AGP Executive Report

El Niño & Monsoon Risk: India’s farmers in Punjab are watching a potentially weak monsoon as El Niño threatens rainfall, pushing up irrigation costs and stressing groundwater. Labour Crunch: In Goa’s Salcete, monsoon revival helps paddy transplantation, but farmers can’t find enough skilled workers on time, with wages rising and teams booked ahead. Climate-Friendly Rice Push: Nepal’s 23rd National Paddy Day highlights climate-friendly rice tech and self-reliance, while noting a persistent paddy shortfall despite productivity gains. Local Power & Inputs Pressure: In Kenya, Ruto’s allies oppose a tea levy, urging government support for tea farmers; in Nigeria’s Oyo, a kidnapped farmer was rescued, underscoring rural security concerns. Farmers vs Policy & Costs: West Bengal eased diesel-in-container curbs for agriculture and allied sectors after complaints that fuel limits were disrupting farming and emergency services. Land & Biodiversity Fight: Bengaluru-area farmers launched an “Appiko Drive” against a township project, arguing it will erase green cover. Food Chain Stress: Ghana’s Weta Irrigation Scheme rice fields suffered major flooding, leaving farmers with huge losses and urgent calls for intervention.

Local Markets & Community: Downtown Bloomington’s producer-only Farmers Market is back as a weekly downtown draw for Illinois-grown produce, meat and herbs, with indoor events continuing after outdoor season. Local Markets & Community: Morden’s Thursday market returns with fresh produce, meat, honey and new vendors through early October. Local Markets & Community: Vacaville keeps its year-round Farmers Market momentum, turning winter challenges into a steadier community routine. Input Integrity & Regulation: Kashmir’s Director Agriculture seized 235kg of suspected substandard “Super M-45” pesticide during surprise dealer inspections, urging farmers to buy only from authorized sellers with proper invoices. Drought & Water Management: Southside’s near-20-year drought is cutting forage output sharply, threatening livestock feed supplies as soil moisture stays poor. Livestock Health: Northern Ireland will introduce mandatory interferon-gamma blood testing for some cattle herds to tighten bovine TB control, with slaughter and compensation for positives. Policy & Funding Oversight: Fiji’s agriculture minister says tighter monitoring of government-funded programmes will improve accountability, alongside new support for marketing and training. Disaster Relief: Virginia received a USDA secretarial disaster declaration for frost and freeze damage, unlocking resources for affected agriculture and forestry counties. Research & Resilience: Pakistan’s new National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy aims to modernize agriculture, but implementation delays and GM maize misinformation remain key risks. Trade & Prices: Idaho wheat shipments to Taiwan are set to continue, helping stabilize expectations for growers amid broader tariff uncertainty. Agriculture & Peace of Mind: A Wisconsin farmer launched a local Farmer Angel Network chapter to connect farmers with mental health resources after a family suicide.

Climate & Water Stress: Italy’s Po River is running dangerously low in an early heatwave, with seawater intrusion forcing irrigation cuts and raising drought fears for Po Valley farms that supply milk for Parmesan. Farmer Safety & Rural Risk: In India’s Andhra Pradesh, a 69-year-old paddy farmer was trampled to death by a wild elephant while harvesting; in Telangana, a 54-year-old farmer died after lightning struck him while repairing a borewell. Smallholder Finance & Tech: Bangladesh agritech startup iFarmer won a $250,000 OPEC Fund award to expand farmers’ access to finance, inputs, advisory, weather info and markets. Policy & Support for Livestock: Cyprus’ agriculture ministry is reviewing additional foot-and-mouth disease aid requests from sheep and goat producers; in Montenegro? (not present) — instead, the focus is on FMD compensation and possible restriction relaxations. Disaster Declarations: Virginia received a USDA secretarial disaster declaration for frost and freeze damage affecting 43 primary and 61 contiguous counties. Recognition for Natural Farming: Andhra Pradesh’s community-managed natural farming program (about 18 lakh farmers) won the 2026 Food Planet Prize, highlighting soil-health and resilience gains. Market & Community Resilience: A new agriculture school fundraising gala in Canada aims to build the Yuill School of Agriculture, expanding pathways for high school ag training.

