AGP Executive Report

Climate & Food Prices: FAO reports global food prices rose in July, driven by heatwaves, energy pressure, and disruptions hitting wheat and maize markets. Heat Impacts on Farms: South Korea’s vegetable and livestock prices jumped after an unprecedented heat wave killed large numbers of animals and damaged fresh produce supply. Water Security Push: India’s Haryana approved the World Bank-backed “Water Secure Haryana” plan to rehabilitate canals and khals and expand micro-irrigation, aiming to cut water stress while supporting paddy-heavy regions. Extreme Weather Damage: Flash floods in Manipur’s Senapati district damaged newly planted paddy and affected hundreds of families, with officials discussing compensation and relief. Regenerative Agriculture: Heineken UK will source nearly half its malting barley from regenerative farming by 2027, paying premiums and offering agronomic support to reduce growers’ risk. Cash Crop Spotlight: In Nepal’s Ilam, higher ginger prices are pulling farmers toward commercial production, with growers reporting strong last-season earnings. Farm-to-Value & Waste: Ghana’s cashew “apples” are largely wasted; researchers and industry are pushing processing and market systems to turn fruit waste into rural income. Local Harvest Culture: Orange County’s peak harvest season is drawing visitors to pick-your-own farms and farm-to-table dining. Wheat Harvest Update: Drone images show active wheat harvesting in China’s Heilongjiang.

El Niño Water-Plan for Farmers: Telangana officials met to respond to deficient rainfall and El Niño stress, urging water-saving crop guidance and warning that paddy may need to shift toward less water-intensive alternatives. Drought Hits Crops Hard: Iraq’s 2025 output fell sharply as irrigation restrictions cut production of tomatoes, watermelon, melons, okra, eggplant, cucumber and more. Water-Saving Partnerships: Nigeria is seeking deeper cooperation with China on water-saving irrigation, soil monitoring and agricultural science, pointing to China’s “Agricultural Silicon Valley” as a model. Heat-Driven Yield Losses in Europe: UK farmers in Suffolk report drought-driven yield drops of 25–30% and are experimenting with hotter, drier-suited crops. Farm Finance Push: Tanzania’s Agricultural Development Bank says it has disbursed Sh1.55 trillion to empower 2.6 million farmers and agribusinesses, including irrigation, storage and processing. Food Safety Recall: Albertsons recalled Taylor Farms items with jalapenos due to possible Salmonella contamination. Biodiversity & Farm Chemicals: Costa Rica’s newly confirmed “coffee frog” faces potential risks from pesticides used in coffee plantations. Youth in Agriculture: Malaysia’s Perak calls for a serious agriculture “rejuvenation” as most holders are older, arguing youth need land, financing and fair market returns.

Global Food Prices: The UN’s FAO says its Food Price Index rose 0.6% in July to 131.1, with cereal, sugar and vegetable oil gains tied to heat, drought and Black Sea export disruptions. Pest Pressure: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand backed a bipartisan bill to boost USDA research against the invasive spotted lanternfly, warning of major vineyard losses in New York. Flood Damage: In the Philippines, Tropical Depressions Luis and Maymay plus monsoon rains left La Union with P11.1M in farm losses across rice, vegetables, fruit and fish farms. Market Power & Farmgate Prices: Bangladesh’s law minister warned against market syndicates “holding farmers hostage,” promising crackdowns on hoarding and manipulation in jute and onion wholesale markets. Seed Sector Push: Tanzania’s seed certification authority plans to raise certified seed supply to 105,000 tonnes this year, aiming to expand priority crops and improve quality control. Trade & Inputs: Bulgaria says it will monitor and test every sunflower seed shipment from Ukraine for pesticide residues, while also seeking EU crisis-reserve funds for livestock producers. Climate Stress in the UK: UK heat and dryness are driving warnings of smaller harvests and higher prices for vegetables like carrots, onions and potatoes.

Storm Damage in the Philippines: La Union reported ₱11.1M in farm losses after Typhoons Luis and Maymay and monsoon rains, hitting 472 hectares of high-value crops, rice, and fish farms, with major damage to fruits, vegetables, and irrigation. Flooding Threatens Benguet Produce: Floodwaters swamped parts of Benguet’s Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, disrupting stalls and tourism before waters later receded. Farm Bill Gridlock in the U.S.: The Senate Agriculture Committee stalled a Farm Bill push over SNAP cost-sharing rules, leaving year-round E15 ethanol sales in limbo. Ethanol Policy Fallout: A separate Senate committee vote also blocked year-round E15 sales, delaying a potential demand boost for corn. Crop Watch in the U.S.: Early August rains improved Missouri soybean prospects, while Nebraska growers are seeing corn diseases show up earlier than usual. Market Pressure from Weather and War: Ukraine’s Black Sea port shutdown could strand tens of millions of tons of grain and oilseeds, raising global food price risk. Farmers Face Input Costs: Ontario grain farmers point to fertilizer and fuel price spikes as a growing squeeze on budgets. Climate Resilience Planning: Nagaland stakeholders met to map science-led steps to blunt El Niño impacts on Kharif 2026 agriculture. Local Food and Community: Iowa’s corn farmers and brewers team up again for an Iowa-made corn lager at the State Fair, tying farm inputs to local jobs and sales.

