AGP Executive Report

US Beef Rebuild: USDA’s “Ranchers First” package targets a 75-year low cattle herd with new breeding insurance, disaster support, and funding to expand small and regional meat processing. Meat Processing Policy: Trump moves to let ranchers process and sell their own meat, aiming to break a concentrated meatpacking market—while food-safety concerns hang over the plan. Drought & Heat Impacts: Britain’s cereal farmers face nearly £5bn losses after three years of devastating harvests, as extreme heat and low moisture bite yields. Irrigation Pressure in India: Madhya Pradesh farmers marched to demand Narmada irrigation water and drought relief, warning crops will fail without releases. Flood Losses in the Philippines: Zambales agriculture damage from heavy rains and floods totals P37.55m, led by rice losses affecting over 1,200 farmers. Biosecurity Alert (US): Georgia warns of a “serious threat” pasture mealybug spreading across Southern states and threatening warm-season grasses. FAO Emergency Aid (Bangladesh): FAO says ~50 lakh people in Bangladesh need emergency ag support, driven by flooding, waterlogging, and impacts on smallholders. Water Efficiency Upgrade (Portugal): Alvor’s €15m irrigation modernization aims to cut water losses by up to 60% using new reservoirs, pipelines, and solar-powered pumping. Agricultural Finance Stress (US): Farm bankruptcies and tight credit conditions are rising, with new data tracking Chapter 11/12 filings. Research for Resilient Wheat (Mexico): CIMMYT’s wheat field day highlights “future-proofing” through faster disease resistance breeding and genomics. Local Inclusion Funding (Canada): Canada invests up to $160,545 to help Red River Métis producers identify needs and priorities for agriculture participation. Trade & Market Signals: CN reports strong early crop-year grain rail volumes in Western Canada, supported by above-average carry-in stocks and export uncertainty. Food Assistance via Farmers Markets (US): Milwaukee’s Veggie Chop Shop turns farmers’ excess produce into meals for people in need.

Disaster Response: Pangasinan (Philippines) declared a state of calamity after monsoon rains and cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng battered farms, livestock and infrastructure, with early losses put at P649.23m for agriculture and 370,000+ families affected. Flood Damage: In Zambales, heavy rain and rough seas left agriculture losses at P37.55m, led by rice damage across 1,069 hectares and 1,267 farmers. Water Politics: Bulacan farmers and fisherfolk protested alleged corruption in flood-control projects and reclamation blamed for worsening flooding, highlighting how water decisions hit food systems fast. Livestock & Markets: Canadian ranchers are eyeing expansion as beef prices stay at record levels despite drought pressures. Food Security Milestone: Iran says it has reached chicken self-sufficiency, producing 2m+ tonnes vs 1.6m tonnes domestic demand. Biosecurity & Levies: New Zealand’s NAIT tracing costs rise from Sept 1, with farmers split over affordability as software replacement funding is planned. Drought Pressure: UK officials warn drought planning must start now as heatwaves and low reservoirs threaten harvests and future food output. Farm Income Moves: Bangladesh’s Rajshahi farmers are shifting to early vegetables to capture higher prices before winter season. Pest & Pollination Risk: Australia faces renewed bee worries as resistant varroa spreads, threatening pollination and crop yields. Rural Safety: Armed attacks in Nigeria’s Sokoto killed at least eight farmers and injured five, adding insecurity to already fragile farm conditions.

