AGP Executive Report

El Niño & crop risk: Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is prioritizing higher-quality, higher-yield rice seeds to protect incomes as El Niño-linked uncertainty looms, while a temporary halt to rice imports aims to stabilize prices ahead of the 2027 planting cycle. Food security & trade: Malaysia’s Kelantan is working with FAMA and the agriculture department to expand durian export markets and manage a durian glut that’s pushing prices down for farmers. Aquaculture safeguards: Malaysia is assessing Thai paperwork to resume prawn exports after import permit suspensions for five species, with officials saying the review could take at least 30 days. Fertilizer access: Indonesia is tightening animal disease controls and boosting livestock resilience ahead of El Niño, while also maintaining subsidized fertilizer availability and discounted pricing for farmers. Value-add & jobs: Kenya commissioned the Milly Fruit EPZ processing plant in Kilifi to turn mangoes, oranges, passion fruit and pineapples into concentrates, pulp and dried snacks—supporting 1,000+ growers and hundreds of jobs. Policy & inputs: India’s ethanol push (E20 as standard) is framed as a way to cut energy imports and ease farm distress by using surplus crops like sugarcane and molasses. Market stabilization: India approved a two-pronged plan for Andhra Pradesh’s Totapuri mango sector, including an expert panel and price deficiency payments to cushion growers after bumper production crashed prices. Biosecurity alert: Australia confirmed H5N1 bird flu in a migratory seabird and urged poultry producers to consider temporarily keeping free-range hens indoors. Forest governance debate: In Palawan, Philippines, a study points to slash-and-burn (kaingin) as a major driver of forest loss, but an environmental group warns against oversimplifying the causes.

El Niño Seed Shift (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture is steering rice farmers toward higher-quality, higher-yield seed to protect incomes as El Niño-linked rainfall uncertainty looms, while a temporary halt to rice imports is meant to stabilize prices. Sugarcane Cash Timing (Nepal): Nepal’s sugarcane subsidy preparations are moving faster this fiscal year, with funds already at district treasury and planned direct bank transfers; the per-quintal rate is set higher than last year. Bird Flu Compensation (Nepal): Nepal released Rs 500 million for poultry farmers hit by bird flu, targeting up to 75% of assessed losses after culling. Water Security Push (Indonesia): Indonesia is accelerating its irrigation water-pumping program and irrigation rehabilitation ahead of the 2026 dry season to safeguard planting. Weather Disruption (Canada): Saskatchewan crop progress is slowed by heavy rain, hail, and cool conditions, leaving many fields saturated and delaying spraying and haying. Agroforestry Funding (U.S.): The Nature Conservancy and partners launched a $39M agroforestry support effort to help producers integrate trees with crops and livestock for land health and new markets. Agri-Tech for Resilience (Spain): A flower grower in Andalusia is using agricultural drones to automate disinfection and fertilizing as climate-driven fungal pressure rises. Farm Safety Reminder (UK): UK farmers are being urged to prioritize harvest safety after 41 farm deaths were marked in a high-visibility display ahead of busy combine season. Agri-Community & Markets (U.S./Mississippi): Mississippi marks Farmers Market Week (July 5–11) to spotlight certified local markets and direct farm-to-consumer sales.

Climate Risk & Planning: The Philippines says severe El Niño conditions are already present and could last until 2027, with government accelerating irrigation and water projects to protect farmers. Food Prices Watch: FAO reports global food commodity prices edged down in June as cereal, sugar and dairy fell, even as vegetable oils rose. Disaster on the Farm: Bangladesh’s haor wetlands saw pre-monsoon flash floods wipe out thousands of hectares of boro rice, threatening livelihoods and food security. Digital Tools for Farmers: FAO launched CropSuit, a free app that matches crops to local soil, climate and land conditions to boost yields and cut wasted inputs. Poultry & Supply Chains: Trinidad and Tobago’s chicken shortage is blamed on overreliance on imported broiler eggs, exposing financial and regulatory weaknesses in the poultry sector. Policy & Land Use: The Philippines lifted a farmland conversion moratorium after a review, aiming for tighter oversight as urban expansion pressures agricultural land. Livestock & Animal Health: Nevada confirmed equine infectious anemia at a horse facility and issued a quarantine, urging strict safety practices. Trade & Investment: Canada unveiled a $3.2B food security strategy to lower grocery costs and strengthen domestic production and processing.

