AGP Executive Report

Climate & Forecasts: Early Pacific warming points to a Super El Niño, with mixed agriculture impacts—potentially drier conditions for western Canada and knock-on effects for crops and palm oil in parts of Southeast Asia. Crop Economics & ROI: Cucumbers are highlighted as a fast-return greenhouse crop, with English cucumbers noted for consistent performance and self-pollination. Farm Livelihood Pressure: Illinois farmers told Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski the farm economy is “tough,” with weather swings, weak prices, and reliance on conservation programs and crop insurance. Policy & Governance: In Madhya Pradesh, farmers and sources accuse the agriculture department of poor oversight, while Maharashtra’s minister says soybean crop insurance will stay unchanged and seed complaints are being pursued. Disease & Biosecurity: Victoria egg producers step up measures after H5N1 detection, including tighter access controls and keeping birds away from wild-bird contact. Markets & Food Safety: Farmers markets see demand shifts amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak, as shoppers look for local produce they can trace. Water Stress & Floods: Farmers in Odisha and the Philippines face flood-linked disruption, including a 24-hour palm-tree rescue and kangkong growers fighting saltwater and flood-control limits. Global Ag Policy: Ghana’s cocoa reforms passed, guaranteeing farmers at least 70% of FOB export price. Research & Tech: A Nevada robotics project wins NSF CAREER support to help farmers monitor crops and reduce fertilizer and pesticide use.

Farmers Market Week (Minnesota): Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed Aug. 2–8 as Farmers’ Market Week, with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture backing events at nine markets statewide. Horticulture Push (Nagaland): Nagaland’s horticulture department ran a floriculture “mission mode” sensitization for Anthurium and Lilium, offering three years of technical handholding and a buy-back approach. Dairy Court Fight (Ireland): A dairy farmer and company seek to overturn a milk sale ban while challenging Department of Agriculture enforcement orders, with a High Court stay request set for later this year. Agri-Industry Expansion (US): ADM plans to expand soybean crush capacity at four plants, adding 25 million bushels of demand, citing long-term growth in biofuels-backed demand. Climate & Drought Science (Global): A University of Delaware study flags drought-sensitive hotspots across parts of the US Midwest, eastern Brazil, eastern Spain, and central/northern India, stressing higher risk for rainfed crops. Food Security Under War Costs (Sudan): Sudanese farmers report diesel and fertilizer price spikes tied to Iran-related shipping disruptions, raising fears of major harvest shortfalls. Local Market Resilience (US): After flash flooding, Quakertown Farmers Market vendors are cleaning up and planning reopenings.

Agriculture Credit & Livestock Support: Punjab’s CM Livestock Card Programme is in its third phase, with 1,000+ livestock farmers in Rawalpindi applying for interest-free loans up to Rs 540,000 for feed and veterinary needs, after which cards and funds move through scrutiny and verification. Poultry Management: Kenya’s commercial poultry push is raising the bar on farm management, with regular bird weighing highlighted as a low-cost way to catch health and nutrition problems early. Disaster & Crop Damage: Bangladesh’s Manikganj was hit by flash floods from heavy rain, damaging crops on 222 hectares and affecting 4,885 small farmers, with emergency assistance being discussed. Fertiliser & Protest Fallout (India): Madhya Pradesh farmers protesting moong procurement and fertiliser e-token issues in Bhopal won major concessions: procurement raised to 60% at MSP for eligible farmers, deadlines extended, and the e-token system suspended pending a review. Water Stress: England’s River Wye drought declaration is triggering tighter scrutiny of abstraction licences, with regulators checking farmers’ water use as river levels fall. Standards & Trade Readiness (PNG): Papua New Guinea’s NISIT plans an agriculture standards workshop in Goroka to promote testing, certification, accreditation, and draft sector standards. Mine Clearance to Farms (Cambodia): Cambodia links mine clearance with agriculture via an MoU to turn demined land into productive farmland and boost rural livelihoods. Market Access & Local Food: South Dakota is gearing up for National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8), spotlighting local produce and farmers markets across the state.