Food Safety Shock: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce is pushing Georgia shoppers toward farmers markets and local sourcing, with cases now reported across 20 states. USDA Research Cuts: The Trump administration is shuttering two of three U.S. cyclospora research projects, while the remaining work faces relocation hurdles and staff reluctance. Farm Credit Relief (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Bank cut rates on its Tk 10,000cr and Tk 3,000cr agriculture refinance schemes, capping farmer/customer charges at 7% to speed rural lending. Climate Pressure (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture ordered agencies to keep updating El Niño response plans as drought risks domestic output and food prices. Procurement Fix (India): Odisha extended paddy procurement registration to Sept 7 after floods, rainfall, and online glitches blocked farmers. Trade Boost (Saudi-Pakistan): Saudi Arabia and Pakistan agreed to raise Pakistani agri and food exports to $3B, prioritizing rice, red meat, fruits, fodder, and water-efficient tech. Crop Diversification (Vietnam): Vietnam’s Central Highlands coffee farmers are shifting to durian for surging Chinese demand, with durian acreage soaring over the past decade. Livestock Health (Bangladesh): A free vaccination drive protected about 3,000 cows in Rajshahi’s Char Majhardia after recent disease deaths. Local Market Dispute (US): Malibu’s farmers market returns to its longtime county lot after a temporary move tied to permit and safety concerns.

Crop diversification & export demand: Vietnam’s Central Highlands coffee belt is shifting toward durian as Chinese demand surges, with durian acreage rising more than fivefold to 200,000 hectares over the past decade. Food security pressure: A USDA report flags the Philippines as likely to see the highest food insecurity in Southeast Asia this year, with 15.4 million people affected. Farmers’ market rules: Malaysia’s Terengganu FAMA denies claims foreigners were allowed to trade at its supervised farmers’ markets, saying the photo came from a different market. Climate risk & early action: Malawi farmers and input suppliers are urging early preparations for El Niño-linked dry spells, including better access to fertiliser and early-maturing varieties. Insurance expansion: India’s PMFBY keeps widening crop insurance coverage and digital claims processing, reporting 92.46 crore applications insured and ₹2.06 lakh crore in claims paid. Water efficiency upgrades: Telangana’s farmers’ commission recommends restructuring minor irrigation systems to improve water-use efficiency. Right-to-repair fight: Farmers are being notified about options in the John Deere settlement after repair-tool access disputes. Agriculture under conflict: Reports say Israeli forces killed a Palestinian farmer in Gaza while attacks also wounded people in the West Bank.

Budget Standoff (Ireland): Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon says he’s negotiating to avoid any 2027 cuts, pushing for a higher farm budget despite a proposed €26m levy. Water & Drought Risk (U.S. West): Cities and farmers brace for Colorado River reductions under a federal plan, with crop choices and municipal supplies hanging in the balance. Disease Watch (Livestock): Scotland’s first bluetongue cases raise alarms for Ireland and Northern Ireland; vets urge vaccination and tight movement rules. Animal Health Mystery (India): Karnataka officials collect organs and samples after about eight buffaloes died in 20 days, seeking lab results to identify the cause. Fertilizer Assurance (Bangladesh): The agriculture minister insists there’s no fertilizer shortage, warning of action against anyone creating “artificial” price spikes. Regional Ag Cooperation (Saudi Arabia–Pakistan): Both countries reaffirm plans to strengthen agriculture and food security ties, including irrigation and investment. Farm Income & Inputs (India): Telangana’s farmers’ commission report focuses on reviving minor irrigation tanks; Gujarat extends tractor-equipment purchase deadlines by 15 days. Market & Crop Stress (India): Himachal apple growers report low output from bad flowering weather and rising costs, even as prices hold for quality fruit. Food Security Accountability (Nigeria): VP Shettima demands measurable results from food security interventions, focusing on farmer support, logistics, and reserves. Tech for Farmers (Bangladesh): An HSTU student’s AI crop recommendation system uses soil and weather data to suggest suitable crops and answers farmers in Bangla. Trade & Policy Shock (U.S.): Multiple reports highlight uncertainty around beef processing and import moves, with farmers worried about impacts on prices and margins. Payments & Grain Procurement (Zambia): Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency reports paying over K6bn for maize and working to fix bank-name mismatches.

