers pay far more for seeds and crop protection than Brazil, fueling calls for relief. Food Safety & Local Markets: Cyclospora linked to pre-chopped Taco Bell lettuce is driving shoppers toward local produce; in New Jersey, farmers stress strict handling and cleaning. Market Disruptions: Erie County’s Lawrence Park Farmers Market was canceled due to hazardous air quality, while other markets continue with health-focused messaging. Weather Hits Harvests: Cold snaps devastated Erie County sour cherries, cutting pick-your-own to just days. Policy & Standards: The U.S. FDA moved to lower the minimum sugar standard for pasteurized orange juice, aiming to modernize rules. Research & Capacity: Montana State University opened a new $58M combined state labs building to strengthen disease testing and diagnostics for agriculture. Ukraine Priorities: Ukraine’s new agrarian minister outlined EU integration, recovery, frontline support, and digital reforms.

Geopolitics & Inputs: South African grain farmers are bracing for the 2026/27 summer season as renewed Middle East conflict threatens fertiliser and fuel prices and disrupts supply chains. Farm Diversification: A fifth-generation wheat grower in the UK is turning to padel courts and a café to survive falling returns. Soil Health: Canada’s Senate agriculture and forestry committee warns soils are degrading fast worldwide, urging regenerative practices to protect yields and water. Weather & Crop Risk: Manitoba asparagus and strawberry growers say extreme weather is hitting hard, but some crops lack crop insurance coverage. Disaster Credit: The US USDA is offering emergency loans for Virginia farmers hit by drought, freeze and frost. Policy Relief: Delhi approved ₹33.31 crore in ex-gratia relief for farmers facing 100% crop loss from heavy rains and waterlogging. Regional Cropping Choices: Telangana’s Vanakalam 2025 data shows paddy and cotton dominating despite El Niño concerns. Agriculture Finance (Nigeria): Nigeria launched a $500m agriculture fund for the Niger Delta, targeting aquaculture, palm oil and livestock. Food Safety & Markets: Iowa farmers are pushing local produce as cyclospora concerns grow. EU Funding Fraud: Latvia faces an EPPO indictment over alleged robotic milking equipment subsidy fraud. Russia Harvest Pressure: Fuel shortages and Azov Sea security risks are tightening logistics and squeezing Russian grain exporters. Conservation Farming: A US farm tour highlights how soil and water management can protect lake ecosystems. Beef Incentives: Ireland’s Hereford Prime rolls out a restructured bonus scheme with sustainability and genetics pillars. Regenerative Training: SEARCA and SEAMEO plan a regional micro-credential curriculum on regenerative and resilient agriculture.

Input-Cost Pressure: East Mississippi and Texas row-crop farmers are bracing for higher fertilizer and diesel costs as Strait of Hormuz shipping tensions raise supply fears. Weather Watch: Manitoba’s crop report says warm, dry conditions helped fields dry and crops recover, while Saskatchewan producers also gained ground with spraying and first-cut haying. Policy & Support: Moldova’s PM-designate met agriculture leaders, calling for less bureaucracy, better financing, irrigation and export support; the U.S. House budget bill also points to billions in new farmer economic aid, and Texas declared an agricultural emergency after major flooding. Farmers’ Tech Attitudes: Purdue’s survey finds many farmers are still cautious about AI, and Minnesota growers are increasingly using spray drones. Market & Food Safety: A Missouri cyclosporiasis outbreak is shifting shoppers toward local farmers markets, while farmers markets continue to expand as community hubs. Global Trade Links: Canada backs digital agriculture through a $3.5M investment, and Armenia moves to enable EU fish exports. Succession Planning: Experts urge families to start succession planning early and keep farm leadership conversations going.

Precision Ag & Data: Earth Daily says more farmers are using satellite imagery and historical field data to spot yield limits and fine-tune crop decisions. Policy & Media: Canada’s federal and provincial agriculture ministers will hold a media address after their annual conference, with registration required. Drought Stress: Greybull River Valley farmers report unplanted fields as drought bites. Farmers’ Markets & Food Access: Indiana’s Covering Kids & Families and CAFE combined health/food-benefit enrollment with a local produce market; Tallahassee also opened a new Davis Farm Fresh Produce market. Women in Agriculture: North Al Batinah launched rural women projects to boost livestock, testing, marketing and waste recycling; Zimbabwe’s chilli contract model is giving women guaranteed buyers and value-added income. Crop Risks & Health: K-State warns agricultural dust can trigger serious illnesses like organic dust toxic syndrome. Regenerative Wheat Deal: General Mills, ADM and Walmart back regen ag on 40,000 Midwest wheat acres with cover crops and reduced tillage support. Global Food Security: FAO scaled Gaza conditional cash for 1,500 farmers to grow vegetables for about 100,000 people. Trade & Inputs Pressure: India reports sharp drops in kharif paddy, pulses and oilseeds sowing, urging ICAR to lift productivity.

