AGP Executive Report

Water & Infrastructure Pressure: In Pakistan’s Punjab, residents near the Lillah-Jhelum dual carriageway and the Jalalpur Irrigation Project are urging fixes to faulty drainage and missing mini-bridges that are flooding homes and blocking access to fields and grazing. Agri-Food Trade & Branding: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and IPOPHL renewed a push for geographical indications to protect origin-linked agri-fishery products, securing GI registration for priority items like heirloom rice, mangoes, cacao, durian, bangus and more. Biosecurity & Livestock Movement: The US USDA says the Douglas port of entry will reopen for Mexico cattle imports in late August after restrictions tied to New World Screwworm, with multiple veterinary inspections before animals cross. Animal Health Watch: Australia confirmed local spread of H5 bird flu in wildlife, with cases in South Australia and Victoria raising fresh biosecurity alarms for agriculture. Farm Policy & Inputs: India’s Madhya Pradesh farmers ended a moong protest after the state agreed to procure 60% at MSP for eligible growers and suspended the fertiliser e-token system pending fixes. Seaweed Boost: The Philippines opened its first seaweed bioreactor facility in Sorsogon to produce disease-free planting materials year-round, aiming to lift production and exports. Water Stress Data: India’s Haryana remains over-exploiting groundwater at 136.75% of replenishable levels, keeping pressure on irrigation and farming sustainability.

Drought & Heat Stress: About half of England is now officially in drought after a record-dry July, with rainfall at just 7% of expected levels (1% in parts of the south) and no meaningful rain forecast soon—raising pressure on farmers and water supplies. Wildfire Risk: Turkey’s agriculture ministry says wildfires near southern tourist beaches have forced evacuations, with fires starting on agricultural land and spreading into forests. Climate Outlook: El Niño is expected to strengthen later this year, with uneven impacts across Africa—drier conditions in parts of the west and flooding risk in parts of the east. Farm Viability & Policy: Ireland’s ICSA warns generational renewal won’t happen without economically viable family farms, urging the next CAP to put farm viability first. Input Costs & Support: Ireland still hasn’t decided how to deploy its share of the EU fertiliser support package (allocated €15.38m), as nitrogen prices remain sharply higher. Ag Innovation: Bangladesh’s Gazipur Agricultural University patented a way to turn jackfruit seeds into mineral-rich nutrient concentrate, aiming to cut waste and boost functional food options. Food Safety & Markets: Ghana faces calls for stronger monitoring after FDA action over unhygienic fish processing, while politicians question Upper East Region exclusion from a World Bank feeder-road project. Agri-Adaptation Finance: New York secured a USDA disaster designation for frost and freeze damage affecting fruit growers, unlocking low-interest emergency loans. Agri-Energy Link: A new explainer highlights agrovoltaics—growing food alongside solar power—as a growing option for farmers. Livestock & Biosecurity: Australia reports suggestive local transmission of H5N1 bird flu in South Australian birds, signaling a shift in the outbreak’s risk profile. Waste & Recycling: Dubois County (Indiana) set Agriculture Recycling Day for Aug. 5 to recycle triple-rinsed pesticide containers.

Food Policy & Trade: A Philippine analysis argues rice and sugar over-imports, cartel-style manipulation, smuggling, and fiscal leakages are hitting farmgate prices and farmers harder than headline infrastructure scandals. Pest & Crop Protection: The red-striped soft scale insect has been found in Sultan Kudarat sugarcane, with the Philippines rolling out a P35M Visayas intervention using drones and other spraying to slow spread. Aquaculture Diversification: The Philippines’ BFAR is pushing rabbitfish (“samaral”) culture to diversify aquaculture and raise fishermen’s incomes via breeding, hatcheries, and grow-out systems. Dairy Exports: Assam (India) flagged off Purabi Dairy’s first ice cream export to Bhutan, aiming to open new markets for dairy cooperatives. Land & Rural Development: Henderson County (North Carolina, US) is advancing a $25M farmland preservation bond for a Nov. 3 vote, using easements to protect farms from development. Co-ops & Finance: India’s Jamnagar co-op bank inaugurated a new headquarters to support farmers and strengthen cooperative reforms. Climate & Water Stress: Montana’s Wheatland County declared a drought emergency as extreme conditions strain ranchers with feed and water shortages. Livelihoods & Community: Kenya relocated five elephants to reduce crop damage and human-wildlife conflict in Mwea.

