AGP Executive Report

Biosecurity Alert: New research flags wheat curl mites and the viruses they carry as a growing, mostly hidden threat to wheat and other cereals—raising stakes for countries with mixed cropping and patchy practices. Pollinator Focus: Two women are spotlighted for their fight to keep western bees alive, underscoring how pollination underpins crop yields. Dairy Economics: Rabobank reports record milk payouts on cards, but warns New Zealand farmers to brace for margin squeeze as costs and competition bite. Development Finance: The World Bank backs a $1bn Philippines agriculture reform push using results-linked funding to raise rice productivity and strengthen value chains. Invasive Species: Federated Farmers says a funding boost for wilding pine control is a breakthrough, targeting major seed-source areas. Market Access & Community: Nanaimo launches an online hub to help local farms sell directly, while Philomath’s farmers market hits a seventh season with record vendors. Water Stress: Yakima River basin farmers accept early water cuts as drought deepens. Policy & Compliance: Otago’s “moving day” reminder urges farmers to stand off green feed and manage roadside effluent to protect roads and waterways.

Market Return & Community Food: Sycamore Farmers Market is set to come back June 2, running Tuesdays 3–6 p.m. through Sept. 1, with local produce, plants, honey, eggs, meat, baked goods, and live entertainment on the History Center lawn. Eid Livestock Health: In Sherpur, veterinary teams have been deployed to cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to protect about 92,000 sacrificial animals from heat stress and illness, with added market security against fraud. Farmer Safety in Monsoon: CESC issued pre-monsoon warnings for Mysuru and surrounding districts, urging people—including farmers—to avoid snapped cables, keep pumps off in wet hands, and stay clear of poles and transformers during rain. Political Fight Over Power & Procurement: Telangana’s KTR alleges prepaid meters are a step toward ending free power for farmers, while in Medak, BJP and Congress are trading blame over paddy procurement delays and farmer distress. Food Security Pressure Abroad: Iraq ordered licensed slaughter only to curb Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever ahead of Eid, as cases continue across provinces. Weather & Costs: Old Farmer’s Almanac warns of a hotter, drier U.S. summer that could stress gardens, while UK voices tied rising fertilizer and fuel costs to food price pressure.

Drought relief hits hard in the Philippines: In Cagayan, DSWD says 31,782 corn farmers affected by dry spells received P321.8M (about P10,125 each) after a provincial calamity declaration, with payouts rolled out in clustered sites to speed help. Water security push in India: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini ordered community tanks and micro-irrigation for every 10+ acres, with 85% subsidy, aiming to get canal water to every field under “Per Drop—More Crop.” Court and power policy in Punjab/Haryana: High Court disposed of PILs challenging free/subsidised power for “rich” farmers, saying subsidy design is a state policy call, while leaving room for representations. Weather shocks keep piling up: Kashmir growers report near-30% hail damage and demand disaster-year tags and crop insurance; in Bangladesh, a nationwide canal excavation plan targets 20,000 km over five years to cut waterlogging and boost farm output. Farmers’ mental health gets new support: A Wisconsin family launched a Farmer Angel Network chapter for peer support and crisis messaging. Market integrity issue: Iowa’s Dubuque Farmers’ Market found counterfeit tokens and is phasing out the token system.

Fuel & Fertiliser Pressure: India’s Goyal says the government is absorbing elevated fertiliser costs so farmers aren’t hit, while Maharashtra’s Fadnavis warns against fuel black-marketing and promises uninterrupted diesel supply. Procurement Clash: In Telangana, KTR and BRS accuse the Congress government of delaying crop procurement and causing deaths at hot procurement centres, while farmers in Peddapalli stage a “rasta roko” over alleged weighing discounts and slow maize/paddy buying. Market Stability Ahead of Eid: Oman’s agriculture ministry steps up central-market monitoring, reporting strong availability and steady shipments ahead of Eid Al-Adha. Tech Push for Youth: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 exhibition spotlights AI and smart farming for planting, fertilisation and farm management, aiming for major trade deals. On-Farm Safety: A Lancashire farmer died after falling into a grain silo; rescue crews had to cut into the structure. Pesticide Reduction: Pahang’s Sultanate urges Cameron Highlands farmers to cut pesticide use with safer, modern and biological control methods.