Animal Welfare & Enforcement: Ireland’s Department of Agriculture euthanised cattle on two farms in Roscommon and Clare after drone footage circulated online, sparking outrage over how the culling was carried out and calls for full review. Farm Policy & Appeals: Ireland’s Agricultural Appeals Office reported only a one-third success rate for farmers’ challenges to Department scheme decisions in 2025, with many cases disallowed or withdrawn. Land Use & Rural Futures: Ireland’s Just Transition Commission urged a national dialogue on land use and agriculture to protect rural livelihoods amid climate and biodiversity pressures. Trade & Farm Income: Farmers in India’s Punjab and Haryana staged motorcycle protests against a proposed India-US trade deal, warning it could hurt agriculture and livelihoods. Weather Stress: South Kashmir’s Qazigund paddy fields face drought-like conditions as irrigation canal supplies drop, raising fears of crop failure. Health & Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis concerns are driving shoppers toward farmers markets for leafy greens, while health officials urge careful washing and handling. Energy Relief for Farmers: Maharashtra announced a ₹48,000-crore waiver of pending electricity arrears for eligible farmers with up to 7.5 HP pump connections. Climate Risk Planning: Philippines Sen. Kiko Pangilinan pushed for an El Niño readiness inquiry into budgets and contingency plans for agriculture and fisheries agencies. Export Boost: Ladakh flagged off its first 5 MT apricot export consignment to the UAE, aiming to expand fresh fruit market access for growers.

Climate & Water Risk: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim ordered urgent mitigation for a forecast Super El Niño starting this November, while Irish farmers in north Kilkenny/south Laois pushed back after Uisce Éireann postponed heatwave-era water maintenance that could harm livestock. Policy & Farm Income: Ireland’s ICOS urged Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon to defend CAP funding under the EU presidency, and the Irish Farmers Association called for higher ANC payments and inflation-adjusted rates ahead of Budget 2027. Agri-Tech & Efficiency: Cropin and Google Cloud launched OrbitAI, an agentic AI platform for crops, climate, soil and supply-chain decisions; Orbem is also pitching automated MRI scanning to cut food waste. Energy & Sustainability: Ireland’s €40m biomethane grant scheme left about €21m unspent after only seven AD plants won nearly €19m. Markets & Trade: EU ag markets are expected to stay resilient in 2026, though input costs and heat/water stress could disrupt spring-summer crops. Farmer Support on the Ground: Maharashtra announced a Rs 48,000 crore electricity dues write-off for farm pump users up to 7 HP, and Eastern Visayas’ DA completed over P120m in cash aid for 50,000+ farmers and fisherfolk. Crops & Production Updates: California almond outlook brightened with strong export demand and a slightly smaller 2026 crop expected.

Workforce & Youth Ag: Hawaii launched state-funded paid high school internships in agriculture and aviation, with Aloun Farms and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum leading. Water & Food Security: Iraq’s Al-Muthanna faces worsening wastewater pollution and water shortages that are hitting livestock and farmland; in the Philippines, Isabela farmers are being trained on Alternate Wetting and Drying as Magat Dam levels near critical. Disease & Biosecurity: Libya confirmed a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Msallata, quarantining the area and suspending livestock movement. Farm Progress & Inputs: Nepal reported nearly 50% paddy plantation so far, hoping rains boost planting next week; Kansas coverage highlights cover-crop planning after wheat harvest for High Plains dryland forage. Policy & Rights: The US FTC settlement with Deere expands farmers’ and independent repair shops’ access to diagnostic and repair tools, strengthening right-to-repair. Markets & Trade: USDA data shows corn/soy export inspections down while wheat improved; India’s trade talks with the EU focus on deeper agri-food cooperation. Safety & Community: Minnesota’s water-quality certification program is under scrutiny after a report found some required practices weren’t completed. Local Ag Life: Guidestone Colorado hosted a brunch spotlighting local farmers and ranchers, while events like Westerner Days keep agriculture front and center in community culture.