Water Stress in Rice: In Mpanda, Burundi, rice farmers say an unusually long B farming season and unfair irrigation water distribution are leaving less than half of about 20 hectares likely to mature, threatening major harvest losses. Farm Bill & Policy Signals: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee released a draft 2026 farm bill, expanding crop insurance and shifting conservation and SNAP funding, while leaving key livestock standards and pesticide-labeling issues unresolved. Pesticide Labeling Fight: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling blocks state-level failure-to-warn lawsuits over Roundup, drawing sharp criticism from farmers’ groups worried about health impacts. Controlled Environment Agriculture: The University of Wyoming is launching a Controlled Environment Agriculture Network to build workforce skills and speed research and innovation. Farmers Markets as Food Access: Multiple local market updates highlight resilience and community support—from drought-strained regions to programs like the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program that help elders buy local produce. Dairy Diversification: Iowa farmers are finding new demand after legalization of raw milk sales, with producers weighing market opportunity against regulatory risk. Climate Hits Orchards: Northern Michigan cherry growers project a steep drop after cold spring frost, with delayed harvest and potential price pressure.

Women’s Land Rights: Maharashtra’s Cabinet approved a draft Women Farmers Empowerment Bill to legally recognize women in agriculture and help them access welfare schemes, credit and benefits even without land ownership. Farm Finance Pressure: Kentucky farmers say rising fertilizer, fuel and other costs are squeezing margins and pushing more bankruptcies, while Maharashtra’s loan waiver debate continues as Rohit Pawar warns conditions will exclude about 70% of cultivators. Disaster Impacts: A June storm near Trumbull, Nebraska wrecked grain bins, flipped irrigation pivots and damaged soyfields, while Green Bay farmers’ market vendors reported hail and flooding that destroyed tents and tarps. Pest & Crop Threats: Negros Occidental in the Philippines is forming a province-wide task force as red-striped soft-scale insects spread from sugarcane into corn and vegetables; Ghana cocoa growers warn heavy rains and black pod disease could sharply cut 2026/27 output. Market & Policy Moves: South Africa rolled out a new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease framework to replace patchwork rules; Morang farmers in Nepal welcomed a higher spring paddy support price from a private mill. Food Security Recovery: FAO/UNOSAT satellite checks show most Gaza greenhouses remain damaged, but livestock numbers (sheep and goats) are starting to recover.

Biosecurity & Pests: The Philippines moves to stop red-striped soft-scale insects after the pest spread from sugarcane to corn and vegetables, with a province-wide task force planned in Negros Occidental. Trade & Biofuels Policy: The Philippines’ agriculture chief orders a halt to importing bioethanol feedstock (molasses, sugar, sugarcane, syrups) to protect domestic sugar farmers. Weather & Water Stress: India’s late monsoon and below-average rains are delaying sowing and triggering water restrictions in Mumbai and beyond, with farmers facing uncertainty. Disaster Impacts: South Mississippi watermelon growers report flooded fields and major losses as heavy rain and standing water split fruit and drive disease. US Farm Support & Fuel: Trump pushes Congress for $87.6B that includes aid to American farmers and year-round E15, while separate requests seek $11B in ag assistance. Pesticide Rules: California proposes tougher pesticide enforcement, and the US Supreme Court upholds federal pesticide label authority, limiting certain state lawsuits. Local Markets & Community: Farmers markets keep expanding and relocating, from Lewes to Nevada’s Mountainview Hospital, as communities adapt to weather and space needs. Africa Mechanisation: Malawi hands over tractors and implements to farmer cooperatives using World Bank funding to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Bioethanol Trade Rules: Philippines’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered a halt to importing molasses, sugar, sugarcane and sugar syrups for bioethanol, aiming to close loopholes and protect the domestic sugar sector and farmers. Farmers’ Protests & Road Disruption: In Moldova, farmers expanded protests blocking major routes and border crossings like Leușeni and Sculeni; police reported traffic restrictions and urged alternate crossings, while an MP was accused of using a tractor to hit a police officer during an incident. Women in Farming Spotlight: Ireland announced nationwide events for the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, focusing on farm health, safety, education, finance and diversification, with launches tied to National Farm Safety Week and the Tullamore Show. Climate Pressure on Crops & Water: North Okanagan farmers in Canada face severe drought limits, with water allocations cut to 30% of remaining totals; in India, El Niño-linked monsoon uncertainty is driving contingency planning for rainfall-deficit districts. Rural Livelihoods Under Strain: Pakistan’s Swat trout farmers are still rebuilding after 2022 floods, with only a small fraction of farms operating again. Market & Community Resilience: Colorado growers are adapting after a spring freeze by partnering with other farms to keep fruit at farmers markets, while Boulder’s farmers market marked 40 years supporting local vendors.

