AGP Executive Report

Food Security & Trade: Ukraine’s grain deadlock is still pushing global food prices higher, with analysts warning of a steep rise as Black Sea shipping remains constrained. Climate & Risk Management: Zimbabwe is deploying three aircraft for cloud seeding to prepare for a below-normal rainy season, while the Philippines’ Bicol region is rolling out a P3.3B El Niño aid package covering insurance, irrigation, seeds and machinery. Farmer Costs & Access to Finance: In the UK, Derbyshire farmers call the hottest summer “the hardest in generations,” citing fuel and fertilizer bills and a margin squeeze; in Uganda, cassava growers may get a market boost as a Kamuli processing plant moves toward full-scale production. Sustainable Inputs & Value Chains: Nigeria’s Nestlé/MAGGI regenerative soybean work is expanding local sourcing and yields, and Reliance Industries is pitching major Andhra Pradesh investments in CBG plants and a Rayalaseema horticulture hub. Pest & Plant Health: Croatia renews warnings on grapevine flavescence dorée, urging owners to inspect and destroy infected vines. On-the-ground Agriculture: Kazakhstan says grain harvest is nearing 20M tons despite dry weather, even as it sets procurement prices for the new crop.

Climate Risk & Drought Response: The Philippines’ DA Bicol is rolling out a P3.3 billion package for farmers and fisherfolk as El Niño looms, including crop insurance payouts, irrigation support, certified rice seeds, and drought-tolerant crops. Farmers Under Pressure: In northern Nigeria, kidnappings are pulling farmers away from fields and threatening food security, with tens of farmers abducted during harvest. Power Reliability: Paddy farmers in India’s Kamareddy area staged protests after erratic electricity cut irrigation during critical growth stages, demanding faster fixes. Food Safety & Training: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister urged safer food production and technical education, warning that heavy pesticide use is linked to serious health impacts for farming communities. Soil Health Wins: A Minnesota farm was named a 2026 conservationist award winner for cover crops, no-till, and precise nutrient and irrigation management. US Farm Support: USDA’s Farm Service Agency is offering low-interest physical loss loans for producers hit by earlier Midwest natural disasters. Market Watch: Euronext wheat extended gains on export hopes, but Black Sea shipping disruptions remain a key driver.

Food Security & Reserves: Jordan says wheat and barley stocks can cover roughly 6–10 months via warehouse holdings plus contracted imports, but officials are now asking how to boost local production, not just rely on storage. Ag Investment & Value Chains: Oman says 12 localized ag projects worth OMR97.4m and 13 investment opportunities worth OMR122.8m are being pushed through Invest Oman to strengthen food security and domestic value chains. Sustainable Farming Research: A new U.S./Canada study reports regenerative practices can match conventional yields and profits while boosting soil carbon capture and biodiversity—an argument for “cultural change,” not just new techniques. Fertilizer Smarter Testing: Researchers propose a cheaper phosphorus test targeting DNA-bound phosphorus to cut fertilizer waste and reduce runoff that fuels algal blooms. Commodity Watch: Wheat stayed under pressure as Black Sea shipping efforts intensified, while corn weakened after USDA data showed higher stocks. Farm Policy Pressure: India’s rabi season faces uncertainty as El Niño strengthens and monsoon rains fell well below normal, raising risks for sowing and yields. Local Support Programs: Wisconsin opened applications for its Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants (up to $200,000) to fund processing, marketing, and distribution of locally grown foods. On-the-Ground Risks: In the West Bank, Israeli forces blocked olive harvesters near Beita, with UN warnings about rising access restrictions during harvest season.