Emergency Aid for Sugarcane Farmers: The Philippines’ DSWD is rolling out an initial P113.5M in cash transfers for 11,000+ Negros Island Region farmers hit by red-striped soft scale insect damage, with early payouts already underway in Negros Occidental. Input Costs & Smarter Nutrients: Wisconsin growers are tightening nitrogen use and shifting timing to improve nutrient efficiency as high costs squeeze margins. Crop Disease Watch: Indiana’s chaotic planting has made corn disease pressure more sporadic, with agronomists flagging tar spot and gray leaf spot in varying fields. Wheat Price Assurance in Punjab: India’s Centre told Parliament Punjab wheat mandi prices averaged above MSP during 2026 procurement, citing rainfall-linked quality issues for slower early procurement. Food Safety During Cyclospora: Michigan officials and experts urged people not to stop eating produce, recommending safer handling like washing thoroughly and choosing whole items. Farmers’ Market Momentum: National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8) is spotlighting local growers and community ties, from Michigan pledge efforts to regional market events. Trade & Livelihood Pressure: In Bhopal, farmers escalated protests demanding moong procurement at MSP and pushing back on e-token systems. Conservation Recognition: Iowa’s McGuire family is set to receive the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award for livestock care and soil-focused practices. Drought Relief via Reclaimed Water: Canada’s Vernon is expanding reclaimed-water irrigation connections temporarily to support North Okanagan farms through ongoing drought.

Food policy & farmgate pressure (Philippines): A critique of President Marcos Jr.’s SONA argues rice and sugar over-imports, cartel-style manipulation, smuggling, and fiscal leakages are hitting farmers hard—citing depressed farmgate prices for crop year 2025-26 and billions in direct and indirect losses. Pest relief for sugarcane (Philippines): Negros Occidental will start emergency cash transfers for 1,000+ RSSI-affected sugarcane farmers, with payouts based on SRA data and validated locally. Soil testing push (Pakistan): Punjab launched “Lab on Wheels,” sending mobile teams to test soil and water on-site and deliver digital reports and crop/fertiliser recommendations. Pesticide crackdown (Kyrgyzstan): Kyrgyzstan banned particularly hazardous pesticides including beta-cyfluthrin, bromoxynil octanoate, and fenamiphos after nationwide inspections. Labour shock on farms (US/California): Growers report harvest losses as immigration raids leave up to 70% of farm workers missing, forcing some to seek immigrant labour back. Farmer protest over moong (India): Thousands marched toward Bhopal demanding 100% moong procurement at MSP; heavy barricading caused major traffic disruption. Input supply reassurance (India): Uttar Pradesh’s CM said there’s no fertiliser shortage for Kharif, warning against hoarding and black marketing. Livestock & rural safety (US): Tennessee’s ag crime unit recovered a stolen horse and arrested two women on felony theft charges. Local ag community (UK/US): Wales’ Farmers’ Union named Tir Dewi and Prostate Cymru as charities; Virginia’s Ember & Earth event linked chefs and farmers to support local sourcing.

Agricultural Policy & Cooperatives: The Philippines Senate passed two agriculture bills on third reading: the Agricultural Cooperatives Act (creating a bureau to modernize and support ag/fisheries co-ops) and the Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Act (upgrading the training arm into a Bureau of Agriculture). Rice Regulation: Malaysia’s amended Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 will target wholesalers, millers, importers, retailers, and suspected smugglers/hoarders, with warnings for first offenses and smaller penalties for minor traders. Food Security & Storage: Philippines NFA chief Larry Lacson says tech adoption is rising and the agency is expanding rice buffer stock through more storage and palay procurement to better protect supplies during calamities. Local Food Funding: Illinois awarded nearly $4M via its Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program to help farms and food businesses store, process, package, and distribute locally grown products. Disaster Assistance: USDA opened Missouri flood recovery support, including livestock and feed loss programs like LIP and ELAP. Digital Agriculture: Pakistan’s Punjab launched “Lab on Wheels” for on-field soil and water testing with instant digital reports to guide fertilizer and crop choices. Ag Science & Environment: Osmania University research in Karnataka found a critically endangered bat species can eat pests from 4,100 insect types, highlighting bats as natural pest controllers. Labor & Dairy: Union workers at Cass-Clay Creamery in Fargo voted to authorize a strike while negotiating with Dairy Farmers of America over wages, benefits, and protections.

