AGP Executive Report

Rice Infrastructure: Guyana has begun building a G$1.6 billion paddy drying and storage facility on the Essequibo Coast. Its 10,000-tonne capacity and ability to dry up to 1,000 tonnes daily aim to curb losses and give farmers more choice over when to sell. Food Safety: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister warned that excessive pesticide use can contaminate food, urging safer production alongside higher yields. Investment and Technology: Namibia is seeking Chinese expertise and investment in irrigation, climate-smart farming, seeds and local agritech capacity to strengthen food security. Women in Agriculture: World Bank adviser Shobha Shetty says financing and land and water access must improve so women farmers can benefit from AI and digital tools. Farm Support: USDA says record crop safety-net payments will reach $13.8 billion nationally, alongside $1.8 billion in conservation payments. Food Security: FAO’s World Food Forum closed with a call to accelerate innovation, as about 645 million people faced hunger in 2025; a Chinese crop-monitoring platform received FAO’s 2026 Achievement Award.

World Food Day: In the Philippines, food insecurity, high prices and climate-related farm losses starkly contrast with the day’s celebrations, underscoring calls for affordable food, stronger farmer incomes and resilient agriculture. Farm Economics: A Purdue/CME survey found 52% of U.S. producers cite input prices as their biggest pressure; farm financial performance fell in September even as long-term farmland value expectations hit a record. Climate Adaptation: Philippine rice researchers are promoting portable solar-powered irrigation to cut fuel costs and help farmers manage water shortages during El Niño. Markets & Rural Growth: Kyrgyzstan has banned potato imports to support local growers facing low prices, while USDA awarded California’s Mooney Farms $200,000 to expand value-added products and markets. Women in Agriculture: FAO has named rural leaders from Cambodia and Papua New Guinea among its 100 Women Heroes, recognizing their work supporting farming families and women’s leadership.

Food Security: Qatar says domestic farms meet 99% of demand for fresh poultry and dairy, 67% for fresh fish and 47% for basic vegetables. The country is expanding cooled greenhouses and smart irrigation to raise output. Supply Chain Risks: A UN rural-development agency warns that disruption to fuel and fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz is starting to affect harvests, prompting some farmers to plant more cautiously and use less fertiliser. Farm Competitiveness: A Bayer-commissioned study finds crop output growth in the EU averaged just 0.1% a year from 2011 to 2023, trailing the US, China, Canada, India and Brazil. It points to faster access to innovation as one way to strengthen productivity. Water for Farmers: Ghana has begun work on a water-conservation scheme expected to support year-round farming, improve yields and reduce reliance on rainfall. Harvest Watch: Saskatchewan’s harvest is 93% complete, but rain and snow are slowing work in some areas as farmers race to finish.

Farm Costs: Three-quarters of California farmers and ranchers surveyed say high diesel prices are adding financial stress; 40% have cut field work to cope. Feed and Soil: A Philippine lawmaker challenged a proposed increase in corn imports, arguing the sector needs better soil management and farmer access to soil testing, not just more imports. Climate Risk: South African producers are urged to protect cash reserves and weigh planting decisions as a strong El Niño threatens yields; other reports warn drought could hit farming costs and food prices. Farm Technology: Xinjiang’s cotton sector is expanding drone use and smart-farming methods in a region that produced 92.8% of China’s cotton last year. Investment: Liberia presented a $370 million agriculture portfolio focused on rice, cocoa, cassava and maize to attract investors and expand domestic food production. Trade: Taiwan’s pineapples could reach US consumers next year, pending final US approval. Land and Forests: A new assessment says more than 7 million hectares of forest were lost globally in 2025, with agriculture among the continuing pressures on forests.

Farm Costs: U.S. farmer sentiment fell in September as record-high input costs weighed on producers; 52% named them a top concern, while long-term farmland value expectations climbed. Farm Technology: Greeneye Technology is opening a North American headquarters in Kansas after its targeted-spraying system covered more than 500,000 acres, with the company reporting 81% average savings on non-residual herbicides. Water and Climate: Jamaica’s agriculture minister is in France for an irrigation congress, seeking solutions to strengthen water security and advance a major irrigation project. In Suffolk, farmers face mounting pressure from drought, erratic rain and flooding, with investment in irrigation and drainage hampered by uncertainty. Trade and Markets: Guyana has begun exporting corn and soy to Barbados and aims to meet domestic livestock-feed demand. Ranching Rights: Alberta is reopening a registration process so eligible ranchers can correct gaps in historic records of their water use on public grazing land. Animal Health: Seven West African countries adopted joint strategies to improve surveillance and control major livestock diseases, including bird flu and foot-and-mouth disease. Farm Policy: Alabama farmers told lawmakers that high input costs and delayed federal assistance are adding strain as Congress remains deadlocked over a new farm bill.