Water Crisis in the U.S. Southwest: New reporting shows Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit the lowest combined live storage on record, underscoring how the Colorado River drought is tightening pressure on farms and communities. Local Food Funding (Illinois): Illinois awarded nearly $4 million in Local Food Infrastructure Grants to help producers store, process, package, and distribute locally grown food. Soil Testing Goes Mobile (Punjab, Pakistan): Punjab launched “Lab on Wheels” to test soil and water at farmers’ fields and deliver fertilizer and crop guidance via phone. Irrigation Upgrade (Angola): Humpata’s renovated irrigation canal and weir restarted service, supporting cereal and vegetable production for hundreds of peasant families. Livestock & Produce Protection (Colorado): Three Colorado agriculture laws take effect Aug. 12, including rules against fake “Colorado-grown” labeling and new support for first-time farmers. Food Safety Recall (U.S.): Maple Leaf Foods recalled about 12,036 pounds of imported smoked bacon after inspection issues. Dairy Processing Support (Wisconsin): Wisconsin opened Dairy Processor Grant applications, aimed at modernization, food safety, and profitability. Mosquito Control (Maryland): Maryland plans ULV spraying for adult mosquitoes in Prince George’s County to reduce disease risk. Post-Harvest Losses (Ghana): A Ghana report highlights costly maize storage losses and the scale of post-harvest damage farmers face.

USDA Livestock Trade: USDA says it will reopen southern U.S. ports to cattle imports from Mexico starting Aug. 24 after New World screwworm risk eased, with inspections at every entry point. AI for the Farm: Australia’s women-on-the-land leaders say AI and automation could cut the “mental load,” from autonomous spraying to robotic field work and satellite animal monitoring. Food Safety & Poultry: A study links industrial poultry farming to a major rise in Campylobacter/food-poisoning bacteria, raising pressure for better controls. Mechanization Push: The Philippines distributed nearly 35,000 farm machines to cut labor and postharvest losses, including tractors, harvesters, dryers and precision seeders. Climate Stress: Extreme rainfall and flooding across Asia are damaging crops and livestock, while drought in Nepal’s Salyan is leaving fields uncultivated. Land Use & Farming Futures: A Herefordshire charity boxing night raised funds for farmer mental health, and in the U.S. a solar plan faces backlash for taking productive sugarcane land. Research & Policy: EU moves forward on New Genomic Techniques regulation, while India expands GI protection for regional farm products like cumin and fennel.

Climate Risk: Albania’s farms could lose up to $900m by 2050 as floods, droughts, frost and water shortages intensify, with heavy pesticide use and low organic coverage slowing progress toward EU targets. Animal Health & Trade: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed a limited reopening of cattle imports from Mexico but warned the New World screwworm disruption is still hurting ranchers and supply chains. Food Safety & Sanctions: Russia’s dairy watchdog blocked Armenian dairy imports, alleging use of milk from infected livestock and unsafe raw materials, while Armenia denies the claims. Food Access: Maryland announced nearly $4m in NourishMD grants to expand fresh food retail in food deserts, partnering housing, agriculture and health agencies. Soil & Resilience Funding: Minnesota will open $5m in soil-health equipment cost-share grants (applications Aug. 3–31) to help producers buy no-till and strip-tillage gear. Livestock Demand: In Virginia, goats and sheep sales are rising as demand grows among immigrant communities, pushing more small and part-time farmers into the market. Agriculture Insurance: In the Philippines, President Marcos said agricultural insurance payouts reached P19bn in four years, citing threats like avian flu and ASF. Agri-Events & Markets: Malaysia’s Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 drew 72,477 visitors and RM1.93m in sales, exceeding targets. Water & Farming Relief: Nigeria’s HYPPADEC delivered farm inputs and cash to 5,000 Kwara farmers after dry-season losses, including hybrid maize support.