Disaster Relief: Kerala says rain-and-flood crop losses are preliminarily ₹99.29 crore and has asked the Centre for ₹110 crore, including ₹100 crore for losses and ₹10 crore to restore soil fertility, with soil testing planned across affected areas. Farm Safety: UK firefighters report a combine harvester blaze that was contained, warning that hot, dry weather can make machinery fires more common and urging regular cleaning and checks. Food Safety & Local Demand: In the U.S., cyclosporiasis fears are driving shoppers toward local lettuce—one upstate New York farm says sales more than doubled as restaurants and stores scramble for alternatives. Market & Policy: India’s fertiliser subsidy system is defended as “no denial” via DBT and Aadhaar-enabled point-of-sale tracking, while a Punjab ethanol-blended petrol fight shows farmers backing E20 for better maize and sugarcane returns. Trade & Prices: Global food prices hit a three-year high as heatwaves and conflict push up cereal costs, with wheat and maize among the biggest movers. Wildlife Conflict: Kenya investigates suspected cyanide poisoning after 15 elephants died after eating tomatoes near farms, while growers dispute blame. Agriculture Output: Philippines agriculture rebounded in Q2, rising 2.9% to P452.22 billion, led by palay and poultry growth.

Black Sea Grain Security: Zelenskiy says Ukraine will back farmers hit by Russian strikes on ports and the maritime corridor, including subsidized credits, as attacks disrupt wheat exports. Harvest Watch: Hot, dry weather is pushing faster crop development in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with Saskatchewan harvest already underway but some regions still waiting on rain. Water & Drought Resilience: In Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin, irrigation remains critical after a warm, dry winter, while California’s SGMA pressure is driving interest in “less bad” alternatives like lower-water winter crops. Farm Finance & Compliance: Nebraska regulators filed a complaint against The Andersons over alleged delayed grain payments, with possible license action looming. Food Security & Local Markets: A Page County weekly farmers market is expanding direct farm sales, and Ohio’s “Farm to Family” event distributed 7,000 pounds of locally grown produce to hundreds of households. Indigenous Seeds & Sustainability: Tanzania stakeholders are promoting indigenous seeds as a route to nutrition, climate resilience, and biodiversity. Policy & Tech for Producers: USDA’s “One Farmer, One File” is moving ahead to modernize systems, and New York’s tariff-resilience program has an Aug. 11 deadline. Agri Innovation: A Minnesota teen finalist developed pesticide-removal tablets using peanut shells, and Canada’s PhyCo won a $25,000 grant to replace farm plastics with compostable seaweed-based alternatives.

Farm Economy Watch: Philippines’ agricultural output rebounded in Q2, rising 2.9% to P452.22B as crops, poultry, livestock and fisheries all grew, with palay and corn also up. Pest Control & Cotton: Scientists released billions of sterile pink bollworms across American cotton fields, a landmark biological control effort that helped wipe out the pest from commercial production. Policy Shift on Inputs: Vermont is rolling out public screenings of “Seeding Change: Farming Beyond Neonics” as the state phases out neonicotinoid-treated field crop seeds by 2029. Climate Stress on Farms: Britain’s “exceptionally serious” drought is leaving cereal yields down sharply, with farmers reporting parched fields and early harvests. Soil & Risk Management: Tamil Nadu unveiled its 2026-27 Agriculture Budget, including a Rs 600 crore Soil Conservation Mission, crop insurance expansion, and an AI-powered farmer app. Markets & Access: Namibia’s farmers say the biggest bottleneck isn’t production—it’s reliable market access, storage, processing and transport. Food Security Under Fire: Ukraine reported a Russian attack that killed one and injured three on a cargo ship carrying Ukrainian wheat near Odessa. Local Food Systems: The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture proclaimed National Farmers Market Week, urging Americans to support local producers.

