AGP Executive Report

Food Security & Conflict: Russian strikes hit Ukraine’s food supply chain again, damaging Bunge’s Oleina sunflower oil plant in Dnipro and forcing a shutdown, with casualties reported nearby. Diplomacy & Trade: Malaysia’s PM urged renewed dialogue over the US-Iran standoff and warned that disruptions to Strait of Hormuz shipping threaten global trade and energy. BRICS & Agriculture: At the New Delhi BRICS summit, leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration, pushing cooperation on trade, health, climate and agriculture, including a BRICS Grain Exchange concept while opposing unilateral tariffs and sanctions. Livestock & Rural Support: Ghana’s Asene-Manso-Akroso district agriculture office stepped up veterinary services, but says drug and vaccine shortages are limiting disease control. Horticulture & Exports: Ghana is betting on a “24-hour economy” model—linking greenhouses to cold storage, logistics and air cargo—to scale cut-flower and high-value exports. Beekeeping & Biodiversity: Taiwan promoted leopard cat-friendly farming, with one beekeeper reporting at least a 10% honey boost after switching practices. Policy & Seeds: Taiwan’s agriculture ministry moved to relax seed/seedling registration rules for some sellers amid online demand, while still targeting unregistered operators. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Kansas State University’s Hungry Heartland Project documentary “Sharing the Harvest” will air on PBS, focusing on food insecurity among farm and food workers in Garden City, Kansas.

Aquaculture Value Push (Kenya): Kenya’s fish sector is leaning harder into processing and value addition as production hit a record 189,150.6 tonnes in 2025, but a big supply gap remains versus consumption needs. Climate Risk for Insurers (Kenya): After Mara-area flooding, First Assurance paid over $1m to help rebuild a safari property—another reminder that weather shocks are tightening underwriting appetite. Water & Permits Under Scrutiny (Canada): Residents and Indigenous leaders say the Wonder Valley AI data centre still lacks clear answers on water withdrawals and environmental review after a public engagement session. Rural Land Use Clash (UK): Wiltshire Council rejected a bid to turn farmland into garden space, citing unjustified encroachment into open countryside. Trade Boost (Cambodia): RCEP is credited with a 21% jump in Cambodia’s regional trade in Jan–Aug, with exports and imports both rising. Farm Income Ideas (Bhutan): Bhutanese farmers are expanding high-altitude hazelnuts as a way to stabilize income on steep, erosion-prone land. Food Safety Upgrade (Kenya): Global Tilapia became Kenya’s first fish processor to earn FSSC 22000 certification, aiming to unlock more domestic and international buyers. Ag Infrastructure & Policy (India): Tamil Nadu named a new Agriculture Secretary on additional charge, as governments keep reshuffling roles tied to farm delivery.

USDA WASDE watch: Corn and soybean traders are bracing for Friday’s September supply-and-demand report, with private expectations pointing to a possible corn yield cut after weaker Corn Belt conditions, while soybean yield remains sensitive to late-season weather and pod filling. Dairy margins: August Class III milk rose to $16.64/cwt, but feed costs climbed and margins deteriorated, keeping pressure on dairy producers. Farm income: USDA’s September outlook lifts 2026 net farm income in headline terms, but the improved number still masks higher costs and a tougher real-income picture. Ag policy in court: Federal employees and partners filed a lawsuit to block a Trump administration plan to reorganize and downsize USDA, seeking an injunction to stop facility closures and relocations. Agri-PV in India: SECI invited bids to lease 20 acres in Delhi for two 5 MW agri-solar projects under a 27-year model meant to keep farming going under panels. Food safety & prices: UK shoppers may see mackerel replaced by other fish after certification and stock issues, while US lettuce prices fell sharply after the cyclospora outbreak reduced demand. Livestock disease: Ireland confirmed a second 2026 bluetongue case (BTV-3) on a Kildare suckler farm, with vaccination still recommended. Water and health: Iowa groups launched “Protect Water Prevent Cancer,” citing pesticides, PFAS, nitrates and radon as key risks tied to drinking-water concerns. Trade routes: Morocco is expanding maritime links to Europe via a new Nador–Setúbal service to help exporters bypass Spanish overland routes.