Tobacco Price Shield (India): Andhra Pradesh and the Centre agreed a Rs 188 crore price stabilisation plan for tobacco growers, setting minimum floor rates by grade and using real-time monitoring to protect farmers from auction swings. El Niño Crop Shift (India): Andhra CM Naidu ordered stronger farmer awareness and alternative crop planning as El Niño risks rise, alongside tighter delivery of crop insurance actions. Drought Tools for Smallholders (Namibia/UK): Essex researchers partnered with about 30 farmers in Namibia to turn lab-style crop and soil monitoring into practical “PhenoKits,” targeting drought, pests, and limited soil testing access. Wildfire Crisis (UK): A Peak District sheep farmer issued an urgent plea as massive wildfires burned hundreds of hectares, stressing how the scale is overwhelming emergency services and damaging farmland. EU Fisheries Talks (Ireland): EU fisheries ministers met in Cork to discuss sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, plus generational renewal, with site visits planned. Maize Market Push (Zambia): Rufunsa farmers were urged to sell maize to Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency via new satellite depots, with payments supported through bank and mobile accounts. Digital Monitoring (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s agriculture ministry is rolling out digital monitoring and evaluation to improve climate-smart farming and programme accountability. Livestock Border Update (US): USDA will reopen southern U.S. cattle ports from Mexico’s Sonora on Aug. 24 after New World screwworm controls improved. Farm Equipment Repair Rights (US): John Deere, the FTC and states reached an agreement to expand access to diagnostic and repair tools for farmers and independent technicians. Solar vs Sugarcane (US): Residents in Louisiana opposed Entergy’s Cypress Harvest Solar plan, arguing it would displace productive sugarcane land and harm local agriculture. Soil Carbon AI (US): Cornell researchers unveiled an AI model that makes soil organic carbon simulations far faster, helping agriculture-linked climate research. EU Genomics Debate (EU): A commentary argues the EU’s new genomic techniques regulation should be seen as precise, familiar crop improvement rather than a threat.

Animal Health & Trade: South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is still disrupting cattle trade in the Free State, with hundreds of confirmed cases and tighter quarantine/biosecurity pressure on farms. Biosecurity & Policy: The U.S. is planning a phased reopening of southern cattle ports to imports from Mexico after screwworm controls, with full inspections for incoming animals. Rural Support & Markets: Malaysia’s finance ministry is studying SARA QR-code use at tamu and farmers’ markets, aiming to help hawkers and small traders access credit. Farm Incomes & Inputs: Ireland’s grocery inflation has eased to the slowest pace since Feb 2025, while DAFM reports over €22.9m in scheme payments to farmers last week. Climate & Water Stress: Karnataka’s Kalyana districts face monsoon failure and falling reservoir levels, driving crop losses and migration. Farmer Safety & Disasters: Oregon’s livestock council delivered 26 tons of hay to ranchers in the Hay Creek Complex wildfire path. Women in Agriculture: Maharashtra has registered 3,436 women as “women farmers” to strengthen land rights recognition. Food Security & Politics: Philippines agriculture remains a flashpoint in Marcos’ SONA, with calls for inputs, insurance, and stronger rural recovery—especially in sugar areas hit by RSSI. Protests & Regulation: Dutch farmers are protesting nitrogen reduction plans with tractor actions, demanding policy withdrawal.

Water Management in South Asia: Andhra’s Eluru district says paddy transplantation is steady, with canal systems (Godavari Delta and Krishna Eastern) supporting over 1 lakh acres, while the Krishna Delta faces a severe water crisis that could cut paddy output and leave labourers without work. Drought Response: Indonesia is preparing 56,000 water pumps for 2026 to keep rice fields irrigated, and North Carolina farmers report severe drought stress despite some recent rain. Farm Safety: Australia’s farm injury toll is rising, with livestock-related claims up 40% and tractors/quad bikes among top causes of deaths. Food Security & Policy: New Zealand resource reforms win concessions for farmers, and Australia’s ACCC authorisation keeps low/no-fee banking access for hardship customers, including farmers during droughts. Agribusiness & Exports: Cambodia’s fresh durian exports to China hit 5,738 tonnes in seven months after a faster Laos land route; Fiji’s sugar sector says harvesting is on track (82% cane agreements signed) and export quota remains achievable. Health & Biosecurity: Zimbabwe reports illegal ARV use in chicken feed, raising human health concerns, while South Australia flags seven new suspected H5 bird flu cases in seabirds. Market & Tech: Israel sets an agrivoltaic grapes record with 30 tons harvested under solar panels, and Minnesota offers free nitrate testing at Farmfest to help private well users.