Drought Relief Push (India): Shiv Sena MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar urged Maharashtra to survey rain-hit Marathwada crops, especially drying soybean fields, and release financial aid to eligible farmers. Weather Outlook (US): The Old Farmer’s Almanac released a mostly mild U.S. winter forecast, with colder-than-normal pockets in the Ohio Valley and New England and wetter conditions expected in parts of the West, South and Midwest. EU Referendum & Farming (Iceland): Iceland’s farmers are watching a vote on restarting EU accession talks, warning EU membership could slow sector progress and squeeze profits. Soil & Pest Strategy (US research): Penn State found cover crops can change plant defenses and insect behavior, with pea-based cover crops boosting predator preference for caterpillars while altering chemical protection. School Meals & Local Supply (US): USDA and HHS announced a “Harvest to Hallways” push to connect more U.S. farmers with school cafeterias and fund kitchen upgrades. Digital Agriculture (Odisha, India): Odisha signed MoUs to expand digital agriculture services, farmer IDs, seed systems and climate resilience via partners including the Department of Posts, ICRISAT and MSSRF. Power Reliability for Farms (India): A hydroponic case in Rajasthan blamed erratic electricity and grid-tied safety limits for a 62% production shortfall, highlighting how outages can trigger equipment fires. Local Market Support (Canada): Revelstoke launched a Local Food Fund to buy seasonal produce from nearby growers for its food bank, aiming to strengthen both farmer income and food security.

US Farm Policy Shake-Up: Trump says ranchers and farmers should be allowed to process and sell their own meat, aiming to break the “Big Four” packer grip; USDA officials also promise “waiving red tape” and easier sales across state lines. Trade Pressure on Crops: Minnesota farmers are frustrated by new 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods, while Canada’s farm lobby warns food and ag products must be kept out of tariff fights. Biofuels Uncertainty: U.S. farmers question EPA’s small refinery exemption approach under the Renewable Fuel Standard, warning it could cut soybean biodiesel demand and hit prices. India Pulse Boost: India raises certified pulse seed subsidies—tur, urad and lentil up to 100% (max ₹12,000/quintal)—to support growers. Organic Supply Chain Fix: Ireland launches OBLIG to connect organic farmers, finishers, processors and retailers and reduce “leakage” into conventional channels. Drought and Flood Fallout: Philippines farmers in Pangasinan report monsoon flooding ruining seedlings, while drought-hit pasture regions push changes to protected cheese feed rules in France. EU Support for Inputs: The EU approves €285m Italian state aid to cushion agriculture and fisheries from higher fuel and fertiliser costs.

Drought & Heat Shock: Record drought and extreme heat are drying up Europe’s rivers and farmland, disrupting crops, shipping, and even river-fed cooling for power plants. Hurricane Recovery: On Hawaii Island, Hurricane Lala left farmers and ranchers facing destroyed water lines, forcing costly temporary water hauling while some fields lost basil, zucchini, and cabbage. Input Innovation: Malawi may get a new organic fertiliser option as Press Cane ramps up production ahead of the 2026 growing season, aiming to cut reliance on imports. Irrigation Finance: Kyrgyzstan launched a 200 million soms preferential loan program offering 2% interest for drip irrigation and modern irrigation systems. Livestock Health Planning: The UK National Sheep Association is running a bluetongue vaccine survey to help secure 2027 supply, urging farmers to pre-order. Market & Policy Moves: Zambia’s FRA says depot congestion stems from farmers not following crop-purchase procedures; South Africa’s agriculture committee chair vows tighter oversight of public funds. Ag Tech & Research: MetaG1 launched a cross-sector scientific platform to connect agriculture, biotech, pharma, and life sciences in one searchable community space. Local Farming Resilience: Iowa’s “Honor Harvest” food box program links rural veterans with fresh Iowa produce from local farmers and food hubs.