Avian Influenza Watch: South Australia reported seven new suspected H5N1 cases in greater crested terns, with samples sent for confirmatory testing and expanded surveillance; officials say there’s no evidence of the virus in poultry or agricultural systems and human risk remains low. Drought & Water Security: Indonesia is preparing 56,000 water pumps for 2026 to keep rice fields supplied as El Niño-driven dry conditions trigger crop failures across multiple islands. Food System Integrity: China faces “paper farming” allegations after a state probe said some local officials overstated rice paddy acreage to meet targets, raising concerns about how production numbers are managed. Farmers Under Pressure: India’s Krishna Delta warns of severe water stress and declining Kharif acreage, threatening paddy output and rural jobs, while Andhra Pradesh secured Centre clearance to release pending Kharif 2024 crop insurance claims. Marine Livelihoods: Philippines fisherfolk and environmental groups urged Congress to prioritize the Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape bill and demand compensation for communities hit by the 2023 oil spill. Land & Governance for Agriculture: Malaysia continues expanding its e-Tanah land system, arguing faster, more transparent land administration supports sectors including agriculture.

Cambodia–China Trade: Cambodia says fresh durian exports to China hit 5,738 tonnes from January to July 2026 after China’s direct access approval and a new overland route via Laos, cutting transit time to about five days. Bangladesh Agri Jobs & Research: Bangladesh’s local government minister urged Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University graduates to build agro-based businesses and invest in agricultural research to strengthen food security. Iraq Fisheries Boost: Iraq reported abundant seasonal fish supplies, citing hatchery programs that produced 1.54 million native fish (2023–2025) and support for a first push into global fish exports. Malaysia Fisheries Funding: Malaysia’s Department of Fisheries allocated over RM3.32m for southern-zone fisheries entrepreneurs and aquaculture operators, including support for catfish, tilapia and prawns. UK Planning & Solar on Farmland: Welsh authorities face pressure to prioritize “rooftops before fields” and add stronger protections against large solar farms on prime agricultural land. Nigeria Food Security Pressure: Nigeria faces warnings of rice and tomato scarcity in three months, with experts pointing to insecurity, rising costs and weak storage. Kenya Livestock & Vet Trade: Kenya won the bid to host the World Veterinary Congress in 2028, expected to lift investment and confidence in animal health and livestock trade. Zimbabwe Water Infrastructure: Zimbabwe says the Gwayi-Shangani Dam is about 67.5% complete but needs more funding to finish by end-2026, linking dams to irrigation and rural development. Kenya Port Growth: Kisumu Port’s cargo volumes jumped from about 4,300 tonnes in 2017 to 459,000 tonnes in 2025, driven by infrastructure investment and new trade opportunities.

Power Theft Crackdown: Eskom seized 49 transformers and over 20,000 metres of copper cables in Lion Park, after residents allegedly stole electricity worth about R14m a year, with the operation backed by a court order and heavy security. Policy for Farmers: India’s Madhya Pradesh secured Geographical Indication tags for 12 horticultural crops, a legal move that can lock origin identity and help farmers seek premium prices. Flood Impact on Crops: Assam floods have killed 66 people and left 6.54 lakh people affected; about 34,971 hectares of crop land are under water. Agriculture Finance Push: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attended a workshop on the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, highlighting interest-subsidised loans for storage, processing and other farm assets. Livestock Practice: A farming column reiterates cattle dipping as a key tick-and-disease control tool, stressing coordinated dipping and correct preparation. Weather Watch: Nepal’s monsoon forecast warns of moderate to heavy rain in hilly and Himalayan areas, raising landslide and disruption risks. Paddy Revival: Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district reports paddy transplantation picking up again as farmers return to cultivation, with seeds and bio-inputs being distributed.

Food Security & Local Production: Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry says Labuan’s “Road to MAHA Labuan 2026” drew 30,837 visitors in two days and nearly RM800,000 in sales, highlighting rising interest in agriculture and agro-entrepreneurship. Water Safety: A Georgia water agent urged private well owners to test annually, warning that homeowners—not the state—are responsible for keeping backyard drinking water safe. Water & Infrastructure Pressure: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed calls for a special legislative session to rein in data center growth, arguing they threaten farmland, rural communities, the electric grid, and water supplies. Disaster Relief for Growers: New York received a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for frost and freeze damage, with losses topping $30 million and farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans. Livestock & Biosecurity: South Africa launched an online system letting authorised livestock owners self-vaccinate against foot-and-mouth disease, aiming to speed outbreak control. Pest Watch: New York warned spotted lanternflies are active again, urging residents to report sightings to state agriculture officials. Ag Tech for Feed: Jamaica’s RADA rolled out a silage calculator app to help farmers plan quantities and support better livestock nutrition. Climate-Smart Irrigation: Zambia announced plans to expand irrigation development to 500,000 hectares by 2031 to reduce rain-fed risk. Market & Price Signals: The US expects at-home food prices to rise about 2.7% this year, with low-income households hit hardest.