Trade & Farmgate Protection (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture will stop importing 5-percent broken rice starting this month, allowing only 25-percent broken or lower-quality imports to prevent another price collapse and help local farmers compete ahead of the September harvest. Water & Climate Resilience (Philippines): DA-backed cloud seeding is planned over the Magat Dam watershed to lift reservoir levels for irrigation and hydropower, with operations running through September if seedable clouds are available. Water Infrastructure Research (Angola): RECLIMA has begun technical research for requalifying the Kimaia dam in Quipungo, including technical, economic, social, and environmental studies to strengthen water security for farming and livestock. Credit for Agri Projects (Angola): Huambo’s PRODESI program has released over AKz 10 billion for 125 projects and 30 agricultural cooperatives, though officials cite bank bureaucracy as a repayment and access hurdle. Disaster Relief Push (US): Oregon Governor Tina Kotek requested a USDA secretarial disaster designation for pear growers after a severe 2025 pear psylla outbreak and heat-stress conditions, seeking emergency credit and market relief. EU Trade Compliance (Brazil): Brazil’s agriculture ministry is rolling out new meat inspection procedures to meet EU antimicrobial rules, aiming to avoid an EU import ban starting in September. Pest & Crop Monitoring (Canada): Researchers warn wheat midge emergence is underway in Western Canada after sufficient spring moisture, urging growers to scout fields and use pheromone traps to track activity. Workforce Policy (US): Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson cosponsored the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act to improve access and affordability of H-2A labor for farmers and ranchers. Food Security Cooperation (Gulf): Kuwait led GCC agriculture and food security talks on creating strategic regional food storage zones to boost readiness for supply disruptions.

Kenya Agri Investment: Kenya launched NASIP 2026–2030, a KES 1.081 trillion (US$8.4B) plan to modernize agri-food systems, expand irrigation, boost farmer incomes and create 2M+ jobs. Pesticide Worker Safety: Canada’s pesticide rules now make safety data sheets optional, sparking worker-rights concerns over missing re-entry and exposure guidance. Regenerative Scale-Up (Canada): A new Canadian program targets one million acres for regenerative practices, offering per-acre support to help farmers manage the transition costs. Aquaculture Growth (India): Khyber Group opened a US$11.7M recirculating trout facility in Kashmir, aiming to scale output and create thousands of livelihoods. Fertiliser Push (Nigeria): Kano procured 630 fertiliser trucks for the 2026 season, while the federal government began distributing 80,640 free fertiliser bags to South-South smallholders. Dairy Incentives (Kenya): Kenya plans a gradual shift from quantity-based to quality-based milk payments, rewarding protein and butterfat. Trade Signals (China–US): China and the US agreed in principle to cut tariffs on some agricultural products and expand two-way farm trade. Food Safety (Libya): Libya’s prosecutor reported banned pesticide residues in 65% of tested samples, triggering criminal cases. El Niño Risk: Analysts warn El Niño could add fresh fertiliser price volatility by changing yields and demand. US Wheat Watch: USDA confirmed the smallest US wheat crop on record, with planted and harvested acres both falling sharply. Rural Development (Ethiopia): Ethiopia inaugurated the Hamasa Model Village, combining climate-smart farming with livestock, gardens, biogas and beekeeping.

Rice Price Control: The Philippines’ agriculture chief asked President Marcos to extend a P50/kg ceiling on imported rice for 60 more days, saying the country has no harvest yet and lifting the cap could push prices up again. Seed Support: Cameroon’s IRAD donated improved maize, sorghum, rice and soybean seeds to farmers in Bibémi and Rey-Bouba, targeting 1,400 hectares and aiming to boost certified seed output while helping producers handle floods, drought and crop pests. Frozen Funds for Food: Iran says it could use frozen funds to buy U.S. corn, wheat and soybeans if pricing is competitive, after a U.S.-Iran deal tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Women Farmers’ Rights: Maharashtra introduced a Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill to formally recognize women working in farming and allied activities, create a women farmers’ database and fund, and expand access to schemes and credit. Research Cooperation: ICAR and Seychelles signed an MoU to strengthen agricultural research, training and technology transfer, with a 2026–2031 work plan focused on climate-smart farming and food security. Shrimp Disease Pressure: Thailand’s shrimp industry urged urgent government action to tackle disease and restore confidence, calling for adoption of a 2026–2030 marine shrimp action plan. Fertilizer Cost Relief: Oklahoma farmers could benefit from a temporary duty-free period for phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco to lower input costs. SNAP Employment: Oregon reported strong results from its SNAP Employment and Training program, with 57% of participants finding jobs soon after completion. Ag Labor Policy: U.S. lawmakers and ag groups continue pushing workforce reforms, including the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, as rural producers face hiring pressure.