Disaster Impact on Farming: Nepal’s Bhote Koshi–Trishuli floods damaged about 1,800 hectares of crops (mostly paddy) and killed thousands of livestock, with FAO backing emergency veterinary support and damage assessments. Harvest Struggles & Community Boost: Yorkton, Saskatchewan farmers David and Maureen Zerr got a bright spot during a tough season after winning GX94’s “Supper in the Field,” despite wet, saturated fields that forced unusual seeding and fertilizer methods. Policy & Land Pressure: Arizona’s AgTech says it will challenge the state’s termination of five Yuma County biosolids land leases, after complaints about odors and impacts on nearby farms. Pest Watch: Kerala, India faces a spreading giant African snail problem after monsoon rains, with snails now showing up on school campuses and prompting daily cleanup efforts. Food Safety: A recall hit certain “De Todito” potato chips in the US after pork cracklings from Colombia were found ineligible for import, triggering FSIS action. Livestock Leadership: Saskatchewan Cattle Association named Kevin Boon as its new CEO effective Nov. 1. Aquaculture & Blue Economy: India marked six years of PMMSY, highlighting growth in fish production and exports and continued investment in fisheries infrastructure. Research for Smarter Breeding: A lentil study links phosphorus-stress survival traits to environment, pointing breeders toward more targeted phosphorus-efficient varieties. Invasive Species Management: Massachusetts reports spotted lanternfly sightings surging across cities, with officials emphasizing management over eradication. Agribusiness Careers: Madhya Pradesh released admit cards for 2,784 Krishi Vistar Adhikari posts, with the exam set for Sept. 17. Sustainable Water Ideas: Nigeria research suggests soursop and avocado leaves can act as natural coagulants to help remove metals and cloud contaminants from river water.

Farm Finance Pressure (US): USDA’s September forecast puts 2026 net farm income at $158.4B, down $4.3B (and 5.5% in inflation-adjusted terms), while production expenses rise 4.5% to nearly $493B—fuel, fertilizer and livestock-purchase costs driving the squeeze; direct government payments are projected to jump to $47.4B and farm debt to top $605B. Greenhouse & Horticulture Rules (Armenia/Moldova): Armenia’s economy minister met rose greenhouse growers on export logistics and competitiveness after import restrictions tied to greenhouse inspections; Moldova’s MPs advanced clearer rules on when horticultural plantations begin bearing, based on cultivation system, variety/rootstock and planting material. Fertilizer & Input Integrity (Bangladesh): The Bangladesh Fertilizer Association warns of an “artificial fertiliser crisis” from hoarding and inflated prices, urging dealers to lift allocations on time and report arrivals. Food Security Cooperation (ASEAN-India/Malaysia): Malaysia is drafting a National Food Security Act and wants to learn from India on buffer stocks, distribution and supply-chain governance; India’s agriculture minister also held bilateral talks with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar on research, germplasm exchange and market access. Aquaculture & Water Management (Malaysia/Venezuela/UNDP): Malaysia’s community catfish project reached supermarkets and earned MyGAP certification; Venezuela and FAO agreed a roadmap for sustainable small-scale fishing and aquaculture governance; UNDP trained Turkmenistan on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 for irrigation planning. Rural Education & Community Food Systems (US): Michigan’s Owosso Public Schools won $100K for a new livestock facility to expand hands-on agriculture education. Market & Policy Signals (EU/UK): Spain reported 2025 food waste at 1.129M kilos/liters (with per-person waste slightly down) alongside new national rules; Northern Ireland’s farming groups renewed calls to restore inheritance tax reliefs to protect family farms.

Climate & Flood Risk: Heavy flooding across Central Luzon and Metro Manila in late August dumped 300–400 mm in days, overwhelming rivers and drainage as Habagat rains linger into the Ber months, disrupting planting and drying schedules. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Northumberland’s Upper Redesdale Agricultural Show removed its sheep classes to reduce bluetongue spread (BTV-3), swapping in a tractor run instead. Soil Fertility & Organic Inputs: Farmers in Dang are turning to vermicompost after chemical fertilizer use left soils weaker, reporting improved soil quality without yield drops. Dryland & Heat Stress: Tennessee growers face drought and brutal heat that can force crops to mature early or shut down entirely without irrigation. Trade & Market Access: South Africa secured China market access for cherries; blueberry talks are nearing completion, with protocols expected by year-end. Herd Rebuilding & Processing: The USDA announced initiatives to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, expand meat processing capacity, and support ranchers via new insurance and purchase efforts. Regional Food Inflation Watch: An OCBC economist warns El Niño may drive higher ASEAN food prices (rice, wheat, maize, oils), raising inflation risk more than growth shock. Water Scarcity: In Nepal’s Betauna, hand pumps have failed and hundreds of households rely on one borewell, with long queues and hours-long waits. Dryland Congress 2026: Global Dryland Congress 2026 opens in New Delhi (Sept 10–12) with 800+ experts on breeding, climate resilience, markets, seed systems, and inclusion. Livestock Trade Rules: Spain moved to restrict Brazilian beef and related products entering the EU, citing antimicrobial and hormone concerns.