Farm Policy & Influence: A debate in New Zealand asks whether farmers have outsized political power, even as the food-and-fibre sector drives most export value and a large share of jobs and GDP. Precision & Low-Emission Inputs: Ireland reports 2,046 of 4,301 TAMS III applications paid for LESS slurry spreading and GPS fertiliser spreaders, pushing adoption of lower-emission nutrient application. Farm Mental Health & Rural Distress: Odisha’s Nuapada is under scrutiny after an alleged farmer suicide, with a fact-finding team formed and demands for aid and jobs. Weather & Heat Risk: Ireland’s ministers urge farmers to protect livestock and themselves during heatwaves, while flooding in Arkansas leaves fields underwater and threatens replanting windows. Soil Health Innovation: UK-led research highlights salt-stress “help calls” from plants that attract beneficial microbes, offering hope against rising soil salinity. Market & Trade Signals: In the US, the White House seeks $87.6B in emergency funding that includes $11.1B for American farmers tied to the Iran war package, while Iowa farmers question timing and uncertainty. Local Food Systems: Farmers markets keep expanding—Duluth’s season starts strong despite weather, and Kentucky explores a permanent farmers market site. Livestock & Prices: Demand for Irish suckler cow-and-calf pairs stays solid, with top prices reported at Milltown marts. Climate Preparedness: Malaysia’s Sabah says it’s ready for El Niño with irrigation scheduling and contingency water delivery.

Water & Climate Risk: Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin is nearing its environmental water buyback target, with 85% of the plan’s environmental water goal reached and a push to hit 400 Gl by December, while Drought Watch: Virginia reports its driest conditions since 1941, with crops shriveling and hay supplies tightening. Farm Health & Biosecurity: The Philippines sees a 6% rise in leptospirosis cases in early 2026, with farmers most affected after floodwater exposure, and Florida ranchers face a new invasive mealybug threat after a damaging freeze. Research & On-Farm Innovation: Tasmania’s Dairy HIGH2 trial results are being rolled out via regional events, showing lower synthetic nitrogen use without sacrificing milk solids or pasture growth, and Ireland’s €1.7m Slurry Solutions project launches slurry separation and soil-water trials. Policy & Funding: The UK unveils a farming roadmap aimed at climate extremes and reduced fertiliser reliance, while the U.S. USDA backs conservation via up to $310m for RCPP projects. Market & Trade: Kansas farmers donated 400,000 bushels of sorghum to Food for Peace as lawmakers push to keep the program under USDA. Land & Rights: The Philippines’ DAR orders revalidation of Central Mindanao University lands, reopening a dispute with a farmers’ group. Inputs & Fraud: India’s Turkapally police bust an interstate fake cotton seed racket, seizing banned BG-II seeds.

U.S. Farm Policy & Food Access: A federal judge blocked Tennessee’s plan to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and candy, dealing a blow to similar state waivers and keeping food assistance rules on track. Water & Farm Economics: Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation says the Murray-Darling Basin “What We Heard” report confirms water buybacks have gone too far, urging better outcomes from water already recovered. Agribusiness Innovation: Meat & Livestock Australia and Agriculture Victoria launched a $6m partnership to help livestock producers use on-farm data to lift performance and profits. Pest & Biosecurity: Michigan detected the first invasive elm zigzag sawfly in St. Clair County, while California expanded a Mexican fruit fly quarantine in San Diego County. Animal Health Rules: Colorado issued an emergency rule tightening entry requirements for warm-blooded animals from New World screwworm zones. Farmer Support Programs: Bangladesh’s Patuakhali district began large-scale support for 7,000 farmers with seedlings, seeds, and fertilizers. Climate Risk Planning: India’s agriculture ministry flagged 111 low-irrigation districts as high priority for weak-monsoon impacts tied to El Niño. Local Market Boost: A U.S. USDA-funded grant helps Mason County expand farmers’ market access and strengthen local food systems.