Aquaculture & Inputs: Zimbabwean fish farmers are set for better growth cycles after FinFish Suppliers introduced specialised feed technology via Aller Aqua, targeting feed quality as a key bottleneck. Seed & Food Security: Seed Co says new white wheat varieties in Zimbabwe aim to boost productivity and cut wheat import dependence, while Human Appeal launched a wheat supply chain project in northwest Syria to support returning farmers with harvesting support plus seeds and fertiliser. Climate & Weather Risk: India’s IMD warns July rainfall will likely be below normal as El Niño strengthens, raising pressure for Kharif crops and water supplies. Trade & Value Chains: South Africa’s table grape exporters face major losses after Cape Town’s container terminal underperformed, forcing diversions to Eastern Cape ports; separate reporting highlights Ghana’s push to turn avocado into a major value-added export engine. Policy & Infrastructure: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet outlined price-stabilisation and irrigation support to help farmers keep more income after harvest. Regional Ag Development: Malaysia’s MARDI is working to grow local onion seed varieties to reduce import reliance, and PTSS in Malaysia is training communities through commercial catfish aquaculture projects. Agri-tech & Industry: Syngenta, McDonald’s China and McCain China signed a partnership to modernize potato supply chains using precision farming and digital monitoring. Farming Operations: Nebraska’s North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed Improvement Plan got approval, paving the way for flood-reduction works across 226,000 acres.

USDA Disaster Response: USDA issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Virginia counties hit by late spring frost and freeze, unlocking federal help for damaged farms and forestry. Food Safety: Maryland reported one death and multiple illnesses tied to recalled Clover Hill Dairy cheese products after possible Listeria contamination. Livestock Risk Management: CME Group plans to launch lean beef trim futures and options (90% and 50%) starting July 20 to help hedge volatile ground-beef input costs. Pesticide Concerns: A Ghana study found high pesticide residue levels in cabbage and okra, with most samples exceeding acceptable limits, pushing calls for agro-ecological practices. Climate Planning: The Philippines’ agriculture department is moving to data-driven planning for an El Niño peak later this year, including faster irrigation and cold-chain investments. Agrivoltaics Momentum: A Center for Rural Affairs webinar series highlights how dual-use solar can coexist with crops and grazing. Trade & Investment: Georgia signed a 2026–2030 FAO country programming framework to support a more competitive, inclusive, climate-resilient agri-food sector. Livestock Biosecurity: Arizona received a $3.74M USDA grant to strengthen early detection and response to the New World screwworm threat.

Agriculture Financing & Policy: Botswana is validating a draft Agriculture Financing Strategy with FAO support, aiming to build a financing ecosystem that unlocks private investment, reduces risk, and strengthens value chains as the country pushes agricultural transformation and food security. Food Security Announcements: Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary Leslie Church will highlight Toronto’s National Food Security Strategy launch, focused on strengthening food systems. Price Pressure & Processing: Malaysia’s Terengganu FAMA is processing durians into pulp daily to tackle oversupply after farm-gate prices fell below RM3.50/kg, with plans to process about 10 tonnes a month. Farmer Income & Fairness: A global Voice of the Farmer 2026 survey finds most farmers feel underpaid and report worsening incomes, with climate and pests driving widespread crop losses. Biosecurity & Invasive Species: Guam’s invasive species inspection fee bill cleared a public hearing, shifting costs to importers and carriers to fund border biosecurity. Animal Health: Nepal reports rising bird flu cases, culling over 596,000 poultry and shutting its only zoo as the outbreak spreads across districts. Tech for Crop Monitoring: Malaysia’s ProLadang is using AI and satellite imagery to spot pests and diseases early for precision, spot-spraying in rice paddies. Extension Services Reform: Ghana’s MoFA is advancing a legal framework to regulate and strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services nationwide. Regional Ag Support: Ghana’s MoFA is advancing a legal framework to regulate and strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services nationwide.