Fertiliser Relief as Iran Shock Hits: The EU will temporarily lift customs duties on key nitrogen fertilisers like urea and ammonia for one year to blunt price spikes tied to Strait of Hormuz disruption, with limits and exemptions for Russia/Belarus. Drought Aid Under Strain: In the Philippines, an elderly corn farmer died while queuing for emergency cash support at a provincial gymnasium in Cagayan, underscoring how fast-moving relief can still collide with heat and long lines. New Leadership in Alberta: Alberta’s agriculture portfolio has a new minister, with a cabinet shuffle naming a longtime grain advocate to the role. Trade and Tech Push: A U.S. Senate bill would expand AI access for farmers, while another proposal targets reducing ag reliance on China. Animal Health Watch: Texas screwworm prevention efforts appear to be working, and South Africa and Botswana are urged to urgently implement their FMD action plan. Local Food Momentum: Farmers markets keep rolling out—Tallahassee gets Sprouts, and multiple U.S. markets open new seasons this weekend.

Marine Watch: The Bahamas’ agriculture and marine ministry says it will run its own overfishing study after a major Perry Institute report found 11 of 12 key seafood species are overfished, threatening coral reefs and local food supply. Food Access: South Carolina is restarting its Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program on June 1, sending $50 in vouchers to eligible seniors across all 46 counties. Climate-Friendly Rice: Singapore-backed partners say low-emission rice is moving toward supermarket buying, with carbon credits aimed at boosting farmer income. Flood & Seeding Pressure: Saskatchewan’s seeding sits at 29% after rain and snow slowed work, though moisture helped. Drought Response: Utah’s Grand County declared a drought emergency to unlock help for farmers and ranchers. Local Markets: Federal Way’s farmers market and other community listings keep rolling as spring events ramp up.

Farmgate Crackdown: Philippines’ Agriculture chief filed Ombudsman complaints over alleged “ghost” farm-to-market roads in Davao Occidental worth P94M, saying inspections found “zero” at the supposed sites. Weather Pressure: In Saskatchewan, seeding is up but still lagging—29% provincial crop planted, with the northeast at just 3%, after flooding and wet fields delayed work. El Niño Watch: Cebu City (Philippines) reports 663 upland farmers hit by prolonged dry spells, damaging 233.57 hectares, as an El Niño alert rises to 79% probability for June–August. Livestock Biosecurity: Namibia moved to restrict susceptible livestock movements in Ohangwena and Kavango West after an African buffalo linked to FMD was sighted, with roadblocks planned. Trade Boost: China’s zero-tariff policy for African coffee partners kicked in May 1, lifting African bean imports via Shanghai. Input Costs & Policy: Nepal says it has 144,803.25 metric tons of chemical fertilizer in stock while warning deliveries may hinge on Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Cotton Revival Push: Pakistan’s APTMA says the government hasn’t started its approved cotton revival plan, warning delays could force costly imports.

Tea Sector Overhaul (Kenya): Kenya is tightening tea rules to protect more than 800,000 farmers, with stricter factory licensing, controls on green-leaf “hawking,” and tougher checks on imports—plus a new tea levy for marketing, research and value-add. Coffee Revival (Nigeria): COCEFAAA and CRIN have signed on to the Nigeria Coffee Revival Initiative, pushing farmer support, climate-smart practices, better planting materials, post-harvest quality, and traceability. Fuel Shock (South Africa): Food inflation eased, but diesel jumped sharply, keeping pressure on farm costs as Strait of Hormuz tensions continue to ripple through fuel and fertilizer prices. Livestock Control (Zimbabwe): A national cattle branding drive targets about 2.5 million head to boost disease surveillance and traceability. Pest & Policy Watch: A study links ozone pollution to disrupted moth pheromones, while India’s dairy regulator has issued a nine-point directive to reform the Dairy Development Corporation.