Food Safety: The U.S. FDA closed its cyclospora lettuce investigation, saying it found strong links to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ Mexico unit, though it couldn’t pinpoint exactly how contamination happened. Farm Labor Costs: California signed AB 2646 raising farmworker minimum wages to $19.75/hour, drawing sharp pushback from ag groups that warn of higher costs and food price pressure. Diesel Relief Push: South Carolina lawmakers urged Gov. McMaster to suspend penalties tied to dyed diesel during harvest as fuel prices hit record highs. Harvest Stress & Quality: Wet weather is delaying corn and soybean harvest in parts of the U.S., with growers reporting concerns about sprouting and overall quality. Policy Uncertainty: With the U.S. farm bill expired, wheat growers say they face renewed program uncertainty and can’t plan amid high input costs. Climate Adaptation: In the Philippines, farmers in Sablayan are adjusting cropping plans for a potentially prolonged El Niño, including shifting some irrigated acreage to rice and recommending more drought-tolerant crops where irrigation is limited. Local Food & Markets: Qatar expanded a digital voucher program covering about 75% of key farm inputs for hundreds of farms, aiming to boost domestic vegetable production.

El Niño Water Planning (Philippines): Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro is reshaping crop plans for a potentially prolonged El Niño, prioritizing irrigated rice and steering non-irrigated areas toward more drought-tolerant mongo and corn, while seeking fuel support and solar-powered irrigation. Coffee Theft Crackdown (Uganda): Kagadi coffee communities passed village by-laws to curb theft, including penalties for stealing and buying immature coffee, with police and residents set to enforce rules. Biofuel vs Food & Land (Canada/Global): A Chatham House report warns that boosting biofuel output could drive deforestation and squeeze food production, citing heavy canola diversion into renewable diesel. Plant Breeding Shift (Canada): Western Canadian wheat and barley growers are stepping in as public breeding responsibilities change, aiming to keep new varieties moving to market. Global Food Prices (UN/FAO): September food prices hit a near four-year high as El Niño fears and shipping disruptions push up sugar, cereals, and vegetable oils. El Niño Prep & Water Systems (Philippines): Mandaue City, Cebu is rolling out an El Niño action plan focused on water storage, filtration, leak repairs, and conservation. Agri Value-Add Push (Philippines/Cambodia): Central Luzon broke ground on a KOICA-funded agribusiness incubation center, while Cambodia announced a major forum to expand local processing and agrifood exports. Peatland Farming Demo (Ireland/UK): A PaludiFair highlights paludiculture on rewetted peatlands as a climate-smart income option for farmers. Rubber Processing Risk (Liberia): Liberia’s rubber sector warns illegal exports of unprocessed rubber could starve local factories as farmgate prices climb. Agriculture Under Climate Pressure (Europe): Europe’s record drought is projected to cut grain output sharply, adding to already rising farm costs.

Drought Fallout in the Philippines: Agusan del Sur declared a provincewide state of calamity after El Niño cut water supplies and damaged crops worth about P3.5 billion, with rice hit hardest and 36.4% of agricultural commodities affected. US Fruit Prices Stay Elevated: USDA and Labor data show 2026 fresh fruit prices still running high, with grower and consumer indexes up year over year—bananas are the notable exception. Stone Fruit Trade Watch: USDA projects global nectarine and peach exports rising in 2026/27, led by production gains in China, the EU, and a Türkiye rebound after frost damage. Fertilizer Supply Moves: Origin Agritech sold its Xinjiang corn seed base and lease-backed the production site to free cash for R&D and expansion. Plant Disease Breakthrough: Canadian researchers report spelt wheat carries a stripe rust resistance gene that appears nearly immune, while the same gene is suppressed in modern bread wheat—potentially reshaping breeding strategies. Harvest Health Reminder: Health experts warn farmers to address aches and screenings during harvest instead of postponing care until after the season. Food Security Pressure: India’s El Niño-linked rainfall swings are already reshaping farm output targets, while Liberia’s food security debate centers on keeping imported staples affordable.