ASEAN–India Ag Cooperation: Malaysia’s agriculture minister joined the 9th ASEAN–India Agriculture and Forestry meeting in New Delhi, pushing deeper ties on research, technology transfer, investment and value chains to boost productivity and regional food security. Bilateral Food Tech MoU: Qatar and Guyana signed an MoU to expand cooperation in agriculture and technology, covering crops, livestock and fisheries plus training and modern ag practices. Kentucky Farm Safety Push: Kentucky’s “All in for Ag Education Week” (Sept. 21-25) will deliver farm-safety books and classroom materials to 700+ elementary schools via Willie B.’s farm adventures. Trade War Hits Farm Inputs: Canada’s honey industry is getting squeezed as Trump’s tariffs take effect, raising costs for beekeepers and threatening pollination-linked farm production. Climate Risk for Greece: A new study warns climate change could cut Greece’s agricultural production value by up to €1B a year, with big losses concentrated in key regions and for perennial crops. Food Security Aid to Togo: Japan will fund subsidized rice sales in Togo via its 2026 Kennedy Round program (about CFAF 800 million). US SNAP Legal Fight: USDA filed an appeal after a judge struck down SNAP waivers that barred certain purchases like candy and soda. Agrivoltaics in India: India’s PM-KUSUM 2.0 is set to expand farmers’ ability to generate renewable energy alongside crops, including a planned 10 GW agri-PV component. Genetics for Vitamin C Potatoes: Researchers used CRISPR fine-tuning to raise vitamin C in potato tubers without yield loss, mapping a dose-dependent “sweet spot.” Market Access for South African Cherries: South Africa gained China access for cherry exports, expected to spur investment and jobs.

Climate Risk & Water: Malaysia’s Perak state government says agencies are monitoring Super El Niño impacts on dams, water levels and air quality, with phased steps like optimizing water treatment, rezoning supply and mobilizing tankers. Flooding & Aquaculture Voice: Aquaculture groups in Pangasinan, Philippines, are urging authorities to include them in planning after monsoon and storms flooded fishponds and may have been worsened by upland solar projects. Sustainable Finance for Farming: Kenya’s Agricultural Finance Corporation won global recognition for embedding climate resilience into lending, as rain-fed agriculture leaves farmers highly exposed to drought and floods. Food Safety Oversight: China is tightening farm-to-table supervision after cases of illegal additives used during lettuce procurement, with regulators investigating multiple companies. Agricultural Trade: Pakistan’s dried chili shipment reached Chengdu via a new sea-rail route, cutting logistics costs and transit times. Wildlife-Livestock Conflict: Firefighters in Malaysia captured a 16-foot python reportedly stalking a goat, highlighting growing encounters where farming and wildlife overlap. Policy & Regulation: The US EPA proposed ending Clean Water Act discharge permits for certain offshore processing vessels beyond three miles, with public comments due Oct. 19.

Aquaculture & Flood Risk: Pangasinan aquaculture groups say flooding this year wiped out fishponds and may be worsened by upland solar projects, urging authorities to include them in planning. Farmer Security & Markets: Philippines House Speaker Bojie Dy III pushed for “farmer security” through stronger farmer/irrigator groups and Sagip Saka links to buyers, arguing good harvests still fail without fair markets. Drought Watch: Arkansas officials warn of potentially dangerous drought and wildfire risk as heat persists into September, with burn bans expanding statewide. Climate Finance for Smallholders: IFAD and Equity Group launched a US$200M East Africa climate adaptation finance mechanism (ARCAFIM) to get funds to smallholder farmers and rural businesses. Energy for Farms: India’s Maharashtra commissioned 322 MWp decentralized solar under PM-KUSUM/MSKVY, aiming to power rural feeders and cut losses. Food Policy & Trade: EU ministers heard warnings that cutting the next CAP could hit Europe’s food security; meanwhile, Ireland’s Bord Bia faced scrutiny over €1.2m in non-compliant spending. Input & Tech Support: Yemen launched a seed cleaning program in Al Hudaydah, while Ireland promoted “Drone as a Service” for precision spraying at the National Ploughing Championships. Ukraine Grain Bottleneck: Odesa farmers report harvests stuck in warehouses as intensified attacks deter shipping, even with ports technically open. Regulation & Industry: A National Agricultural Law Center analysis highlights looming federal hemp testing delays and a push for a national regulatory framework.