Purple Yam Push (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture distributed 60,000 ube planting materials to 900 farmers across Leyte and Bohol to expand purple yam production and boost incomes for growers tied to rising domestic and export demand. EU Wildlife Policy: EU nations are urging a lower protection status for brown bears, arguing rising attacks on people and livestock, while environmental groups warn against culls. Rural Safety & Crime (UK): Police in Dorset say rural crime is disrupting farming, with equipment theft and targeted incidents still a major concern. Farmer-Herder Violence (Nigeria): Kebbi State reported at least eight deaths in clashes after cattle allegedly damaged crops, with a curfew imposed to restore calm. Dairy Finance (Bangladesh): City Bank, Milk Vita and Agroshift signed a deal to expand digital financing access for dairy and cattle farmers. Maize Price Planning (Zambia): President Hichilema ordered the Food Reserve Agency to announce a maize floor price quickly for the 2026 marketing season so farmers can plan sales and production. Coffee Income Plan (Kenya): Kenya’s coffee revival programme targets higher farmgate earnings, aiming to lift prices toward KES 250–300 per kilo. Food Security Support (India): PM-KISAN’s 23rd installment delivered ₹18,880 crore to 9.44 crore farmers, including more than 2.18 crore women farmers. Gene Editing Rules (EU): The EU introduced a two-tier gene-editing framework, easing rules for some edits while keeping stricter oversight for others.

Climate Resilience & Irrigation: President Marcos says a severe El Niño could linger until 2027, pushing the Philippines to speed up irrigation and promote drought-tolerant crops like watermelon, ginger, purple yam, peanuts and eggplant. Labour & Nutrition on Small Farms: An ACIAR-backed Timor-Leste project is testing practical ways to cut farm labour while improving nutrition, tackling long hand-work cycles and low soil fertility. Pesticide Policy: Australia’s farmers’ federation says APVMA’s paraquat decision keeps products approved but with lower rates and tighter controls, while Saskatchewan begins emergency strychnine distribution for gophers after required training. Biosecurity & Animal Health: WA poultry producers brace after a second H5N1 detection in wild seabirds, and the U.S. reports 16 New World screwworm infestations, triggering sterile fly dispersal. Markets & Trade: India-UK CETA is set to cut tariffs and open premium UK access for farmers and food exporters from July 15. Food Security: FAO-WFP warns hunger hotspots will worsen across 13 countries, with Nigeria added due to Borno risks. Local Agriculture Economy: Yakima Valley officials warn wildfires can disrupt fruit farming via access limits and power outages. Agritech & Farming Models: Telangana launches an agrivoltaics pilot treating solar as a “third crop,” aiming to boost farmer income through dual land use. Community & Direct Sales: Farmers markets keep rolling—Old Town Market returns in Lompoc, and multiple regional markets open for summer.

Irrigation Boost: President Marcos inaugurated the P833.37M Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bohol, targeting year-round water for 530 hectares and 717 farmers, aiming to cut reliance on rainfall amid El Niño risks. Climate & Water Stress: Farmers in India’s erstwhile Adilabad district are anxious over monsoon rainfall deficits, with cotton and paddy growth hit and some forced to consider re-sowing. Labor Rules for Dairy: The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued new guidance clarifying when dairy operations can use H-2A visas for temporary or seasonal labor needs, with case-by-case review. Trade Politics: U.S. farm-state Republicans urged action on USMCA renewal after signals the deal could be abandoned ahead of a mandatory review. Biodiversity Watch: A new global study links expansion of oil palm, soybean, and coconut to rapidly rising biodiversity loss from 1995-2020, driven more by consumption than population growth. Security for Farmers: Suspected militants in Nigeria’s Borno State killed at least 11 farmers in attacks tied to the planting season, underscoring rural insecurity. Coffee Prices in Kenya: President Ruto said Kenya plans to raise coffee earnings from about Sh158/kg toward Sh250–Sh300 through seedlings, factory modernization, cost cuts, and new markets. Animal Health Control: UN agencies launched a US$1M, five-year effort to contain resurgent New World screwworm across parts of the Americas using sterile insect technique research.