Food Security: Global hunger is worsening, with about 645 million people affected and 57 countries projected to miss the 2030 target for low hunger. Forest loss also remains far off track, with about seven million hectares cleared in 2025. Climate Risks: South Africa is using new El Niño findings to strengthen drought planning for its 2026/27 farming season, while flood-hit rice farmers in Ghana are seeking urgent support to restore the Weta Irrigation Scheme. Farm Technology: Zema Global and SatYield will bring satellite-based crop forecasts and condition data for U.S. and Brazilian crops to commodity-market users. Investment & Value-Addition: Uganda is courting Italian investors to expand coffee processing and other agro-industries; Liberia is seeking more than $300 million for agricultural investment, including mechanisation and value-added production. Biofuels: Canadian use rose 6% in 2025, avoiding a record 14.2 million tonnes of emissions, according to a new report.

Biofuels: The EPA proposed reallocating refinery exemptions to protect biofuel demand, a move industry groups say could preserve markets for farmers. Climate & Food Security: Tanzania ordered timely delivery of seeds, fertilizer and extension services ahead of forecast El Niño rains. Separately, the World Food Programme warned that drought has left more than 13 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia facing severe hunger. Postharvest Losses: Afghanistan’s lack of cold storage puts produce at risk; an economic analyst estimates the country loses 25% of its agricultural output. Crop Innovation: Canadian researchers are using AI and genetic analysis to identify soybean resistance to white mold, while federal funding will support a digital monitoring system for Quebec lettuce growers. Local Food Supply: Qatar agribusinesses are expanding high-tech farming and food processing to strengthen domestic supply to the hospitality sector.

El Niño Preparations: The Philippines’ House added billions of pesos for irrigation, fertilizer, farm roads and climate resilience as the country braces for a potentially severe El Niño. Global Partnerships: Ethiopia and Russia are exploring joint investment and technology transfer in machinery, sunflower production, poultry and dairy, building on growing agricultural trade. Climate-Ready Crops: Researchers in Türkiye developed three drought-tolerant wheat varieties after more than a decade of breeding, with registration and wider distribution still ahead. Animal Health: Bird flu was detected at commercial duck and turkey farms in Indiana and Minnesota, and in another Texas dairy herd, raising fresh concerns for livestock producers. Farm-to-Market Access: The Philippines approved 605 road projects across 26 provinces to cut transport costs and connect growers with buyers. Food Costs: India’s September food inflation rose to 7.74%, adding pressure on household budgets and keeping agricultural supply and prices in focus.

Research and Investment: West Virginia State University received a $26.5 million federal grant to build a new agriculture complex, expanding research, food-safety testing and producer support. Farm Policy: U.S. cattle groups warn that mandatory country-of-origin labeling in the Senate Farm Bill could raise compliance costs and beef prices. Markets: USDA lifted its U.S. corn production forecast to 16 billion bushels, with higher yields also pushing projected ending stocks up; Cargill’s first-quarter earnings fell 52% amid cocoa-market pressure and cattle-business costs. Climate and Finance: Drought has hit farms across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh after a weak monsoon, putting crops at risk. In Guyana, the government is working with banks on preferential farm loans as a private investor prepares a poultry plant expected to triple processing capacity. Food Systems: Venezuela announced a plan to link food production sectors at the FAO World Food Forum, while the FAO recognized Venezuelan farmer María Catalicia Torres for preserving native potato seeds.

Climate Readiness: Philippine authorities are preparing farms and communities for a potentially severe El Niño. Camarines Sur has launched a 30-day water-security drive, while Bohol’s Catigbian bought mobile water purifiers and is assessing alternative sources. Crop Pressure: Tamil Nadu’s Kharif paddy acreage fell 28% amid low water supplies, leaving officials counting on Rabi sowing to meet the year’s foodgrain target. Conflict-hit Harvests: Gaza farmers face a sharply diminished olive crop as damaged or inaccessible farmland, shortages and rising costs take their toll; one grower reports yields down as much as 80%. Farm Technology: Togo’s leader toured a Chinese agricultural technology hub using AI and robotics, as the countries explore ways to adapt innovation to farmers’ needs. Livestock Health: Vietnam shipped its first commercial order of African swine fever vaccine to the Philippines, completing a 300,000-dose deal. Agricultural Finance: The World Bank says it aims to mobilize up to $5.79 billion in private financing for Nigeria, including investment in agriculture and other sectors.

