AGP Executive Report

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.

USDA Tech Spending: A $300M USDA blanket deal with Palantir is framed as modernizing farm services, but critics say it misses farmers’ core needs like profitability and fair markets. Farmer Protests & Procurement: Telangana paddy farmers allege rice millers and officials collude to force lower prices, while farmers in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri stage road blockades and burn paddy sacks over procurement delays and deductions. Rural Credit Access: Kenya’s smallholders are being locked out of formal lending, with experts pointing to banking rules that treat farm loans as high-risk. Farm Policy Backlash: Tamil Nadu farmers protest promised farm loan waivers and oppose the Mekedatu dam plan over Cauvery water impacts. Input Costs & Market Pressure: Indonesia moves to stabilize live chicken prices as demand softens; in India, tomato growers in Assam face near-zero prices that don’t even cover transport. On-Farm Water & Power: Adilabad farmers protest proposed meters on agricultural motors, fearing higher costs and loss of groundwater access. Soil Health Incentives: Farmers for Soil Health reopens enrollment with higher cover-crop payments and simpler contracts. Local Food Systems: Utah wins a USDA Farm to School grant to expand Utah fruit in school meals, and Fiji pushes digital agriculture rollout beyond pilots.

Farmer Procurement Crisis (India/Telangana): BJP leaders accused Congress of failing paddy procurement after a “Bharosa Bus Yatra” showed grain stuck at market yards, with farmers alleging delays, unsold produce, and even deaths while waiting for purchase. Power Supply Reform (India/Telangana): A Telangana MP defended the proposed Rythu DISCOM at an ERC hearing, arguing it’s meant to cut debt and improve reliable electricity for farmers amid concerns over smart meters and service quality. Drought Relief (U.S./New Mexico): USDA designated all New Mexico as a natural disaster area, unlocking emergency Farm Service Agency loans for drought-hit farmers and ranchers to replace equipment/livestock and refinance certain debts. Input Cost Pressure (U.S./Iowa & Wisconsin): Farmers told the FTC fertilizer prices are pushing them toward bankruptcy, while Sen. Tammy Baldwin met Wisconsin growers on how higher fuel and fertilizer costs are forcing day-to-day changes. Legal/Ag Policy (U.S.): USDA announced a Great American Cotton Plan aimed at boosting demand and protecting cotton growers, while a pesticide antitrust case involving Corteva nears a potential settlement. Crop Damage & Risks (Global): East Texas peach output shrank after a warm winter and late freeze; wild elephants in India’s Sullia destroyed arecanut and banana crops; and Ghana faces rising health and environmental harm from burning crop waste. EU Support (Spain): The European Commission approved €500m in Spanish aid to offset fertilizer price spikes tied to the Middle East crisis. Local Food & Markets (U.S.): Multiple regions kicked off or expanded farmers market seasons, including Reno’s Shirley’s Farmers Market and Fort Madison’s move to a new depot location.

Fertilizer Shock: The U.S. FTC is investigating a surge in fertilizer prices tied to the Iran war and Hormuz disruption, squeezing already tight farm margins. Fuel and Shipping Spillover: Oil markets slid on hopes of a Hormuz ceasefire extension, but analysts warn refined fuel and diesel costs can still stay high—pressuring planting and input budgets. Farmer Finance and Risk Tools: Farmers for Soil Health reopened enrollment with higher cover-crop payments ($35/acre) and a simpler one-year contract to cut climate risk. Climate-Smart Training: FAO-backed training in Guyana is pushing protected cultivation and digital sensor monitoring to help growers manage heat and moisture stress. Tree-Based Soil Revival: India’s Save Soil–Cauvery Calling says it has helped plant 13.4 crore trees with farmers shifting toward tree-based agriculture; Tamil Nadu’s coconut turnaround story highlights income gains. Policy and Procurement Pressure: Maryland seeks federal disaster aid after an April freeze devastated fruit and grapes, while Spain begins extraordinary storm payments to nearly 98,000 farmers. Market and Trade Signals: Aldi announced long-term UK farm agreements (including £1.1bn for eggs) to stabilize supply chains. Livestock Health Protests: Cyprus livestock farmers reached the Presidential Palace after a standoff over foot-and-mouth culls.