EU Animal Welfare: Activists mark five years since the European Commission promised cage bans, pressing for promised 2026 legislative proposals in Brussels. Agricultural Finance & Policy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif orders a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy, an Agriculture Apex Forum, and a nationwide push for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme; Italy also signs a €20m concessional agri skills loan with Pakistan. USDA & SNAP Data Fight: The DOJ sues Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania over alleged refusal to share SNAP applicant data with USDA, seeking an injunction. Regenerative Farming Incentives: USDA finalizes a Regenerative Feedstock Rule letting farmers quantify carbon intensity for corn/soy grown with practices like cover crops and reduced tillage. Climate Risk: FAO/OECD projects global agricultural income per worker rising 9% by 2035, but warns shocks could still push incomes lower. Food Security & Weather: Aid agencies brace for El Niño impacts after a joint FAO/WFP appeal for $200m to protect millions. Tech & Skills: Nigeria’s TracTrac launches Young People in Mechanisation to tackle mechanization skills shortages. Local Livestock & Safety: Michigan urges pet owners to plan for fireworks stress and warns residents to watch for spotted lanternfly.

Farmland & Taxes: Greene County’s latest revaluation shows agricultural land values jumping 156.5%, far faster than residential and commercial, driven by farmland being broken into smaller residential lots—though many working farms stay protected under current-use valuation. Water Pollution Rules: Northern Ireland’s draft Nutrient Action Programme 2027–2030 is out for consultation, with farmers pushing for more practical, farm-level measures and fewer inspections. Rural Crime: UK police and Crimestoppers are offering a £3,500 reward for information on thefts of farm equipment and tools, aiming to protect rural livelihoods. Food Security Policy: USDA says South Dakota’s SNAP payment error rate is the lowest in the US (4.47%), while Arkansas warns SNAP changes could cost it about $70m a year. Regenerative Agriculture Credibility: A FAIRR report says big food firms’ regenerative pledges are losing credibility, with few measurable targets and no company setting pesticide-reduction goals. Climate & Risk: Indonesia urges regions to prepare for El Niño (July–October 2026), warning of drought, water shortages, and fire risks that can hit agriculture. Rice Push in South Asia: Nepal marks National Paddy Day with drone fertilizer spreading and machine planting, while lawmakers urge policies for rice self-reliance. Farm Inputs & Drought: India faces a monsoon deficit—June rainfall is down 43%—raising alarms for kharif sowing and food prices. Market & Trade: Georgia juice exports rose 22% to $14.2m (Jan–May 2026), and Pakistan seeks to expand agricultural trade with Bangladesh, including rice, lentils, chickpeas, fertilizer and edible oil.

Rice Trade Safeguards: The Philippines’ agriculture department says rising rice imports are harming local farmers and will send the case to the Tariff Commission, potentially triggering safeguard measures like tariffs or quotas. Rural Veterinary Shortage: Montana lawmakers are revising a bill to address critical rural veterinarian shortages, where ranchers can face long drives for care. Dairy Modernization: New York’s Dairy Modernization Grants are largely on track, funding equipment and packaging upgrades to strengthen local milk processing and regional dairy products. Farm Finance Stress: Bangladesh Bank data show defaulted agricultural loans jumped to Tk 20,130.18 crore by end-May 2026, with overdue loans rising sharply and repayment risk growing. Mechanization for Self-Sufficiency: Papua New Guinea’s rice push got eight modern tractors via KOICA and government support, aiming to cut labor costs and boost output. Cocoa Support on the Ground: Central Province in Papua New Guinea is deploying agriculture volunteers after a pre-service orientation focused on expanding cocoa production. Livestock Border Policy: Namibia’s agriculture ministry denies it’s abandoning the Veterinary Cordon Fence “Red Line,” saying removal must be gradual and disease-control systems must be strengthened first. Mango Festival Boost: UAE’s Khorfakkan Mango Festival wrapped with record crowds and expanded exhibition space, highlighting mango innovation and value-added products.