Drought & Freeze Fallout: New Jersey and Pennsylvania are tallying the damage from April’s heat-freeze swings, with NJ officials now citing at least $300M in crop losses so far and warning of shortages and higher prices ahead. Emergency Response: NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency and is pushing for federal disaster relief after freezes hit flowering crops. Global Food Risk: The UN FAO warns the Strait of Hormuz blockade could trigger a systemic agrifood shock—energy and fertilizer first, then seeds, yields, and food inflation—within 6–12 months. Rural Connectivity Boost: Saskatchewan’s SaskTel is activating more 5G sites, adding rural and First Nations coverage as the province invests heavily in network expansion. Market Season Momentum: Farmers Market Ogden is set to kick off its 2026 summer run with 200+ vendors, despite weather-related crop challenges. Policy Push for Farmers: Iowa’s SF 2219 protects FFA and other school-sponsored absences, backing hands-on agricultural education.

USDA Legal Clash: A U.S. federal labor union and seven USDA employees sued Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins over Christian-themed emails sent to agency staff, escalating a fight over workplace religion. Animal Welfare: A farmer was sentenced after inspections found 15 cattle in unsuitable conditions with severe lameness, leading to euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Farmers Market Momentum: Crystal City’s market rebrands as the “Sunday Bloom Market,” moving to a safer municipal park location, while Washington County’s ADRC launches $25 senior farmers-market coupons starting June 1. Input Costs & Risk: USDA insurance updates for 2027 expand livestock and dairy coverage options, as Plains wheat growers in Kansas warn drought plus higher fuel and fertilizer costs are squeezing margins. Food Rescue in the Philippines: House leaders rolled out a “rescue-buy” for oversupplied vegetables, selling cabbage at a steep discount to cut spoilage and support farmers. Biosecurity Watch: Rio Grande Valley officials met on New World screwworm preparedness after detections in northern Mexico.

Organic Policy Boost (NZ): New Zealand has appointed MP Mike Butterick as Associate Minister of Agriculture—Organics, creating a dedicated national organic portfolio and signaling a major push for the sector. Farmers Under Fire (Middle East): Reports say Israeli forces shelled southern Lebanon farmers in Tyre district with phosphorus munitions while detaining civilians. Input-Cost Pressure (US): A Farm Journal poll finds many U.S. farmers are second-guessing their support for Trump as diesel and fertilizer costs rise and trade uncertainty grows. SNAP Rules Tighten (Montana): Montana’s governor submitted a waiver to restrict soft drinks, junk food, and candy under SNAP, joining the “Make America Healthy Again” push. Weed Control Debate (Australia): One producer calls a strychnine ground-squirrel program “doomed to fail,” citing tight rules and practical hurdles for retrieval. Local Markets Keep Rolling: Golden, Colorado adds a midweek farmers market, while drought-hit North Carolina farmers warn tomatoes are shrinking without reliable rain.

Rice Price Reset (Philippines): The DA says it has secured industry buy-in for a nationwide suggested retail price of ₱53/kg for locally grown well-milled and regular-milled rice, while imported rice’s ₱50/kg cap for 5% broken rice moves into full enforcement next week. Livestock ID Push (Louisiana): The Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission will host saddle microchipping on May 29 in Lake Charles, aiming to speed up ownership checks and returns after theft. Pig Disease Preparedness (UK): Defra rolls out a more flexible, risk-based African swine fever control strategy, adding restricted zones and movement licensing to keep operations running. Farm Safety & Community: A summer livestock meeting in Mayo covers markets, vaccines, live exports and breeding, while World Hunger Day spotlights how local farming partnerships can tackle food insecurity. Tech for Fields: Carbon Robotics lands on CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list for weed-killing and autonomous farm systems.

