AGP Executive Report

El Niño Readiness: Philippines House Speaker Faustino Dy III urged farmers and food agencies to prepare now for an 80% chance of El Niño by Aug 2026, warning of likely below-normal rainfall and dry spells. Food Prices Watch: FAO reported the Food Price Index stayed broadly stable in May, but cereals rose as wheat, maize and other grains faced weather and higher fuel/fertilizer costs. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering emergency response and movement restrictions to protect cattle and pets. Wheat Under Fire: Gaza’s wheat harvest is again threatened by war damage, land destruction and shortages of farming inputs. Trade & Compliance: Philippines customs blocked P7.7m in misdeclared agricultural shipments, including fresh carrots, after physical inspection. Urban Farming Push: Manila’s Luneta Urban Garden showcased automated greenhouse tech for Japanese musk melons to boost local food security. Policy Pressure in the US: House passed a bill cutting WIC fruit and vegetable vouchers by 10%, as grocery prices strain low-income families. Africa Agrifood Support: AfDB and WFP launched a $87m Sudan project to help farmers restore production, cut post-harvest losses and strengthen market links.

New World screwworm threat: USDA confirmed the flesh-eating New World screwworm in south Texas for the first time since 1966, detected in a 3-week-old calf and triggering quarantine and sterile-fly response plans that could hit the $113B U.S. cattle industry. Climate stress on farms: Colorado escalated to a statewide drought emergency as record-low snowpack and warm weather threaten ranchers, irrigation, and wildfire risk. Commodity pressure: Coffee prices slid after forecasts of a record Brazil crop, with traders pointing to a growing global surplus. Mechanisation push: Pakistan’s Punjab rolled out major farm mechanisation—subsidised tractors, interest-free loans for high-tech machinery, and super seeders to cut rice residue burning. Budget for food production: Ghana released 85% of its 2026 MoFA budget (GH¢1.677B) to back mechanisation, irrigation, fertiliser/seed supply, and poultry “farm-to-table” work. Pest control in sugar: Philippines sugar producers urged the Department of Agriculture/SRA to act fast on red-striped soft scale insect spread, warning farm-by-farm efforts aren’t enough. Trade and sustainability: China agreed to buy deforestation-free Brazilian beef, signaling demand for traceable, forest-friendly products.

Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering a 20 km quarantine zone, movement controls, surveillance, and expedited sterile fly releases—while Texas officials criticized the response and warned of market disruption. Rural Policy & Support: USDA Rural Development kicked off National Homeownership Month, highlighting programs aimed at helping first-time buyers in rural areas. Meat Processing Capacity: USDA announced $60M for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand small and very small processors and strengthen supply chain resilience. Soil & Climate Tech: Jain Irrigation commissioned a ~20,000 tonne/yr biochar facility in Maharashtra, turning crop residues into engineered carbon removal and soil benefits. Trade & Exports: The Philippines shipped its first commercial fresh carabao mango load to Toronto (1 MT), while Liberia’s exports to China surged after China’s zero-tariff policy. Water & Environment: Iowa’s water pollution remains a public health and recreation threat tied to farm runoff, as corn/soy/hog production continues to pressure waterways. Aquaculture Uncertainty: B.C. salmon farmers say they’re stuck waiting for Ottawa’s transition framework toward closed-containment systems.

Biosecurity Shock (U.S.-Texas): USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in South Texas, with officials activating containment, quarantines, movement controls and sterile-fly releases to protect cattle and livestock supply chains. Policy & Cost Pressure (Bangladesh): Bangladesh raised electricity tariffs across the board with retrospective effect from June 1, warning of cascading impacts for agriculture and irrigation users. CAP & Farm Income (Ireland): Teagasc’s National Beef Farm Walk highlighted strong efficiency but also grim realities—rising inputs, falling bull values, and fears that CAP cuts could squeeze farm viability. Climate Resilience Funding (Bangladesh): IFAD-backed $70m “GREEN Project” was signed to expand climate-resilient agriculture and eco-enterprises nationwide through 2031. Pest & Pollination Risk (Australia): Varroa mite is driving a projected shortage of nearly 300,000 commercial hives for peak pollination, raising alarms for fruit and nut crops. Tech for Farming (Kazakhstan/India): Kazakhstan launched agricultural drone production aimed at faster, lower-resource crop spraying; India opened a national conference on technological integration across agriculture, veterinary and ecological sciences. Rural Economy Watch (U.S.): A Rural Mainstreet Index survey showed rural business sentiment slipping below growth-neutral for a fourth straight month amid weak farm prices and higher input costs.

El Niño Watch: Curaçao and the wider Caribbean face a high chance (around 90%) of a strong El Niño developing later this year, with models pointing to extreme heat and drought that could strain water and food systems into 2027. Animal Health Alert: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm fly has been detected in Mexico near the Texas border, prompting tighter livestock port controls and a readiness plan to protect U.S. ranchers. Livestock Policy Fight: Congress is weighing a farm-bill move that could roll back state animal welfare rules, targeting California’s Proposition 12 and raising alarms for producers and animal-protection advocates. Disease in Dairy: Texas reported its first HPAI case in a dairy herd this year; the farm is quarantined and officials say pasteurization keeps the commercial milk supply safe. Tech for Yields: China released a 2026-2030 blueprint to boost food security via AI, gene editing, and advanced machinery, aiming to lift tech’s contribution to farm output. Water for Rice: Malaysia’s agriculture ministry added RM850,000 for tube wells in padi areas to tackle dry-season water shortages and support up to 95% planting coverage. Local Ag Economy: Oakland, Florida approved a first step toward rezoning a 12.91-acre parcel from agriculture to residential, with wetlands preservation a key concern.