Pesticide Policy Under Scrutiny: A new look at pesticide law highlights how the “label is the law” setup can shield chemical makers and shift blame onto farmers and applicators, just as attention grows after a Supreme Court decision and farm-bill fights. Heat Impacts Fresh Produce: UK shoppers are seeing cucumbers jump sharply in price and shape as heatwaves squeeze yields across Europe, with broader salad crops likely to follow. Farm Inputs and Profit Pressure: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told Minnesota farmers at Farmfest that fertilizer and other input costs are squeezing margins, and said better times may come after the Iran war ends. Grain Logistics and Demand: CN Railway reported a record 34 million metric tonnes of grain moved from Western Canada in 2025-26, despite wildfires, flooding, and shipping uncertainty. Local Food Access: Virginia marked 15 years of SNAP at farmers markets, citing support for 1,100 farmers and $18M in local economic activity. Research for Resilient Crops: University of Illinois research credits long-term public oat breeding for yield and test-weight gains despite rising temperatures. Market Signals: USDA says U.S. cropland values rose 3.3% to a record $6,020/acre.

Climate & Water Stress: South Gyeongsang Province reports heat, drought and farmed-fish losses, with livestock deaths and reservoir levels down as alerts stay in effect. Crop Risk & Food Prices: UK cereal harvest is forecast to be the worst on record after extreme heat and drought, with potential revenue losses up to £390m and food-supply worries rising. Policy & Farmer Support: USDA Secretary Rollins announced data modernization, payment flexibility and expanded crop insurance options at Minnesota Farmfest aimed at putting farmers first. Invasive Pests: Senators including Fetterman and McCormick introduced a spotted lanternfly research bill to protect crops like grapes, apples and peaches. Market Access & Local Food: Chinatown’s dwindling grocery options show how closures can deepen neighborhood food scarcity, while farmers markets and local produce programs keep communities fed. Sustainable Farming Tech: Syngenta and Groundwork BioAg are partnering to commercialize mycorrhiza and soil-carbon solutions for corn, soy and other crops, tying agronomy to carbon credits. Extreme Weather Damage: Flash floods in India’s Rajouri district washed away farmland and standing crops, compounding earlier losses.

Farm Policy & Data: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told Minnesota corn growers that survey response rates have fallen to as low as one in three producers, pushing a data modernization push while stressing farmer privacy. Farm Economy Pressure: American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall called the farm economy “terrible,” blaming low prices, high input costs, and geopolitical-driven fertilizer and machinery costs. Ag Tech & Water: Nebraska’s Nave Analytics and Seismi were named semifinalists for the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, targeting irrigation efficiency and livestock health monitoring. Climate & Crops: South Korea farmers report heat and UV stress reshaping pumpkin and squash yields, while southern Manitoba expects a warm fall after a hot summer tied to El Niño. Market Signals: Midwest crop conditions remain mixed—variable rain and drought in parts of the Upper Midwest—while Missouri corn pollination was hit by hot weather and rains are helping soybeans. Food Safety: Michigan reported the first cyclosporiasis deaths in the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Mexico’s Taylor Farms. Infrastructure for Production: Venezuela’s Guárico advanced 64% on agricultural road rehabilitation to move local crops more efficiently. Soil Health Grants: Nebraska’s Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is accepting applications for projects on no-till, cover crops, and water conservation. International Trade: Bangladesh and Malaysia pledged deeper cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and halal meat, including Black Bengal goat exports.

Food Safety & Exports: Tanzania’s horticultural exporters pushed back on pesticide worries, saying avocados and other fruit still meet international Maximum Residue Limits and certification standards. Crop & Weather Stress: The UK faces a record-dry July with only patchy rain expected, while heat is already driving fears of higher food prices and crop losses. Water & Pollution: In Turkey’s Çukurova farming heartland, a Guardian probe links British plastic waste exports to microplastics contaminating irrigation canals after heavy rain. Farmer Safety: A Telangana farmer was electrocuted after stepping on a live wire while watering crops. Drought Relief Politics: Karnataka’s BJP chief demanded an immediate Rs 10,000 crore drought package for 28+ districts, arguing the state shouldn’t wait for Central support. Agritech & Robotics: The UK opened a £20m competition for farm automation and robotics, aiming to speed practical tools for growers. Research for Yields: University of Idaho researchers identified a naturally occurring wheat mutation tied to a 5%-10% yield boost, with markers to speed breeding. Infrastructure vs Land Use: The Philippines’ proposed Pax Silica AI/semiconductor hub in New Clark City could require huge power, water, and solar land—raising concerns about displacement of rice, corn, and sweet potato production.

Storm Damage & Disaster Aid: Tropical Storm Arthur flooded central Louisiana and triggered $112M in agriculture losses, with about 190,719 acres affected; Avoyelles Parish took the biggest hit, and officials say producers also faced equipment, storage, and fencing damage while seeking federal disaster help. Crop Stress Watch: USDA-linked reporting shows corn condition slipping in the western Corn Belt, while Illinois farmers cite pollination stress, water damage, and nitrogen leaching; Wisconsin growers warn late rains may be too late for some fields. Drought & Heat Fallout: Southwest Kansas farmers describe scorched corn and failing sorghum as heat shuts plants down, and Indiana/Ohio producers flag how small differences in elevation and late-season rain could swing yields. Local Resilience & Markets: After Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, the Sabalu Farmers Market reopened in Garapan with support for growers restarting from scratch. Policy & Farm Economics: A new bill would expand student loan forgiveness options for young farmers, while regulators in South Dakota continue grain-warehouse scrutiny tied to alleged payment and document issues. Animal Health: Nepal’s draft Animal Service and Animal Welfare Bill, 2083 would overhaul animal welfare and disease controls under one framework.