Trade & Logistics: Cambodia says fresh durian exports to China jumped to 5,738 tonnes in Jan–Jul 2026 after direct access and a new overland route via Laos cut transit times to about five days. Food Security & Losses: Nigeria’s cold-chain expert warns the country loses 30–40 million tonnes of food yearly to poor storage, pushing up prices and hurting farmers. Climate & Crops: Europe’s heatwaves are stressing produce supply, with drought compounding damage to salads and berries. Farmer Livelihoods: Bangladesh highlights a papaya farmer in Barishal who turned hardship into income and jobs, supported by government-linked financing and training. Irrigation & Adaptation: Vihiga County (Kenya) expands farmer-led irrigation to help maize farmers shift to African leafy vegetables as dry spells bite. Policy & Support: Kaduna (Nigeria) begins another round of free fertilizer and tractors for 150,000 smallholders, aiming to boost output and curb middlemen. Aquaculture: Iraq reports abundant locally produced fish after hatchery programs boosted native species and launched exports. Safety & Risk Planning: Ontario’s farm group urges emergency preparedness as wildfires, storms, outages and heat can hit any farm. Livestock Health & Biosecurity: Florida arrests a man for bringing unchecked sheep and goats from a New World screwworm area. Markets & Training: Arkansas opens applications for a 2027 Farm School to grow new specialty-crop farmers.

Rural Infrastructure Boost (Fiji): A new 10-kilometre farm road in Macuata (built for over US$460,000) is improving safer, more reliable access to markets for more than 200 farmers, with knock-on benefits for supplies and small business growth. Agri-Business Mindset (Fiji): A former LDS missionary is urging young Fijians to treat agriculture as a business, pointing to strong U.S. demand for products like turmeric, ginger, and dalo and calling for better export pathways. Input & Market Tech (UK/Global): Azotic Technologies says its Encera nitrogen-access product could cut fertiliser use by up to 25%, aiming to help growers manage rising input costs and volatility. Crop Innovation (Kansas, U.S.): Kansas farmers are testing a new K-State durum wheat variety for semolina/pasta, offering a potential route back to wheat profits. Soil, Water, and Recovery (U.S. & Canada): New York farmers received USDA disaster designation after spring weather damage, while Canada’s Prairies crop outlook was described as “solid” despite delays and drowned-out fields. Animal Health (India): Arunachal Pradesh inaugurated its first State Veterinary Polyclinic in Itanagar to expand 24/7 specialist care and disease surveillance. Policy Pressure (Pakistan): Pakistan’s Kissan Ittehad urged the government to announce next year’s wheat policy early and adjust support prices, diesel, and fertiliser costs to protect food security. Weather Impacts (South Asia): Flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab submerged thousands of acres and damaged crops, while Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag saw paddy transplantation pick up again with seeds and bio-input support. Market Access & Community (U.S.): Wichita farmers markets reported higher foot traffic amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak, as shoppers seek local produce. Agri-Branding (India): Madhya Pradesh secured GI tags for 12 horticultural crops, aiming to protect origin and support premium pricing.

Policy & Accountability: Filipino peasant groups urged President Marcos Jr. to turn SONA promises into real agrarian reform and social justice, while the Federation of Free Farmers graded the administration’s agriculture and fisheries performance as “barely passing” to “failing,” citing stagnant yields and rising rice imports. Climate & Inputs: Nigeria’s ActionAid warned low agricultural capital spending could derail food security under CAADP, as Kaduna launched free fertilizer for 150,000 farmers plus mechanisation support. Food Security Prices: Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency set a maize floor price at K347/50kg, with unions calling it fair but stressing timely payments. Weather Impacts: North Dakota wheat faces scorching heat near harvest as prices rise; Saskatchewan reported hay progress but warned disease risk from warm, humid conditions. On-the-Ground Farming: Sierra Leone’s “Farming on Crutches” trains amputees to rebuild livelihoods through farming, livestock and beekeeping. Local Markets & Community: Petrolia’s Veggie Race and Emporia’s watermelon contest spotlight growers and local produce. Livestock Health: South Africa rolled out a self-vaccination authorization system for foot-and-mouth disease. Trade/Tech Pressure: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed calls for a special session to curb data center growth over water and grid risks.

Water Stress & Irrigation: India’s Cauvery delta faces a triple squeeze as groundwater drops, salinity rises, and Mettur releases stay elusive, while Andhra urges Krishna Delta farmers to skip paddy amid a monsoon deficit. Farmers Under Pressure: Nashik Kharif sowing hits 71.66% after good rains, but farmers fear a dry spell and disease risk if rainfall breaks; Oklahoma growers report crop losses from erratic weather. Livestock & Heat: Central Japan dairy farmers worry heat is cutting appetite and milk output, with electricity bills rising as they cool barns. Policy & Trade: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renews calls for action on data centers, warning they threaten rural communities and the electric grid; the U.S. House advances a budget framework with $12B in new farm aid, while Congress considers an additional $11B emergency relief. Markets & Food Access: Arizona’s Supreme Court limits how permanent orchard and vineyard crops can be taxed; local farmers markets keep serving communities amid health and safety concerns, including renewed interest in locally grown produce during the cyclosporiasis scare. Global Support: Nepal and South Korea sign a $11.8M grant to strengthen fruits and vegetables value chains for smallholders. Governance & Land: Moldova’s agriculture minister resigns amid political fallout, and farmers in Karnataka protest a township plan that would take irrigated farmland.