Disaster Relief Funding: Vermont secured $31.7M in USDA Farm Service Agency money to help farms and timber operators recover from 2023-24 storms and flooding, with applications expected to open in 2026. Water-Quality Equipment Grants: The state is also taking applications for CEAP, offering up to 90% cost coverage for runoff-cutting farm gear like cover-cropping tools and manure management tech (deadline July 15). Heat Stress on Dairy: A Cornell study finds heat doesn’t just cut milk volume—it dilutes milk fat and protein, doubling the damage farmers thought they faced. Crop Losses From Weather: Fruit growers in the U.S. are still reeling from April freezes that wiped out orchards, with losses running into six figures for some operations. Livestock Pest Watch: USDA says New World screwworm cases in Texas have climbed to 15 after three more positive animals. Cold Storage Costs: Potato farmers in Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, demanded lower cold storage fees after saying storage charges have more than doubled and are crushing margins. Food Security Partnerships: Sri Lanka’s Plate it Forward and Dilmah launched Harvest² to link small farmers with school kitchens in Batticaloa, supporting meals and climate-smart learning. Monsoon Uncertainty: Goa’s paddy farmers fear major kharif losses as rainfall is 71% below normal, delaying transplanting. Women Farmers Policy: Maharashtra plans 10 monsoon bills, including legal recognition for women farmers, plus a farm loan waiver expected to reach 56 lakh farmers.

Climate Shock Watch: A “super El Niño” is back in focus, with researchers warning it could disrupt rainfall and hit global farm output and food security, while investors also flag climate risk as a growing threat to agriculture-linked markets. Weather & Water: The Murray-Darling Basin saw widespread rain, with more expected this week, while officials in Thailand’s Phrae pushed forward irrigation upgrades to strengthen water supplies for farming. Fertiliser & Soil Strategy: India’s Kharif 2026 organic manure purchases jumped nearly 3.5 times as farmers and policymakers build fertiliser resilience amid global volatility. Dairy Economics: Rabobank says global milk production growth is slowing, with input costs and uncertain milk prices set to shape the next quarters. Farm Policy & Services: Kansas lawmakers introduced a bill to stop closures of USDA county offices, and West Virginia’s agriculture school faces a further review after board concerns. Market & Trade: Egypt cut wheat imports after record production growth, and Chinese rice purchases are boosting Cambodian farmers’ incomes. On-the-ground Risks: Wildfires are worsening air quality for farmworkers, and hail in Armenia’s Tavush Province devastated crops. Ag Tech & Livelihoods: California farmers are turning to automation as labor costs rise, while Oman launched a sustainable frankincense harvesting project to expand global market reach. Community & Markets: New farmers market launches and local food events keep spreading, from East Texas to Louisiana, alongside practical tips for shoppers.

Fertilizer Support & Farm Income: Sri Lanka says 90% of Yala farmers got higher fertilizer subsidy (now Rs 30,000/ha). In India, PM-KISAN’s 23rd instalment sent over ₹18,880 crore to 9.44 crore farmers, with Tripura CM Manik Saha stressing income-boosting schemes. Input Distribution in Nigeria: NADF began distributing 100,800 subsidised fertilizer bags to 25,200 smallholders across North-West states, with extension workers to guide use. Climate Risk for Crops & Livestock: El Niño is declared, raising uncertainty for farmers; Zimbabwe and South Africa face unusual cold spells that could harm crops. Policy & Market Pressure: Queensland volunteer fire brigades fear insurance policy changes could weaken rural fire coverage for producers. GMO Biosafety Debate: Philippines’ MASIPAG flags biosafety concerns over approval of iron-zinc enriched GM rice, calling for suspension and full disclosure. Local Agribusiness & Training: Western Visayas wrapped a two-day ube and taro market profiling training; Wales invites farmers to shape AI/net-zero support research. Markets & Community Food Systems: Red Hills Online Market is restructuring as costs outpace revenue, while multiple farmers’ markets reopen or expand in the US and Canada.