Rabi support and energy push: India’s Union Cabinet approved higher MSPs for all mandated rabi crops for 2027-28, with wheat set at Rs 2,610/quintal and safflower getting the biggest jump, alongside a Rs 1.86 lakh crore Green Energy Corridor Phase-III and a Delhi tech-led traffic system. Drought risk for next season: The IMD warned a warmer, drier winter could strain soil moisture and raise irrigation needs for rabi crops after a monsoon deficit. Fuel relief amid harvest pressure: Arkansas and Indiana moved to ease diesel rules for farmers and loggers during harvest, responding to record-high fuel costs. Harvest hit by rain: Heavy rains delayed northwest Missouri harvest and threatened grain quality, while Illinois harvest progress stayed ahead of average despite wet fieldwork. Wildlife conflict: Japan reported sharply rising raccoon damage, with losses nearing 700 million yen as the animals spread into cities. Farm safety spotlight: A new look at grain-bin confined-space hazards and dust explosion risks urges tighter procedures as harvest ramps up. Conservation wins: A Maryland 116-acre former farm was permanently protected via a conservation easement, restoring native habitat.

Rabi Support Boost: India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved higher Minimum Support Prices for all six mandated Rabi crops for 2027-28, with wheat up ₹25 to ₹2,610 per quintal and safflower rising by ₹675 to ₹7,215—aimed at remunerative returns and crop diversification. Green Infrastructure Push: The same Cabinet nod cleared a ₹1.86 lakh crore Green Energy Corridor Phase-III plan plus a ₹1,789.52 crore Delhi Intelligent Traffic Management System covering 42 corridors. El Niño Fallout in the Philippines: As El Niño intensifies, the Philippines’ agriculture and health agencies report damage to rice, corn and other crops across 14 regions, with losses reaching P6.87 billion and recovery possible for most affected land. Farm-Input Pressure: In South Africa, spring rains offer relief but officials warn El Niño could bring drier, hotter conditions through late 2026, pushing farmers to plant earlier and adjust. Food Storage Rule Change: The Philippines also set a Dec. 31, 2026 deadline for agri-warehouse and cold-storage operators to register in RSAS and keep records for five years.

Diesel Relief Push: Indiana lawmakers are asking state and federal officials to cut harvest-season diesel costs, including allowing farmers to use untaxed off-road diesel in semi-trucks through the end of harvest. Fuel Emergency in the Plains: North Dakota declared a diesel emergency and expanded on-highway use of cheaper red-dyed diesel to help farmers haul grain and inputs during peak season. PFAS Tracking in California: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring California to flag PFAS-containing pesticides in public reporting and track usage trends. Water & Production Planning: Kenya named 10 irrigation schemes for a pilot to boost crops from rice and maize to vegetables and avocado, aiming to fix post-harvest losses and weak market links. Harvest Disruptions: Iowa’s harvest is lagging as wet weather limits fieldwork, while Michigan soybean growers are being urged to scout for a new stem-borer pest. Food Systems & Farms: California extended a tax credit that links surplus farm donations to food banks through 2032, and an urban agriculture grant pilot will reimburse conservation-minded projects for gardeners in Iowa’s Middle Cedar Watershed. Farm-to-School & Community: Wisconsin’s Rock Ridge Orchard supplies apples to 132 schools, and a Kansas hail relief fund is helping producers rebuild after mid-August storms.

Labor Crunch for Fruit Exports: Australia’s mango growers warn proposed working-holiday visa changes could cut the Top End harvest by nearly 1,000 workers, leaving up to 70% of fruit to rot and pushing up prices. Climate Damage to Farms: EU ministers put summer losses to agriculture at about €14–€17 billion, citing heat, drought, wildfires, and grass shortages for livestock; they’re pushing water storage, smarter irrigation, and wider insurance. Water Stress Hits Produce Supply: Spain’s Donana wetlands are drying as illegal wells expand to feed Europe’s fruit-and-veg demand, raising pressure on farmers and ecosystems. Trade Policy With Farm Impacts: The US and China plan reciprocal tariff cuts on $60B of goods, but soybeans are excluded—drawing criticism from the soybean industry. Rural Safety and Compensation: Kerala will double compensation for wildlife attacks and crop losses, with faster, coordinated payouts. Feed and Fertilizer Pressure: South Africa’s pork outlook improves for 2027 as feed costs ease, while US farmers face higher shipping costs as rail surcharges rise. Food Security Growth: Nigeria’s agriculture grew 4.39% in Q2 2026, its strongest since 2021, as the government pushes farmer-focused coordination. Ag Tech and Inputs: Kazakhstan reports 83% of grain harvested and plans more financing and storage ahead of 2027.