Farm Input Costs: U.S. farmers face diesel prices up more than 67% since February, while some fertilizers have doubled in price, squeezing growers as harvest gets underway. Drought Alert: Telangana officials urged farmers to skip the upcoming second crop as low reservoirs, falling groundwater and power shortages threaten water supplies. Grain Markets: Namibia has set aside N$70 million to buy surplus maize, but the Agronomic Board still needs N$50 million to purchase all available grain. Livestock: Sabah received 780 Australian beef cattle to improve herd productivity and add income for oil-palm farmers. Dairy Production: Moldova’s farm milk output has nearly tripled in five years, but domestic production still meets only about 60% of demand; the government wants more local processing. GMO Rules: Ghana’s environment minister called for clear GMO labelling in domestic markets and stronger public education to help consumers make informed choices.

Climate Resilience: The Philippines is expanding solar-powered irrigation as El Niño threatens crops. A new Leyte system will supply year-round water to 70 hectares farmed by 87 growers, while Candon is giving rice farmers 20 litres of diesel each to help sustain irrigation. At least 5,000 farmers there may be affected by drying fields. Smallholder Support: Malaysia is raising its rubber production incentive from RM3 to RM3.30 per kilogram, offering smallholders some relief from rising input costs and uncertain prices. Harvest Risks: Heavy rain and strong winds have damaged paddy, sugarcane and vegetables across Nepal, threatening harvests and raising concerns about higher food-import costs. Production Outlook: India has cut its 2026–27 foodgrain target by 2.63 million tonnes to 373.93 million, citing drought, uneven monsoon rains and El Niño risks; officials are urging farmers in water-stressed areas to consider pulses and oilseeds.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms will stop selling U.S. and Canadian iceberg lettuce harvested or processed in Mexico from May through August, starting in 2027, after a cyclospora outbreak sickened as many as 12,000 people. The FDA identified a wastewater tank and drainage ditch as possible sources but has not pinpointed how the lettuce was contaminated. Farm Inputs: Diesel prices have topped $6 a gallon in the U.S., squeezing farmers during harvest; Maryland has ordered emergency fuel relief for agricultural and forestry industries. Crop Protection: Nigeria’s NAFDAC says bean samples showed pesticide residues above permitted limits and is stepping up action against banned chemicals and misuse. Water & Production: Andhra Pradesh says the Pattiseema irrigation project has supported Krishna delta crops while helping conserve water for Rayalaseema. In Ghana, a poultry and feed-processing plant in Bechem is about halfway built, with officials urging local youth to enter poultry farming. Farm Wages: Agriculture workers in parts of the Philippines’ Calabarzon region will receive daily pay increases of up to 42 pesos from Oct. 26.

Weather and Harvests: Heavy rain and strong winds have damaged paddy, fruit and vegetable crops across western Nepal, while drought-hit Maharashtra farmers face falling water reserves and weakened crop prospects. Farm Succession: Ireland lost 676 tillage farmers in 2026, with the sector warning that support alone won’t stem the decline without profitable markets for grain. Farm Innovation: Three UAE students are testing a bacteria-based fertiliser made from discarded chicken feathers at 16 farms and nurseries. In Ghana, researchers trained more than 100 farmers and extension officers in greenhouse tomato production to help cut imports. Water and Food Security: Ghana has started a 175-hectare water conservation project expected to enable year-round farming for 220 farmers. Abu Dhabi Food Week reported Dh6.9 billion in deals. Animal Health: Washington state confirmed its first H5N1 cases in dairy cattle, putting two Yakima County farms under quarantine. Rising Costs: South African farmers face pressure from higher fuel and electricity costs, while El Niño could further threaten crop yields.

Livestock Prices: A Philippine senator is seeking an inquiry into falling hog and chicken prices, which are leaving producers squeezed by high feed and production costs. Hog prices in some areas have dropped to ₱120–₱160 per kilo, below the ₱210 floor set by the agriculture department and industry groups. Farm Costs: U.S. growers face a sharp rise in diesel and fertilizer bills: diesel is up more than 67% since February, while some fertilizers have doubled in price. Climate Strain: Cambodian rice farmers are still planting after drought and floods delayed the season by weeks, raising input costs and dimming harvest expectations. Water and Soil: University of Nebraska researchers have won grants to investigate lingering underground nitrogen stores and ways to reduce nitrate risks to groundwater. Florida Producers: Rep. Darren Soto heard citrus growers and cattle ranchers describe pressures from crop disease, storms, water quality and rising costs.