Political Pivot in Kansas: Vicki Schmidt names Kansas Farm Bureau president Joe Newland as her running mate—and signals he’d become agriculture secretary—banking on rural credibility as campaign pressure builds. Farm Safety & Youth Skills: Mississippi’s “Progressive Agriculture Safety Day” puts fifth-graders through hands-on training with tractors plus fire, gun, and water safety stations. Sugar Season Readiness: Fiji’s sugar ministry says mill prep is complete across Labasa, Lautoka and Ba to cut 2026 breakdowns, while urging farmers to supply green cane and avoid misinformation. Trade & Input Stress: The U.S.-China ag trade push is in the spotlight, but farmers are warning that fertilizer shortages and Iran-war fuel costs could blunt any gains. EU Investment Support: Lithuania gets €100m in approved state aid to help ag firms invest via loans tied to climate, soil, and animal-welfare goals. Biosecurity Watch: Washington State records suggest a yellow-legged hornet likely arrived as a stowaway on a ship—raising alarms for pollinator protection.

E15 Fuel Push: The U.S. House passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, backing year-round, nationwide E15 sales—NFU says it could cut costs for families and open steadier market opportunities for farmers. Irish Farm Cashflow: Ireland’s creamery suppliers are urging farmers to talk to banks now as a “cashflow deficit” looms, warning that refinancing and contingency planning can protect credit. DAFM Leadership Shake-up: Ireland’s Taoiseach confirmed the vacant DAFM ministerial role left by Healy-Rae will be filled, with forestry/horticulture/farm safety responsibilities to be reallocated. Input Cost Pressure: MPs and farmers in the UK are pointing to fuel and fertiliser spikes tied to the Iran conflict, arguing policy changes could worsen margins. Organic Support: Armenia launched a 2026 “Organic Agriculture Development” program offering co-financing for certification (applications due June 15). Africa Training & Seeds: Namibia and China/FAO are expanding farmer training and poultry skills, while Namibia’s NAB/UNAM trials test improved mahangu varieties for drought-prone areas. Local Livelihood Snapshot: Ghana’s Karaga Municipality reports crop farming at 98.6% of agricultural households, with livestock second and fish farming barely practiced.

Fertiliser squeeze relief: Australia secured about 90,000 tonnes of urea via Export Finance Australia, with shipments arranged through CSBP and Incitec Pivot to keep planting on track amid global disruption. Water stress planning: Thailand rolled out a five-point drought readiness plan tied to El Niño, pushing reservoir storage, conservation, and emergency support for farmers. Flood damage still rippling: Hawaii’s worst flooding in two decades left North Shore farms replanting from scratch, with damage estimates climbing toward $50m across thousands of farms. Policy pressure on inputs: India faced fresh calls to break out of an agricultural subsidy spiral as farmers grapple with high costs and market uncertainty. Research meets climate risk: Pakistan launched a Sindh initiative linking agriculture, space science, and climate monitoring, while ADB is set to finance a $239.13m resilient irrigated agriculture project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Local governance in action: Jamaica moved to reclaim agro-park land not put into production, aiming to lift utilisation toward 80%.

Market Momentum & Planting: Iowa farmers pushed corn planting to 72% complete and soybeans to 60% as the USDA logged 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork—helping planting run even with last year. Port & Fisheries Investment: Oman says the RO2.9m rehabilitation of Raysut Fishing Port is fully completed, adding a new 610-m breakwater, a 250-m marine groyne, and new wharf and slipway works to boost safety and fisheries growth. Water Security: Cambodia’s Kratie canal restoration is expected to expand irrigation for roughly 400–450 hectares, while farmers there are also adopting solar-powered pumping to keep dry-season rice moving. Farmgate Pressure: Telangana’s Nalgonda farmers allege heavy, irregular deductions at paddy procurement and weighbridge cuts that are squeezing already-stressed incomes. Disaster Fallout: Hawaii’s worst flooding in two decades left hundreds of farms damaged and many restarting from scratch, with officials urging farmers not to give up. Policy Watch: House Agriculture leaders want Trump to fill CFTC seats before new crypto rules take effect, warning the agency can’t credibly oversee expanded digital-asset regulation with four seats empty.