Wetlands Funding: USDA set aside $5 million for wetland and floodplain restoration on private agricultural land through ACEP and Emergency Watershed Protection, backing restoration, maintenance, and easement condition assessments. Forestry & Food Security: FAO’s COFO session opened with calls to better integrate forests into food security and development policy, highlighting forests’ roles in livelihoods, climate resilience, and agrifood systems. Herbicide Push in Brazil: FMC filed a regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen, a dual mode of action herbicide, aiming to tackle resistant broadleaf weeds across Brazil’s corn and soybean acres. Harvest Disruptions: Rain and cool, wet conditions are slowing harvest from Iowa and Minnesota to Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with farmers reporting quality risks like stalk rot, lodging, and pod shatter. Diesel Shock: Record diesel prices are squeezing harvest and transport costs, with farmers and extension educators warning the timing is especially painful. PFAS Research: EPA awarded $15 million to study how PFAS moves through farmland, crops, and livestock, targeting mitigation steps for food safety. Trade Signals, Soybeans Excluded: U.S.-China tariff talks extended the truce and list potential cuts, but soybeans were left out—helping explain soybean price weakness. Water-Smart Irrigation: Kazakh researchers unveiled a sensor-driven irrigation approach that adjusts water by crop stage and soil moisture, reporting major water savings in field tests.

Drought Response: India’s agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says the Centre will send teams to Karnataka and Maharashtra to assess drought ahead of Rabi, with a “water budget” approach to decide what farmers can safely plant. Farm Economics: U.S. farmers in the Midwest are sounding the alarm as record diesel and fertilizer costs squeeze margins, while higher rail shipping fees add another hit to grain prices. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. and China agreed on reciprocal tariff cuts covering about $60 billion in goods, including some agricultural items, but soybeans were excluded from China’s list. Soil & Nutrients: Researchers developed a simpler, cheaper soil test to measure DNA-bound phosphorus, aiming to clarify how microbes make phosphorus available to plants. Livestock Supply: Indonesia is fast-tracking five integrated livestock zones to boost chicken, eggs, and milk production by 2027. Invasive Species Watch: Hawaii’s Molokai residents face uncertainty after an interim rule to block invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles expired, while Michigan confirmed spotted lanternfly in Berrien County. Food Safety: Georgia hazelnut growers warn that poor drying can trigger aflatoxin, forcing contaminated batches to be destroyed. Agri-Innovation: Ashland launched a nature-based dispersant for crop-protection formulations, targeting better performance with biodegradable, microplastic-free ingredients.

Diesel squeeze on harvest operations: Montana potato growers say record fuel prices are turning every step of seed and malt processing into a bigger bill, with diesel powering field work, sorting, and generators. Floods disrupt crops and food supply: In India’s Telangana, the Godavari swelled and submerged about 1,000 acres of chilli, while Nepal’s heavy rain and landslides are driving up vegetable and staple prices through blocked roads. Water-management gaps downstream: Cameroon’s Sanaga River communities say a dam’s unpredictable releases since 2017 have broken the river’s seasonal rhythm, hurting fishing and farming livelihoods. Soil health and smarter inputs: Researchers unveiled a simpler, cheaper way to measure DNA-bound phosphorus in soil, aiming to better track how microbes recycle nutrients for plant growth. Farmers push for support and compensation: Telangana’s BRS leader KT Rama Rao demanded crop-loss surveys and relief after irrigation and power shortages allegedly damaged cotton and maize. Local ag resilience and community food systems: Adirondack community composting efforts are trying to close the farm-to-bin-to-soil loop, turning food scraps back into fertility. Agri-tech and training for small farms: Cooperative Extension in North Carolina added shared-use two-wheel tractors and cover-crop tillage gear to help small growers manage costs. Market access via partnerships: Ghana’s Northern-Savanna and Complete Farmer plan to grow and export 500+ acres of white sesame using organic, irrigation-fed plots tied to market know-how.