Heat & animal welfare: Ireland’s agriculture minister urged pet owners and farmers to protect animals from high temperatures and reduce fire risk, including more water checks and safer exercise times. Flood recovery: Bangladesh announced emergency support for flood-hit farmers—seedbeds, paddy seedlings, dry cattle feed, and foot-and-mouth vaccination. Drought & water management: In the Philippines, NIA-MARIIS trained Isabela farmers on Alternate Wetting and Drying to stretch limited irrigation during El Niño-linked dry conditions. Inputs & affordability: Philippines sugar and pork groups pushed for tariff cuts on Canadian farm inputs (fertilizers, pulses, pesticides) to ease cost pressure. Policy & investment: Odisha approved a five-year Rs 2,496.40 crore agri-entrepreneurship subsidy scheme through 2030-31, plus new fisheries service rules. Livestock & compliance: A Minnesota audit found a water-quality certification program’s impact “unclear” and criticized long-standing “contingencies” that let noncompliant producers keep certification. Technology for productivity: New Holland’s Speedrower 1 Series adds relative yield monitoring to help hay producers adjust harvest decisions in real time. Global trade shocks: Russia said it may reroute grain shipments after Sea of Azov attacks, aiming to protect export volumes and domestic supplies. Local ag support: Ghana’s Tano South MCE handed out fertilizers via farmer cooperatives to boost yields, especially for young farmers.

Farm Resilience Push (UK): The NFU says Yorkshire needs long-term investment and better planning rules to help farms handle extreme weather, rising costs, and policy uncertainty, with AI and farm infrastructure high on the agenda. Climate & Nitrous Oxide Modeling: Michigan State researchers use machine learning to improve predictions of fertilizer-driven nitrous oxide emissions, aiming for more accurate climate-resilient planning. Climate Court Fallout (NZ): MPs heard arguments that climate litigation costs could be far worse than Covid if corporate defendants are forced to cut emissions immediately, as the government weighs intervention. Land, Housing & Food Security (Fiji): Sanjay Kirpal calls for land reforms and more modern farm infrastructure—cold chains, solar hubs, roads, and digital market links—to tackle housing affordability and food security. Water for Crops (India): Godavari water was released into Nunna irrigation tanks to support Kharif paddy planting, while Andhra’s leaders promise permanent protection for the Godavari Delta via floodgate upgrades. Kharif Acreage Shift (India): India’s kharif area fell 16% overall, but sugarcane acreage rose as farmers stick with ethanol-linked demand. Right to Repair (US): Minnesota farmers and officials continue pushing for repair access for agricultural equipment after the John Deere settlement expands independent repair rights. Animal Welfare & Public Trust (Ireland): The Irish Farmers Association condemns online videos of cattle euthanasia, demanding stricter protocols and urgent talks with the chief veterinary officer. Food Security at Community Level (Canada): Chicken Farmers of Ontario donated 650 kg of frozen chicken to a local food bank, supporting thousands of meals. Farm Safety & Workforce (US): A North Dakota-focused report flags agricultural workers among the deadliest jobs, underscoring the need for safer operations and training. Pest Watch (Texas): Texas A&M warns of pasture mealybugs and urges vegetation management to reduce spread, while USDA works on longer-term solutions. Local Markets & Rural Economy (UK): Kendal Farmers’ Market won a national “Rural Oscar,” highlighting how local food hubs keep rural communities thriving.

Right-to-Repair for Farmers: The American Dairy Coalition backed a proposed FTC settlement with Deere that would open repair software, diagnostics and technical tools to farmers and independent providers, aiming to cut costly downtime. Public Lands Grazing: A first major overhaul in decades would expand grazing on 155 million acres in the U.S. West while narrowing public input, raising environmental and governance concerns. Input Costs & Policy: The EU Council adopted targeted measures to help farmers hit by higher fertiliser and other input costs, using liquidity support and CAP plan changes. Fertiliser Supply Boost: USDA opened a $500m grant program (FIELDS) to expand long-term domestic fertiliser production and strengthen supply chains. Weather Stress & Water: India reported kharif sowing 16% lower on weak monsoon, while Telangana farmers in Palamuru’s home district worry about falling reservoir levels and drying canals. Pest & Biosecurity: USDA released nearly 400m sterile flies in Texas to fight New World screwworm; Nepal is testing AI to detect crop-raiding macaques. Livestock & Feed Safety: West Virginia warned Parkersburg-area farmers to check feed for contamination after a warehouse fire. Trade & Rural Development: India’s agriculture minister begins a West Bengal visit to review schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY and discuss jute cultivation and markets. Cocoa Outlook: Ivory Coast cocoa farmers want more sunshine after below-average rains to support the main crop.

