MAHA 2026 Push for Value Creation: Malaysia’s Agriculture ministry says the MAHA 2026 expo (Aug 28–Sept 6) will connect innovative farmers with aid agencies and buyers to speed up commercialization, with a focus on “Value Creation for Food Security.” Trade & Biosecurity: Malaysia’s agriculture minister says talks over shrimp imports from Thailand are in the final stage, with a decision expected by mid-August after a June 1 temporary suspension of five shrimp species. Rice Protection Fight: Spain’s Valencian rice sector is in a standoff after officials accused the government of vetoing aerial treatment against rice blast, arguing it leaves farmers “defenseless” in hard-to-access fields. Farmer Talent Awards: Spain’s Chaleco Agricultor Awards (the “Michelin Stars of Agriculture”) have reopened applications in Asturias, seeking innovators in crops, inputs, sustainability, and tech use. Aquaculture & Land Use: Bangladesh plans to expand fish sanctuaries in haor and wetland areas, replacing conventional leasing with a new framework to protect breeding grounds. Export Win for Bihar: APEDA backed the first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila makhana from Bihar to Australia, aiming to lift farmer returns. Heat Stress in France: A farmers’ union warns extreme heat, wildfires, and drought could require billions of euros in aid, saying insurance won’t cover losses at that scale. Farm Economy Signal (US): Purdue’s Ag Economy Barometer rebounded in July, but farmers still flag commodity prices as the biggest long-run challenge.