Drought Pressure Builds in Asia: The Philippines’ agriculture department says El Niño is now hitting 14 of 18 regions, damaging 223,214 farmers and 249,028 hectares, with impacts expected to persist into early 2027. Fertilizer and Fuel Cost Shock: Jordan’s food security is feeling the squeeze as global fertilizer prices jump amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions, while Kansas State economists warn diesel may stay high through 2027, squeezing farm margins and raising consumer food inflation. Ireland Heat Attribution: A study links Ireland’s record-dry July to climate-driven higher evaporative demand, making extreme dryness about eight times more likely. Drought Relief Accountability in India: Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 talukas, but opposition leaders say farmers aren’t getting direct crop-loss cash yet, with compensation delayed until surveys. Policy and Tech for Farmers: Ireland’s DAFM is seeking tenders for an €8m area monitoring system under CAP, and agrivoltaics in Minnesota shows solar sites can also support crops and pollinators. Farm Safety and Food Handling: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged foul odors and sanitation issues in walk-in coolers. Biodiversity and Invasives: Research finds pollinators shift later in human-modified landscapes, while Guam and other regions face ongoing invasive species threats.

El Niño Impacts Crops: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says El Niño has hit 14 of 18 regions, damaging 249,028 hectares and 223,214 farmers, with drought expected to linger into early 2027. Flooding Strikes Produce: India’s Odisha reports major crop damage after a Gangahar River embankment breach, while Andhra Pradesh’s preliminary crop inundation tops 43,800 hectares. Water Stress and Drought Prep: Fiji officials urge farmers to conserve water, prevent fires, and protect crops and livestock as below-normal rainfall looms. Input Costs Bite: Diesel prices are surging, with Michigan reporting farm diesel far higher than a year ago and farmers facing tighter margins. Regenerative Agriculture Partnerships: Pakistan’s UAF and Nestlé Pakistan signed an MoU to advance regenerative agriculture and set up a learning resource center. Soil Fertility Innovation: Kenyan researchers are turning human excreta into KIYA Gold fertilizer, targeting about 1,000 farmers near Lake Victoria. Grain and Market Signals: Argentina is projected to reach a near-record farm export windfall as global supply shocks lift grain shipments. Policy and Program Friction: Uganda’s fertilizer subsidy program faces backlash over whether inputs are truly free and concerns about allocation and quality.

Drought Relief in India: Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas (about 74% of the state) after an 18.8% rainfall deficit, launching a 12-point package including loan restructuring, land revenue relief, power bill concessions for farm pumps, and tanker water support. Harvest Disruptions in Canada: Wet conditions and fog are slowing Manitoba’s fall harvest, with producers struggling to get equipment into fields and worrying about quality as delays mount. Fuel Pressure on Farms: A Kansas State University economist warns diesel prices may stay high through 2027, tied to global supply disruptions and geopolitical conflict. Cold Storage Boost: The Philippines’ DA turned over a modular cold storage facility to a Bataan cooperative to cut post-harvest losses and extend shelf life for high-value crops. Market Access for Produce: Kenya’s avocado exports to China are expanding via packhouse logistics linked to a Chinese-built dry port and the Standard Gauge Railway. Food Prices Under El Niño: The UN’s FAO says world food prices hit their highest level since 2022, with drought and heat expected to raise costs for multiple commodities. Agri-Food Affordability in Malaysia: FAMA reports thousands of Agro MADANI Sales programs, driving major consumer savings on agri-food staples.