Food Security & Markets: The UN says global cereal output is set for a second-largest harvest in 2026, but food prices rose in August to the highest since late 2022, pointing to a “resilience crisis” driven by energy costs, extreme weather and conflict. Climate Risk: Cloudbursts and “mini-cloudbursts” are increasingly reported across India, raising flash-flood risks for farms and communities. Coffee & Cocoa Resilience: Nestlé highlights coffee sustainability efforts to avoid a cocoa-style supply shock as El Niño threatens tropical crops; Kenya researchers are also screening new coffee varieties combining Arabica and Robusta traits for pest and disease resistance. Water & Flood Management: The Philippines’ DA commissioned a PHP150m study on building a canal network through Candaba Swamp to store floodwater and potentially open land for cultivation; Kazakhstan is overhauling water management with new reservoirs and irrigation modernization. Farm Tech & Training: India is training farmers in nursery management and grafting; Sri Lanka is drafting a national drone strategy for agriculture and industry. Animal & Aquaculture Pressure: Fishermen in Haiti accuse authorities of neglect after pirogues were torched; Australia’s Greens call for urgent welfare probes into Tasmania’s salmon farming. Land, Policy & Regulation: India’s Rajasthan High Court set a 1-km interim regulatory threshold around Jawai leopard habitats while allowing traditional agriculture and essential services with permissions. Agri-Industry & Trade: PepsiCo is expanding food production in Iraq; Australia’s malt barley exports to China may rise with premium beer demand.

Agri Trade & Investment: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 wrapped up with 5M+ visitors and 97 MoUs worth RM10.35B, with China-linked deals focused on tropical fruits, seafood, smart farming tech, and cold-chain exports. Wildfire Safety: Arkansas warned that unauthorized drones interfered with aerial firefighting, echoing wider U.S. concerns about drone incursions during wildfires. Fertilizer Crunch: Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami says fertilizer shortages are threatening Aman rice and other crops, blaming policy failures and dealer misconduct. EU Subsidy Pressure: The European Commission temporarily suspended some Agrofert-related rural development subsidy payments amid a conflict-of-interest review involving PM Andrej Babiš. Food Policy: South Carolina delayed SNAP “healthy food” restrictions until Nov. 1, keeping some sweetened drinks eligible while legal reviews continue. Climate & Crops: France’s wine harvest is forecast to hit a 30-year low after extreme heat and drought, with wider crop losses reported across Europe. Farm Support Programs: Ireland’s ACRES rare-breed declarations for 2025 are now open, and NPI applications for 2026 close Oct. 14. Tech for Farming: Russia’s Ingosstrakh says an AI crop-rotation model found potential extra margin of 843M rubles in a pilot.

Biosecurity at borders: U.S. Customs seized dried rodents and raw beef from a Malawi passenger at Chicago O’Hare, destroying the items under agricultural biosecurity rules. Pest smuggling crackdown: Hong Kong Customs arrested two travelers for illegally importing live crickets and dubia roaches, handing cases to the agriculture department. Crop protection pressure: Passi City in the Philippines declared a state of calamity after red-striped soft scale insects hit over 3,300 hectares of sugarcane, threatening thousands of workers. Farm policy and governance: Malaysia’s MACC opened an investigation into delays in supplementary compound fertiliser distribution to Kedah padi farmers. Water for farming: India’s Mettur Dam increased releases to 12,000 cusecs to support Cauvery delta samba cultivation. Food prices: Onion prices jumped in Odisha, with retail reaching Rs 60–70/kg amid supply concerns. Ag science: China reported a wheat line with stable resistance to Fusarium head blight, plus a study turning sorghum stalk waste into prebiotic xylooligosaccharides. Clean cooking finance: Africa’s clean cookstove push is gaining momentum via carbon credit financing, aimed at cutting household air pollution.