Middlemen Crackdown in the Philippines: President Marcos visited Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative, highlighting government support to process eggs and cut waste via tech for longer shelf life. ASEAN Market Access: Malaysia signed ASEAN MOUs to expand agri-food and forestry trade and boost climate-smart agriculture cooperation. Drought & Feed Planning (Ireland): Teagasc launched fodder clinics for drought-hit farmers, pushing individualized feed budgets into spring 2027. Global Wheat Shock Research: A new study links widespread drought across major wheat regions to big swings in global wheat prices. Beef Tariff Pause Sparks Farm Anxiety (US): Trump’s 90-day pause on higher beef tariffs worries Wisconsin ranchers about cheaper imports undercutting local herds. Cyclospora Fallout (Iowa): Advocates urge regulators to curb consolidation after an outbreak tied to a major lettuce supplier. Ag Tech for Farmers (Google DeepMind): India-built satellite AI models now support crop advisories and farm credit across multiple countries. Farm Safety & Losses: Wild boar attacks injured four farmers in Tamil Nadu, while father-and-son deaths in a silage tank incident prompted renewed safety calls. Local Governance & Roads: Women’s agitation in Maharashtra helped restart a long-stalled highway project affecting farmers’ access. Policy/Institutions: Curaçao’s agriculture director remains barred as an investigation continues, and an Indian ag university canceled an exam after a paper leak.

El Niño Relief & Risk: Sri Lanka set aside Rs. 3B to compensate farmers for El Niño-linked dry-weather crop damage across several districts, paying Rs. 100,000 per hectare for six crops (with caps). Climate Threats to Food Prices: South Africa’s record maize harvest may not fully shield households if El Niño strengthens, raising odds of a weaker 2026/27 summer crop and higher staple costs. Heatwave Impacts on Livestock: Yorkshire farmers say heatwaves are already cutting grass growth and milk output, with fears that winter feed purchases could spike. Seed & Variety Push: Uganda’s NARO has begun seed multiplication for four new potato varieties, aiming to scale clean seed and improve disease resistance and maturity. Fertiliser Deadline: Farmers in Ireland are reminded less than three weeks remain to spread chemical fertiliser before prohibited dates begin Sept. 15. Dairy Margin Pressure: UK dairy producers are urged to boost margins as milk price pressures grow. Ag Tech for Efficiency: Australia’s Fremantle Seaweed secured a FutureFeed licence to sell methane-cutting seaweed feed to cattle farmers. Farmers vs Policy: UK valuers’ group CAAV warns many farms are at “breaking point” and calls for more supportive government action. Education & Integrity: India’s IGKV in Raipur demands police probe after another alleged BSc agriculture question paper leak. Value-Chain Moves: Zimbabwe’s VP Chiwenga backs Farm-to-Fork approaches to help farmers process and capture more value. Market Disruption: India’s Delhi onion buffer shipment fell short (450 MT sent vs 840 MT planned) after grading and quality concerns delayed loading. Rural Support Programs: Nigeria’s Jigawa sesame outgrower programme expands to support 10,000+ smallholders with inputs, finance and extension.

Trade Tensions: U.S.-Canada talks collapsed and both sides moved to new tariffs, with fresh produce and dairy at risk and farmers bracing for higher costs and market disruption. Regenerative & Tech Farming: Christensen Farms is shifting toward regenerative practices and crop diversity, while SoyAI brings smartphone-based AI disease diagnosis to soybean fields. Animal Health & Services: A Wexford farmer’s “one-stop shop” animal-health testing lab concept won an agri-guild prize, aiming to speed results and improve farm decisions. Policy & Compliance: Maryland expanded nutrient management plan eligibility to five years for qualifying low-risk operations, easing paperwork while protecting soil and water. Beef Processing & Regulation: Trump said he’ll review beef processing rules, as farm groups warn that easing tariffs and changing oversight could still hurt ranchers. Climate & Water Stress: Arkansas rice growers face drought-driven acreage drops, and Rayalaseema farmers report canal water shortages threatening crops. Food & Markets: A California court ordered an orchard destroyer after a contract dispute, and local farmers markets keep drawing crowds with community events.