Wage Pressure on Farms and Shops (Philippines): Metro Manila’s P85 daily wage hike starts with a P60 jump for workers, including agriculture-sector and small firms, with a second P25 tranche due in January 2027. Courtroom Accountability (Philippines): The Sandiganbayan convicts Janet Lim-Napoles and a former DAR official over misuse of P50 million meant for agricultural input support, ordering repayment and prison terms. Water Stress Hits Rice (India): Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta kuruvai farmers face groundwater decline, rising salinity, and delayed Mettur releases, worsened by reduced free pump power. Border Reopens for Cattle (US–Mexico): The US will resume limited Mexican cattle imports in phases from Aug. 24 via Douglas, Arizona, as the screwworm outbreak continues. Food Safety Alerts (Australia/US): Australia recalls Yumbah greenlip abalone over brevetoxin contamination; the US recalls imported chicken noodle soup due to missed import reinspection. Tech for Extension (India): Kashmir’s SKUAST-K trains KVKs on Kisan Sarathi 2.0 to speed up digital farm advisory content. Right to Repair (US): Deere reaches a right-to-repair settlement requiring diagnostic and repair tools be available to owners and independent shops. Aquaculture/Climate Resilience (Fiji): IFAD launches the US$25m Be-Green program to support rural livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem resilience.

Milk & Feed Outlook: USDA’s WASDE cut 2026 Class III to $16.15/cwt and Class IV to $18.40, while 2027 averages were also lowered (Class III $17.05; Class IV $17.40). Crop Progress: Indiana corn and soybeans are mostly on pace, while Iowa reports corn and soy ahead of last year despite near-zero rainfall. Weather Stress: Iowa’s hot, dry stretch continues to push development, with some areas needing rain as crops hit key reproductive stages. Dairy Expansion Fight: Minnesota’s MPCA permit for a West River Dairy expansion is being appealed over greenhouse-gas planning. Animal Health Threat: FAO warns the New World screwworm is spreading again in the U.S., urging early prevention and stronger veterinary response. Policy & Land Use: Bozeman, Montana proposes wetland and watercourse zoning text changes affecting development review timing and jurisdiction determinations. Agri-Food Transformation: Rwanda’s Agricultural Show opened in Kigali, spotlighting innovation, insurance, and partnerships to boost yields and food security. Local Food & Fairs: Indiana’s Local Food Week kicks off with dozens of farm events focused on making local food businesses viable. Farm Succession Risk: An Oregon hop farm’s future is in jeopardy amid a family inheritance dispute tied to missing written agreements.

Hybrid Rice Breakthrough (China): Chinese researchers say they’ve developed a hybrid rice that can preserve high-yield traits through saved seeds, using synthetic apomixis—potentially cutting seed costs and boosting food security. Biosecurity & Trade (Nepal): Nepal has tightened entry conditions for fresh mangoes imported from China, targeting 27+ high-risk pests and clarifying it’s not a blanket ban. Aquaculture Inputs (Vietnam): De Heus opened a marine and cold-water fish feed mill in Vinh Long with 84,000 tonnes/year capacity, aiming to support specialized aquaculture and export feed. Food Security & Welfare (Philippines): Coverage of the Walang Gutom food stamp program is expanding, but a new survey suggests hunger levels haven’t yet fallen nationwide. Farmer Support & Risk (Zimbabwe): Umzingwane farmers were urged to fully adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa as the 2026/27 season approaches, focusing on small, moisture-retaining planting stations. Rural Resilience (US): USDA is accepting applications for its FIELDS fertilizer investment program, while Louisiana approved D-SNAP for Tropical Storm Arthur-affected parishes. Market Watch (Nepal): Kalimati set wholesale prices for fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cabbage, and eggplants. Policy & Integrity (Malaysia/Indonesia): Malaysia’s MACC recorded witness statements in an investigation into a RM200m KWAP loss tied to Indonesia’s eFishery aquaculture tech investment.