Climate Risk & Water: Zimbabwe is urging early prep for the 2026/27 season as El Niño odds near 90%, while South Punjab’s water scarcity is threatening both farming livelihoods and river-linked traditions. Crop Damage & Weather Extremes: Saskatchewan reports wet, storm-driven delays and drowned-out fields, and Bangladesh says heavy rain hit 28,610 hectares, stalling Aush rice, Aman seedbeds and vegetables. Farm Income & Inputs: Philippines farmers face higher rice tariffs on Vietnam to shield local growers; in Isabela (Philippines) drought and low Magat Dam levels are forcing costly irrigation and delaying planting. Livestock & Biosecurity: USDA launches a Salmonella pilot for raw poultry plants, and South Africa’s FMD vaccine access shifts toward private-sector procurement and administration. Policy & Trade: The Philippines rice safeguard move and EU maize forecasts cut by drought in France highlight pressure on global grain markets. Rural Economy & Labor: Fiji’s sugar sector warns labour shortages are raising harvesting costs and threatening recovery. Sustainability & Finance: Ecobank lists a $450m Nature Bond on the LSE to fund sustainable primary production, ag-processing and water projects. Right-to-Repair & Farm Tech: John Deere’s repair tools settlement continues to expand access for farmers and mechanics.

Climate Adaptation & Irrigation: Zambia’s agriculture ministry says it’s already executing El Niño prep, including expanding irrigation by 20,000ha and pushing high-producing farmers near reliable water to boost output. Water Stress & Crop Losses: Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta faces distress after poor monsoon and no Cauvery water, leaving paddy cultivation delayed and fields fallow. U.S. Crop Shifts: USDA acreage data shows Arkansas rice acres fell to the lowest in half a century, driven by drought and high input costs. Water for Agriculture (Policy Debate): Colorado River experts argue agriculture must make permanent water-use cuts, since urban conservation alone can’t fix the basin’s crisis. Farm Tech for Livestock: CSIRO-backed FlockMate uses sensors and AI to estimate live weight of sheep more consistently, aiming to improve flock monitoring without heavy handling. Farmers’ Rights & Equipment: A major U.S. right-to-repair push continues as regulators require John Deere to provide repair tools and diagnostic access to farmers and independent shops. Local Food & Markets: Mississippi’s blueberry season is celebrated at weekend farmers markets, while Buellton’s weekly market continues to draw local vendors and shoppers. Land & Compensation: India’s Bombay High Court raised compensation for farmers affected by the Neera Deoghar irrigation project to ₹3.13 lakh per hectare.

Right-to-repair showdown: The FTC ordered John Deere to provide repair software and diagnostic tools, strengthening farmers’ ability to fix equipment and easing pressure on independent repair shops. Crop protection & pests: Maharashtra soybean fields are facing a snail surge after wet monsoon conditions, with officials urging immediate molluscicide use and boundary control. Pollination funding: California lawmakers secured $2.5M for a Managed Honeybee Health Program, aiming to protect pollinators vital to more than 100 crops. War on harvests: Russia’s incendiary attacks in Ukraine’s Kherson region reportedly burned thousands of hectares of wheat, with drone and shelling intensity rising at harvest time. Livestock disease shock: Nigeria’s Plateau State pig sector is reeling from African Swine Fever, with thousands of deaths and hundreds of farms reportedly shutting down. Local agriculture governance: Tamil Nadu’s agriculture budget planning will be tailored to regional needs after farmer consultative meetings. Soil science for resilience: U.K. researchers report salt-stress-tolerant pseudomonads can boost lignin in roots, helping crops survive saline conditions. Farm safety: A grain bin entrapment death in Illinois highlights ongoing risks during harvest operations.

Right-to-Repair: The FTC settlement with John Deere orders the company to provide farmers and independent repair shops access to diagnostic and repair tools on fair terms, ending dealer-only restrictions and adding oversight for 10 years. Animal Health & Enforcement: Ireland’s Department of Agriculture carried out an “enforcement operation” on a Munster cattle farm tied to animal welfare, after another case saw cattle euthanised. Farm Risk & Insurance: India’s Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC) won an Impact Leadership Award for technology-driven, farmer-centric coverage across crops and livestock. Adaptive Farming: Ohio AgrAbility showcased adaptive tools at the Ohio State Fair, helping farmers and farm workers stay active with assistive technology and on-farm modifications. Weather Stress: Drought in Nepal’s Soru is delaying paddy planting and drying finger millet, wheat and barley. Wildlife Conflict: Research warns crop-raiding elephants in southern Africa could drive conflict risk sharply higher as farms expand and aridity grows. Water Scarcity: Western Colorado ranchers face reduced river flows and may cull cows or buy hay as drought deepens. Market Watch: Western Canada crop conditions remain mixed after flooding and hail, keeping traders focused on weather into harvest.