Trade & Dairy: US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says Canada is hitting some US dairy with 200–300% extra tariffs, warning it’s unfair and will keep pushing for market access. Farm Economy: A rural bank CEO survey shows the Rural Mainstreet Index edging just above growth-neutral, but farmland values are constrained by weak grain prices and tighter credit. Animal Health & Disease: Bluetongue is spreading in the UK, with Shropshire on high alert after confirmed cases, as officials urge vigilance and vaccination planning. Weather Stress: Devon farmers are “pushed to the limit” by record drought and disease pressures, with calls for better water storage and winter permits. Pests & Crop Losses: Jigawa farmers report armyworm damage wiping out most of their beans, while oyster growers in Hiroshima delay harvest again due to heatwave impacts. Food Prices & Inputs: Maize price spikes are squeezing poultry costs, and egg prices are rising amid wider cost pressures. Urban Agriculture: Everett, Mass. hosts a roundtable with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and state agriculture officials to expand land access and support for city growers. Ag Policy & Oversight: Kenya orders nationwide agrovet inspections after a reported 95% drop in illegal pesticide imports. Global Support: The World Bank highlights SIART project progress in Solomon Islands, backing cocoa and women’s poultry producer groups.

Trade Shock for Farms: U.S. tariffs on Canada are escalating after talks collapsed, with Virginia officials warning the hit is already landing on businesses and agriculture tied to the Canada market. Ukraine Grain Risk: Black Sea export limits could leave about 20% of Ukraine’s farmland unplanted next spring as farmers struggle to finance the next crop. School Food Push: Arkansas signed on to USDA’s “Harvest to Hallways,” aiming to expand local purchases and invest in school kitchen upgrades. Biofuels Pressure: Soybean growers are alarmed that small refinery RFS exemptions for 2025 could soar, threatening domestic biofuel demand. Drought and Feed Planning: Ireland is rolling out fodder clinics and webinars as drought tightens feed supplies, while Northern Ireland dairy farmers are invited to a nutrient-use study tour. Disaster and Recovery: Pangasinan farmers and fisherfolk report massive flood losses, and USDA is offering Hawaiʻi agricultural recovery assistance after Hurricane Lala. Farm Safety & Tech: A new AI-and-genetics potato research partnership targets climate-resilient varieties, and a rapid bird-flu testing effort aims to speed poultry outbreak decisions.

Drought and heat pressure: Farmers in Kenya and across parts of the world are reporting weaker maize and staple output, with drought-linked price rises adding strain to household budgets. Floods and disease risk: South Korea’s farms are still reeling after heat and drought were followed by heavy rain, raising flooding worries and secondary pest and fungal damage ahead of Chuseok. Water and irrigation politics: Telangana’s farmers are caught in a fight over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, with claims that pumps and reservoir filling were delayed while water flowed downstream. Livestock and trade shock: Minnesota cattle ranchers warn that Trump’s tariff-free beef import plan could crush already tight U.S. herd economics, while other regions echo fears of local farm fallout. Dairy cashflow ruling: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered government systems to ensure dairy farmers are paid regularly and on time. Policy and inputs: India’s Marathwada sowing area has fallen sharply amid rainfall deficit, while NDSA/CWPRS-linked disputes and fertilizer availability concerns keep showing up in farm headlines. Ag resilience and markets: Australia’s farmer wellbeing report highlights mounting stress from costs and disasters, and the UK reports fast wheat harvest progress but below-average yields. Energy-agriculture links: Rajasthan’s PM-KUSUM solar milestone is bringing daytime power to hundreds of thousands of farmers, and the Vatican is moving toward agrivoltaics to pair solar generation with crop protection.