Anti-Corruption Probe: Malaysia’s MACC has begun statements and document reviews in its RM200m KWAP loss case tied to Indonesia’s eFishery, including financial trail checks and overseas parties. Farm Tech & Markets: Farmers Business Network launched FBN Market Intelligence with an AI crop price outlook for corn and soybeans, aiming to cut through market emotion. Climate & Water Stress: North Wales declared drought after record-low rainfall and river flows, while Zambia rolled out a digital extension platform (Mulimi360) to boost climate-resilient advice. Food Security & Nutrition: A new global modeling study says healthier diets and less waste could cut farmland use by up to 6% by 2050 and sharply reduce ruminant livestock value. Ag Policy & Trade: China targets 725m tonnes grain capacity by 2030, and Poland’s agri-food exports to Mercosur jumped 28% in the first month of the interim EU deal. On-Farm Adaptation: Bangladesh plans to curb onion imports by funding farmer-level storage, including 15,000 airflow machines. Safety & Health: Tick populations are rising in Illinois, with extension urging proactive prevention and nightly checks.

Fertilizer Volatility: American Farm Bureau economists urged Congress to tackle fertilizer price swings with targeted policy tools, arguing global supply shocks ripple across U.S. farms. Rural Planning Uncertainty: New Zealand’s Waikato farmers are pushing back on PC1 nitrogen and phosphorus rules, with Agriculture Minister Chris Bishop hinting at possible further amendments to give “certainty.” Foreign Land Rules: USDA proposed changes to AFIDA could expand reporting for foreign interests tied to U.S. agricultural land and even utility easements—developers are urged to check compliance early. Disaster Relief for Fruit Growers: Pennsylvania’s new budget adds $10m for freeze recovery grants after late-April cold wiped out 80–100% of some summer fruit crops. Aquaculture Oversight: Maine scheduled a public hearing on an oyster lease application for Blackstone Point Oyster Co., with remote and in-person options. Trade & Market Access: A U.S. Senate Finance hearing highlighted tariff-driven market openings for agricultural exports, including a new U.S.-Jordan reciprocal trade deal. Heat Stress on Farms: Italy faces its third major heatwave, raising wildfire risks and prompting red alerts that could disrupt agriculture. Pakistan Input Supply: Pakistan’s food security minister met Punjab officials to secure affordable fertilizer and stabilize prices ahead of the crop season.

Coconut Value-Add Push (Indonesia): Indonesia’s agriculture ministry targets 151,554 hectares for coconut downstream production in 2026, backed by about 427 billion rupiah, with seed, organic fertilizer, and land-prep support—aiming to lift added value from its ~2.1 million tons annual output. Livestock Price Support (Namibia): Namibia and the farmers’ union are finalizing a US$5.5 million livestock price equalisation fund to narrow the north–south price gap, with fodder projects and feedlots on the agenda. Animal Health Alert (Croatia): Croatia confirmed two fresh African swine fever outbreaks, bringing 101 pig-farm outbreaks and 187 wild-boar cases this year; authorities plan to step up wild boar culling. Water Governance (Saskatchewan): A Saskatchewan auditor says water licensees are exceeding allocations more than before, urging stronger monitoring and enforcement by the Water Security Agency. Policy Pressure (U.S. Midwest): Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson pushes the Senate to act on E15 and the “Save Our Bacon Act,” tying progress to the farm bill timeline. Food Systems Research (Global): A Nature study says healthier diets plus less food waste could cut farmland use by ~6% by 2050, but reduce livestock output value sharply—reshaping what gets grown and where. Farm Tech for Decisions (Satellites): EarthDaily highlights how satellite monitoring of crop health and soil moisture helps spot emerging issues beyond local scouting. Manure & Soil Health (U.S.): UW–Madison Extension plans a free manure composting field day Aug. 5 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, focused on practical composting and regulations. Input Rules Under Review (Minnesota): Minnesota is seeking public comments by July 31 on whether its neonicotinoid-treated seed rules adequately protect natural resources. Cold Chain & Sorghum (Ethiopia): Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Institute is expanding refrigerated transport/storage and hybrid sorghum to cut post-harvest losses and raise incomes. Rural Infrastructure Funding (Nigeria): Nigeria’s House begins debate on a bill to create a national rural infrastructure commission and fund, targeting gaps that affect most agricultural communities. Agriculture Under Climate Stress (Canada): Northern Alberta’s Thorhild County declares an agricultural disaster after extreme rainfall floods fields and disrupts planting and hay drying. Market & Prices Watch (U.S.): USDA’s latest milk outlook lowers Class III and IV price forecasts for 2026–2027 while adjusting corn supply and use assumptions.