Local Markets & Community Food: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital hosted a July 24 farmers market, bringing local growers and small businesses together for fresh produce and homemade goods. Hemp & Farm Diversification: Indiana farmers could gain from expanding industrial hemp products, but regulatory uncertainty still worries industry leaders. Dairy Feed Guidance: Iowa State University Extension released a free four-part corn silage series aimed at improving dairy herd health and productivity. Crop Progress Watch: Iowa’s hot, dry stretch kept corn tasseling and soybeans blooming ahead of last year, though farmers still want more rain. Weather Stress & Risk: Oklahoma’s heat dome is delaying relief for producers, while severe storms and hail have left farmers facing losses that compensation may not fully cover. Trade & Policy Pressure: Lighthizer says agriculture often bears the brunt of global trade protectionism, with politics overriding “real” market access. Inputs & Fertiliser Logistics: Kenya’s KTDA plans to import 1.98M bags of NPK fertiliser for 750,000 tea smallholders ahead of the 2026/27 season. Farmer Support Systems: India says more than 10.18 crore farmer IDs have been created to streamline subsidy transfers and disaster relief. Animal Health Threat: FAO highlights the New World Screwworm as a growing transboundary livestock risk. Safety & Livestock Operations: Propane Farm Research Program doubled compensation for farmers hit by tornadoes and severe rain in eligible states. Pests & On-Farm Challenges: Rampaging wild boars are increasingly damaging farmland and pets, driven by illegal releases and weak fencing.

Climate Risk: A “super El Niño” is forecast to strengthen by late 2026, raising odds of drought across southern Africa and flooding in the Horn—threatening planting seasons, food prices, and already-stressed farmers. Fertiliser & Inputs: USDA opened $500m for fertilizer investment and expansion, while Kenya Tea Development Agency plans to import 1.9m bags of NPK 26:5:5 for 750,000 smallholder tea farmers ahead of the October short rains. Crop Protection Innovation: Chinese scientists unveiled programmable immune receptors for disease-resistant crops, using AI-assisted protein design to help plants recognize diverse pathogens. On-Farm Guidance: Iowa State released new commercial production guides for napa cabbage and eggplant, and hosted “Conservation On Tap” to connect farmers and residents on practical conservation questions. Local Market & Food Safety: Cyclospora-linked produce concerns are pushing shoppers toward farmers markets in parts of the US, while poultry farmers in Nepal report egg sales down more than half due to rumours despite no bird flu. Storage & Post-Harvest: Bangladesh will distribute 15,000 more airflow machines to expand onion storage and cut imports. Security & Rural Livelihoods: Bandits in Nigeria’s Zamfara killed 23 farmers in an attack on farmlands, and Ogun fish farmers seek emergency relief after flash floods destroyed ponds and equipment.

Wildfire Response: Farmers in Ireland used tractors and tankers to build firebreaks and slow the Slievenamon blaze in Co Tipperary, even as winds reignited it. Pest Relief for Sugarcane: The Philippines’ DSWD will start emergency cash transfers for small farmers in Negros after red-striped small-scale insects hit over a third of sugarcane fields, with payouts up to P10,000. Tea Levy Debate in Kenya: Agriculture officials say Kenya’s tea uptake has reached 93% and that the 0.08% levy is paid by buyers, not farmers, funding marketing and research. Market Tools for Farmers: FBN launched “Market Intelligence” with AI-based crop price outlooks for corn and soybeans plus daily cash-market updates. Food Supply Under Heat: Jamaica’s agriculture ministry says it’s stabilizing prices and supply during hot, dry conditions via sourcing, greenhouse support, and repairs. EU Crop Outlook: Copa Cogeca forecasts EU cereals down in 2026 while oilseeds and protein crops stay on a positive track, with results highly weather-dependent. Onion Storage Upgrade (Bangladesh): Bangladesh plans to supply 15,000 airflow machines to cut post-harvest losses and reduce onion imports. Drought Warning (Uganda): Acholi farmers are urged to delay the second planting season due to insufficient, scattered rains. Farm Safety Push: A seriously injured farmer backs “stop and think” safety messaging to prevent accidents on farms. Agrivoltaics in Colorado: A Colorado farm is expanding agrivoltaics, growing crops under solar panels to cool plants and add income.