Agri-STEM Pipeline: Imperial Valley College and University of Arizona Yuma formalized a transfer pathway to boost local careers in agriculture and Agri-STEM. Heat Impacts Markets: Newton County Farmers Market canceled the rest of its season after extreme heat cut produce supplies. Dairy Outlook: USDA lowered its 2026 butter and nonfat dry milk forecasts, while dry whey stayed supported by protein demand. Plastic Packaging Fight: California businesses and farmers urged lawmakers to pause SB 54, arguing recycling mandates could worsen affordability. Irrigation Finance: The Philippines is seeking a $100M ADB loan for solar-powered irrigation to expand year-round water access for small farmers. Rural Women & Agribusiness: MTN Foundation and UN Women will back 200+ rural women entrepreneurs across rice, cassava and seafood value chains. Livestock Biosecurity: Ireland’s DAFM is monitoring a new midge-borne Shamonda virus spreading in Europe, with risks to unborn calves. Pest Resistance Watch: Iowa research shows soybean cyst nematode keeps adapting to PI 88788, signaling growers should diversify management. School Meals Link: USDA launched “Harvest to Hallways” to connect more farmers with school cafeterias and fund kitchen upgrades. Food Security Support: A Vermont farmer-owned cannabis operation donated to the Vermont Foodbank to help families facing hunger. Fertiliser Scheme Pressure (Ireland): DAFM is handling tillage farmers’ requests to withdraw or amend Straw Incorporation Measure applications amid fodder shortages. Farm Safety & Crime: A Pennsylvania farmer reported major losses after a produce-van carjacking left harvested goods ruined. Co-op Value Addition (Indonesia): A village cooperative in South Sumatra moved from selling raw fruit to running its own CPO processing plant. Hunger Relief Drive (US): Missouri Farmers Care’s “Drive to Feed Kids” delivered 825,196 meals for children. Weather & Farming Risk (Philippines): Typhoon Obet prompted agriculture advisories to secure crops, seeds and livestock. Local Governance & Food: A Worcestershire council motion would push schools to serve food sourced from local farmers where possible.

Food Security Under Strain: A New York Times report, citing University of Guelph professor Evan Fraser, warns global food supplies face a triple hit from conflict-disrupted trade routes, climate-driven water stress, and heat-and-drought harvest losses. Disaster Recovery for Farmers: Allianz Australia is extending disaster recovery support via a new three-year partnership with Rural Aid, sending staff to help drought, flood and microburst-hit farming families with debris clearing, fencing and sheep marking. Heat and Drought Resilience: UK researchers are pushing new vegetable varieties through the VeGIN network after England’s driest July on record and warnings of extreme heat ahead. Crop Protection Push: UK cereal growers are urged to stay alert against aphid-borne BYDV this autumn, with guidance on targeted insecticide choices once thresholds are met. Input Costs Driving Debt: Kenya’s Central Bank survey says more farmers are borrowing as fertiliser, fuel and labour costs rise, with credit access up to 34% in July. Local Markets & Harvest Life: Farmers’ markets are staying busy as local harvests wind down, with growers finding shelf-stable ways to sell produce. Storm and Flood Impacts: Typhoon Narra battered northern Vietnam and China’s Guangxi, damaging crops and infrastructure and forcing large-scale evacuations. Policy and Land Tensions: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay shelved the Parandur greenfield airport after farmer opposition over farmland loss. Compensation Demand: Tamil Nadu’s AIADMK urged Rs 30,000 per acre for Cauvery delta farmers after heavy rains damaged standing Kuruvai paddy. Farm Safety and Violence: A farmer was shot dead in Maguindanao del Sur despite a BARMM gun ban, highlighting ongoing rural security risks. Farming Finance and Fraud Controls: Colorado’s new law makes it illegal to falsely claim produce is grown in Colorado, tightening rules for farmers markets. Agriculture Education Integrity: India’s IGKV in Raipur cancelled a Plant Pathology exam after a paper leak, with re-tests planned. Solar Irrigation Boost: Ethiopia’s smallholders are cutting costs and emissions by switching to solar-powered irrigation pumps supported by Farm Africa. Farm Lending Watch: Kenya and other markets show rising pressure on farmers’ cash flow, while digital and informal lenders fill gaps.