Agrivoltaics Push in Virginia: Virginia’s new agrivoltaics law officially backs using the same land for crops and solar panels, aiming to cut power costs for data centers while keeping farms productive. Heat Stress on Fruit: In England, growers are spraying apples with clay “suncream” to prevent sunburn and heat damage, while drought and heatwaves are also forcing tougher feed decisions for livestock. Drought Pressure in Europe: Netherlands water managers are patrolling drought-stressed dikes as low rivers and irrigation limits threaten crops and raise wildfire and flood-defense concerns. Grain Market Shock in Moldova: Moldova’s farmers’ groups are urging tighter controls on Ukrainian cereal imports, warning price drops could destabilize local producers and exports. Tech for Smarter Water Use: Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture rolled out a Smart Irrigation Monitoring System using forecasted crop water needs to help farmers manage El Niño-driven drought. U.S. Harvest Reality Check: AHDB reports winter wheat yields below the 10-year average after an early, hot, dry harvest season. Farm Resilience Funding (Texas): Texas awarded nearly $350,000 to a Matagorda County “first handler” to help keep agricultural supply chains running after disasters. Labor Crackdown in Australia: Australia’s ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman launched “Operation Flint” targeting labor hire providers in horticulture over underpayment and tax compliance.

Ukraine Food Security: Ukraine’s government is preparing a financing package with banks for agricultural producers as Russia intensifies attacks on sea routes and port infrastructure, with officials also working to diversify and restore supply routes. Climate Stress on Crops: Panama warns El Niño conditions are driving rainfall deficits and heat that threaten staple production and water supplies, while farmers in India’s Adilabad district report flood damage from an incomplete barrage that can’t store inflows for irrigation. Invasive Species Threats: Southwest Florida is again on alert for the giant African land snail, and Georgia is stepping up efforts against invasive yellow-legged hornets that prey on honeybees. Farm Support and Policy: Tanzania’s finance minister directs the agricultural development bank to focus investments on national priorities, and India’s Jharkhand farmers celebrate the extension of PM-KISAN through 2030-31. Community and Learning: A Kentucky-style seed library model is expanding in Alabama, while Boys & Girls Clubs in Florida run hands-on agriculture workshops and take-home seeds. Ag Innovation: Research in Australia links channel millet genetics to long-term Aboriginal plant management, adding depth to how ancient practices shaped crop traits.

Invasive Pest Watch: France has expanded surveillance after new sightings of the Japanese scarab beetle (Popillia japonica) in Bas-Rhin, Alpes-Maritimes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, warning it could hit vineyards, orchards and major crops. Food Prices & Enforcement: Kolkata police and enforcement teams raided vegetable markets to monitor pricing after rates jumped, checking onions, potatoes and even fertilizer charges. Fuel-Farm Link: Punjab farmers and millers backed India’s E20 ethanol blending, saying it stabilizes demand and supports maize-linked incomes. Climate Pressure on Crops: Hungary faces drought-driven agricultural losses estimated at 470–500 billion forints, with wheat yields far below normal. Drought’s Ripple Effects: Europe’s strengthening El Niño is raising fears of extreme weather, with drought already stressing irrigation and raising harvest concerns. Local Markets & Community: National Farmers Market Week spotlights short-distance produce and SNAP-linked support, while Bluffton, Ohio keeps its farmers market running through October. Ag Tech & Training: China opened a national embodied-AI vocational base for robots, including farm-focused scenarios.

Wildfire & burn restrictions: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and banned most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30 as drought, wind and record wildfires push conditions to “extreme.” Soil health threat: Colorado officials confirmed Asian jumping worms on the Front Range, warning they strip nutrients and can quickly spread through yards, parks and farms. Agri-solar push: SKUAST-K and CSTEP announced a 50-kW agrivoltaics pilot in Kashmir to test how crops and solar generation can share land, with focus on economics and farmer adoption. Farm economics & policy: The Senate Ag Committee released revised “Farm Bill 2.0” text, including year-round E15 authorization and new SNAP administration timelines ahead of a markup Aug. 6. Food supply pressure: California lettuce growers are destroying crops amid the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taylor Farms, while tomato prices in Kidapawan City jumped after monsoon rains and landslides cut supply.