Climate & Disaster Impact: The Philippines is counting losses after an enhanced southwest monsoon and four tropical cyclones since early August killed 43 people and caused about 11.92 billion pesos in damage to agriculture and infrastructure, affecting 10.2 million people across thousands of villages. Weather & Crops: In the Philippines, the agriculture department revised its rice outlook, saying El Niño’s potential harvest hit may narrow to around 400,000 metric tons thanks to dam water levels from recent rains. Food Policy & Funding: A Philippine congressional think tank warned that persistent rice tariff shortfalls could squeeze funding for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, with collections far below the P30-billion target. Biosecurity & Pollinators: Georgia agriculture officials are still tracking and trying to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet, warning of ongoing activity near beehives and urging public reporting. Agribusiness & Trade: Malaysia’s MADA said MAHA 2026 participation helped agro-entrepreneurs record RM301,603 in sales, supported by MoUs with universities and industry partners. Rural Infrastructure: Tanzania’s parliamentary committee ordered a police station at Mkulazi Sugar Factory and pushed road upgrades to help smallholder outgrowers move cane and inputs. Ecosystems: A new satellite-based look finds the world’s mangrove forests are expanding faster than they’re shrinking, with implications for biodiversity and storm protection.

Energy & Diplomacy: India’s EAM Jaishankar defended continued Russian oil purchases in Kyiv, arguing the war won’t end just by stopping imports. Grain Storage & Markets: India’s cooperative grain storage pilot aims to cut distress sales by moving storage and procurement closer to villages via PACS. Politics & Rural Life: South Dakota State Fair debate put ag and rural development front and center as Rhoden and Ahlers sparred over support for young farmers. Drought & Livestock Feed: Zimbabwe livestock producers are turning to non-timber forest feed resources as drought shrinks grazing and crop residue. EU Drought Response: Visegrad Four urged the EU to act fast on drought-driven fodder shortages threatening dairy and livestock. Weather Risk: India’s IMD issued heavy rain and strong-wind alerts across multiple northern and eastern states, warning of crop and flood impacts. Ag Tech in the Field: New AI work improves tomato pedicel detection for harvesting robots, targeting a key bottleneck in automation. Local Food Systems: Humboldt’s Dockside Market keeps “ocean to table” seafood fresh through direct weekly sales. Farmers Under Pressure: North Yorkshire planning decisions delayed as officials reassess impacts under a new national planning framework.

Food Prices Watch: UN data shows global food prices rose in August to the highest level since late 2022, with wheat and sugar climbing as Russia-Ukraine disruptions keep Black Sea exports under pressure. Credit Access: USDA says it’s streamlining and modernizing farm loan processes to cut red tape and speed direct and guaranteed credit for farmers and ranchers. India Farm Support: Odisha released over Rs 833 crore under CM-KISAN to nearly 41.36 lakh small/marginal farmers and landless households ahead of rabi inputs. Water for Farming: Ladakh is seeking over Rs 56 crore to build 36 check dams to raise stream levels and divert water to canals and fields, with one already completed near Upshi. Climate Risk for Crops: India’s monsoon remains below normal overall, with East and South still most deficit—raising concerns for kharif planning and yields. Agri Innovation & Policy: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 reports RM12.6bn in agrifood MoUs, while Malaysia’s agriculture ministry plans a “sandbox” approach to align rules for new agrifood business models. Agri Safety: Arkansas warns rice residue burning could raise wildfire and smoke risks as drought and burn bans tighten. Trade & Markets: Kyrgyzstan won approval to export raspberries, blackberries and currants to China, aiming to expand berry earnings.

Global Food Prices: The UN FAO says August food prices hit the highest level since late 2022, with grain costs rising on Black Sea shipping disruptions tied to Russia’s war and broader weather stress. Energy Costs for Farms: In the U.S., diesel has reached a new record, with AAA citing $5.85 a gallon—raising pressure on farm input and hauling costs. Beef Policy in the U.S.: USDA and the White House rolled out new steps under the Ranchers First Initiative, including tools aimed at rebuilding the beef herd and a review of mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. Livestock Disease Impacts: South Africa’s foot-and-mouth outbreak is now a supply-chain crisis, with costs running into billions and knock-on effects for abattoirs, cold storage, transport, and exports. Climate Stress in South Asia: El Niño-linked drought is hitting Sri Lanka’s crops, with thousands of acres damaged and insurance compensation set to begin; India’s tea output in the Nilgiris is also falling as green leaf supply drops. Local Ag Moves: Texas declared an agricultural emergency after Tropical Storm Edouard flooding, while Maine held a public scoping session for a proposed shellfish aquaculture lease in Casco Bay.