Freeze Fallout in New Jersey: Gov. Mikie Sherrill toured Russo’s Farm after an April freeze wiped out 95–100% of apple and peach crops, with NJ farmers facing a projected $300M loss and seeking federal disaster aid. Fuel and Fertilizer Squeeze: Farmers in Niger State warn rising petrol/diesel and input costs could shrink planted areas and worsen food insecurity, while the U.S. FTC launched a formal investigation into surging fertilizer prices as growers face mounting financial pressure. Policy and Aid for Inputs: The EU Commission approved €15m in French fuel aid for agriculture and aquaculture to offset higher diesel costs, and USDA declared drought disaster in all 33 New Mexico counties, unlocking low-interest emergency loans. Weather-Driven Crop Progress: Saskatchewan seeding jumped to 52% complete as warmer conditions helped, but remains behind averages; in Nebraska, Auburn-area storms washed away topsoil, leaving exposed roots and years of recovery ahead. Farmers’ Markets and Community: Markets keep expanding—Judd Hill’s 20th anniversary in Arkansas and Ottawa’s summer grand opening—while Wisconsin’s cover-crop cost-share program drew far more interest after higher incentives. Conflict Prevention in Farming Regions: Katsina State convened a dialogue to prevent farmer-herder clashes before the rainy season escalates.

El Niño Risk to Rice: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture warns a severe El Niño could cut national rice output by up to 700,000 metric tons, prompting renewed task-force planning and measures like cloud seeding, solar irrigation, planting-calendar shifts, and crop diversification. Coconut Finance Setback: A former DA official says key coconut-farmer support institutions tied to the coco levy fund have weakened since unresolved ownership left millions of farmers shortchanged. Rural Markets for Dairy: In Tsirang, Bhutan, a one-year supply deal with Serkar Dairy is giving more than 240 farmers a steadier summer market for fresh milk. Locust Alert: Australia’s Agriculture Victoria urges landholders to report locust activity early to curb spring crop and pasture damage. Input-Cost Pressure: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin highlights how diesel and fertilizer spikes are squeezing Wisconsin farms amid global shocks. Fertiliser Dependence Warning: India’s fertiliser import reliance is flagged as a strategic vulnerability as Hormuz disruption and possible monsoon weakness could raise costs for farmers. Livestock Traceability: Northern Ireland lawmakers discuss electronic cattle ID to improve recording accuracy and farm efficiency. Agroecology Debate: A Europe-focused piece argues industrial farming is failing nature and pushes for agroecology and seed diversity. Farm Safety & Policy: Ontario’s farm group urges drivers to give farm vehicles space, while Ulster farmers’ union calls for stronger action on rising rural crime.

Weather & Disaster Response: Negros Occidental and Western Visayas may get cloud seeding in early July after moisture stress hit rice and high-value crops, with local losses already pegged at P16.2M; in the U.S., flooding in South Mississippi is delaying harvests, while Western North Carolina farmers weigh replanting versus cleanup after flash floods. Farm Inputs & Field Decisions: Australian grass-and-beef producers are mowing surplus paddocks to manage fast growth and protect silage quality; in Iowa, planting is near pace after a weather break, with corn and soy progress tracked by the USDA report. Policy & Farm Economics: Australia is moving to expand right-to-repair rules to agricultural machinery to cut downtime and repair costs; New York awarded $1.34M to Catskills farms for environmental innovation tech via a settlement-funded grant program. Pests & Plant Health: Uganda’s Bugiri farmers report rare pests devastating maize and eggplant, with calls to destroy affected plants and report outbreaks. Markets & Community Food Systems: Farmers markets keep expanding—supporting local vendors and food access—while Ladakh launches a rock check dam on the Indus to ease water scarcity for farmers.

Fertiliser Crunch in Southern Africa: SADC officials in Victoria Falls moved to stabilise regional fertiliser supply as global shocks push up input costs and threaten food security. Fertiliser Worries in Nepal: Nepal’s agriculture leadership said it is working to prevent shortages, citing limited stock at Salt Trading and plans to import more, while also calling for private-sector involvement in trading. Global Food Risk from Energy Disruptions: FAO warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could ripple into higher energy and fertiliser prices, raising costs and squeezing yields and nutrition. EU Pesticide Shift: The EU-funded CROPSAFE project screened 51 bio-based compounds and selected 24 candidates to replace synthetic pesticides in potato, tomato and banana systems. Agrivoltaics Push: EnergyLane is developing agrivoltaic solar arrays designed to keep farmland producing crops while generating power. Farm Safety and Field Operations: Ireland’s farm bodies urged extra vigilance on rural roads during silage harvest and highlighted Tractor Safety Week. India Climate Threat: India faces a below-normal monsoon risk tied to possible strong El Nino, raising heatwave and water concerns for agriculture. Onion Price Protests: Nashik onion growers blocked highways over collapsing prices and procurement failures, escalating farmer unrest. Food Supply in the Philippines: The Philippines’ DA said emergency milling procurement is expanding NFA warehouse capacity to handle more palay and support the P20-per-kilo rice program. Women in Farming Spotlight: NYAAC marked 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer, profiling a multi-farm operator and advocate.