Climate Risk & Planning: India’s farmers in Punjab are watching a potentially very strong El Niño as monsoon rainfall could stay below normal, raising irrigation costs and stressing groundwater; India’s agriculture ministry is drawing up contingency plans for vulnerable regions. Pollinators Under Pressure: A study funded by the USDA finds the common pesticide sulfoxaflor can change bumblebee gene activity and reproduction at low doses, adding to concerns about future pollination. Food Prices & Affordability: Nigeria’s NBS says Adamawa is the most affordable state for food items, though affordability remains uneven and protein/fresh produce are still under pressure. Market Support for Fruit: Malaysia’s Penang ramps up its 2026 durian plan, using forward purchases and a floor-price trigger to manage oversupply while premium varieties hold steady. Agricultural Policy & Inputs: West Bengal eases diesel-in-container limits for agriculture, healthcare, food supply and tea gardens after curbs disrupted operations. Animal Health Security: Florida issues emergency screwworm import rules, tightening certification and inspections to protect cattle herds. Rural Livelihoods & Violence: Gunmen in Nigeria’s Zamfara attacked a farming community, killing at least 15. Forestry Leadership: Tennessee appoints Heather Slayton as state forester, overseeing forests, fire prevention and support for landowners.

Trade & Markets: A recently announced Idaho–Taiwan wheat deal keeps buyers steady for Idaho growers, offering some relief amid broader tariff-driven uncertainty. Food Security & Climate Risk: Zimbabwe says it will soon allow food imports using foreign currency to protect supplies ahead of an El Niño-linked drought, while also pushing climate-proofing funding. Agribusiness & Policy: Pakistan approved a National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, aiming to modernize farming and tackle misinformation roadblocks around GM maize—implementation is now the big test. Farm Support & Accountability: Fiji’s agriculture budget boosts research, extension, mechanization, roads, and non-sugar crops, while its minister vows tighter monitoring of government-funded farm programs. Animal Health: Northern Ireland will introduce mandatory interferon-gamma blood testing for some cattle herds to strengthen bovine TB control. Biosecurity & Trade Controls: Missouri updated animal movement rules after New World screwworm detections in Texas, tightening entry requirements. Regional Cooperation: Albania and Kosovo signed new agriculture agreements covering advisory services, tech transfer, and trade facilitation for agri-food products. Food Safety: Minnesota issued an advisory after metal/plastic was possibly found in Bebe Zito’s ice cream products, with affected items pulled. Agri-violence & Rural Safety: Nigeria reports deadly attacks on farming communities, underscoring security risks for rural livelihoods.

Kenya–Germany Deal: Germany pledged about Sh7.8bn for Kenya’s growth agenda, including irrigation and climate-smart agriculture, after Berlin talks. Investment Scouting: A French business delegation is mapping Morocco opportunities in agriculture and energy, pointing to smart irrigation, soil health and precision farming. Pest & Biosecurity: Tennessee is tightening livestock movement rules after a confirmed New World screwworm case in Texas, adding surveillance and outreach. Water Politics: A Montana op-ed warns a “split vote” approach could weaken senior water protections by loosening exempt well rules. Dairy Modernization: New York’s Dairy Modernization Grant Program shows strong on-farm progress during Dairy Month. Climate & Pesticides Debate: A Europe-wide heat wave is intensifying arguments over pesticide use and the push for more resilient farming. Tech for Resilience: China and Central Asian partners plan a satellite constellation to share remote-sensing data for disasters and agricultural threats. Food Exports: India’s APEDA enabled the first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes to the UAE. Education & Outreach: Northern Ireland’s “Farm In A Box” brings farm-to-fork learning to primary schools. Livestock Health Costs: Cyprus sheep and goat groups ask for emergency aid after foot-and-mouth restrictions hit finances.

Conservation & Land Use: Hope’s Edge Farm in Maine is permanently protected via a conservation easement, with a community celebration set for July 9. Workforce & Tech in Ag: Central Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming are pushing Controlled Environment Agriculture as a workforce and innovation hub, aiming for year-round production skills. Local Policy: Box Elder County, Utah will hold a July 7 public hearing on creating an Agricultural Protection Area in the Elwood area. Farm Safety & Operations: A UK report warns pipeline safety breaches are often tied to fencing and farmland work, urging safer practices near underground lines. Water Quality & Public Health: NOAA predicts a moderate harmful algal bloom for western Lake Erie this summer, driven by phosphorus runoff. Agri-education & Community: Kansas opens its annual photo contest (spring-to-winter categories) and Ohio’s Paulding County Extension hosts an agronomy and farm management program. Youth & Food Access: Indiana and Michigan continue summer meal services for children, while North Carolina announces 2026 State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship winners. Regenerative/Precision Trends: Solar agrivoltaics gets a logistics-focused webinar, and a new roof-mounted system offers on-the-go crop input rate adjustments.