Nepal Budget & Fertilizer Push: Nepal’s 2026/27 budget proposes value-chain incentives, investor grants for commercial farming, and farmer ID cards, alongside a fertiliser budget boost aimed at easing paddy shortages. Wildlife-Friendly Farm Funding (US): USDA expanded a Farm Bill-backed program to help farmers protect big-game migration corridors across 17 states, offering money for “wildlife-friendly practices.” Loan Priority for Marginal Farmers (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Bank orders banks to prioritize marginal and landless farmers using “smart cards” for refinancing loans, with extra focus when crops are rain-damaged. Food Security in Summer (Hawaii & Nebraska): Hawaii rolls out SUN Bucks ($189 per child) and other USDA summer meal supports, while Nebraska expands free summer breakfast and lunch sites for kids. Livestock Pest Alarm (Texas/Mexico): New World screwworm detections near the US border are prompting heightened USDA and Texas readiness for a threat to cattle and wildlife. CAP Generational Renewal Debate (EU): European lawmakers and landowners clash over plans to reshape CAP payments, with calls to ring-fence at least 10% for young farmers. Trade & Market Moves: Russia bans additional Armenian fruit imports, while Saskatchewan pushes renewed China buying of canola, peas and beef after tariff reductions. Ag Tech Spotlight: An indoor ag firm (Local Bounti) lands on TIME’s Growth Leaders list, underscoring momentum for controlled-environment farming.

Animal Health & Trade: China says it recognizes all of Brazil as foot-and-mouth disease-free, unlocking fresh export opportunities for Brazilian beef and pork after 20+ years of talks. Food Security Shock: Sudan braces for worse child malnutrition as war and climate pressures hit cereal production ahead of planting. Policy Support: Maharashtra approved a farm loan waiver for loans up to ₹2 lakh, targeting about 56 lakh farmers, plus incentives for regular repayers. Livestock Resilience: Mozambique extended its livestock vaccination drive to July 15 after vaccine import delays, aiming to protect millions of cattle and poultry. Grain Exports: South Africa’s maize harvest forecast rises to 17.064 million tonnes, supporting renewed export activity. Market Enforcement: The Philippines’ agriculture department stepped up inspections to enforce a PHP50/kg price cap on imported rice. Dairy Expansion: Indonesia says it needs about 1.4 million more dairy cows to reach milk self-sufficiency. Urban Farming: Las Piñas (Philippines) rolled out free hydroponics training and seedling distribution to boost local food production.

Food Safety Alert: Minnesota’s MDA issued a consumer advisory for Milkjam Creamery ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts after a routine inspection found possible metal fragments in specific products and lot codes; consumers are told to throw them away or return them. Pakistan–China Ag Ties: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan-China business cooperation is entering a new phase, pushing faster conversion of agriculture MoUs into formal agreements and joint ventures. Market & Price Watch: Korea’s consumer prices rose 3.1% in May, with agricultural and fishery goods up 2.2% as supply tightened after high temperatures. India Mandis & Farmer Support: J&K’s agriculture minister reviewed Mandis and Kissan Ghars, ordering renovations and upgrades to improve farmer accommodation and services. Dairy & Rural Health: Wisconsin’s June Dairy Month spotlight included a rural health roundtable with U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., linking farm communities to hospital survival and school milk policy. Global Produce Supply: Chilean prune supply is tightening as demand grows for large sizes, with weather affecting parts of the drying season. Agriculture Policy & Trust: The Center for Food Integrity launched an Integrated Trust System to help food and ag groups measure and strengthen consumer trust. Local Farming Spotlight: A Northumberland choir made up of agriculture workers won Britain’s Got Talent, aiming to represent rural farming and mental health.

Food Security & Trade: Albania’s food imports jumped 16.1% in the first four months of 2026, with vegetables (+14%), fruit and nuts (+11%), and dairy/eggs/honey (+10%) rising as tourism boosts demand faster than local farmers can supply. Agri-Climate Risk: Kenya’s seasonal forecast warns many key farming regions may see near-average to below-average rainfall from June to August, with coastal counties expecting wetter conditions—raising pressure on water planning inland. Livestock Health: South Africa is ramping up foot-and-mouth disease control, spending R494m on a record 13.5m vaccine doses and vaccinating 4.4m animals so far, while preparing a public-private biosecurity system to speed future responses. Policy & Markets: USDA opened a review window for ARC/PLC base acre increases (June 1–Aug 31, 2026), letting eligible landowners adjust safety-net coverage ahead of 2026 enrollment. Pest & Biosecurity: Wisconsin plans to deploy about 6,700 spongy moth traps across 36 counties to track new outlier populations and limit spread. Regional Ag Development: Cambodia’s Siem Reap is seeing a shift toward high-value grapes and durian, with farmers using training and small pilot plots to build agritourism. Enforcement: Philippine authorities seized P35.4m in allegedly smuggled onions and garlic in Nueva Ecija, targeting cold-storage storage linked to customs violations.

Climate & Heat Risk: PAGASA warns of dangerous heat indices in the Philippines on June 1, with Metro Manila’s NAIA forecast at 42°C and peaks up to 45°C in parts of Luzon and the Visayas, raising heat-stress risks for farm workers and crops. Food Security Under Pressure: Sudan braces for worsening child malnutrition as the pre-harvest season begins, with conflict and climate impacts hitting cereal production and cutting access to seeds, fertilizer and farmland. Input Costs & Trade: China pledges oil, gas and fertiliser supplies to Cambodia to ease rising rural input costs after fertiliser export curbs and global supply disruptions. Farmer Support & Policy: India’s government removes customs duties on cotton imports from June 1 to Oct 30 to stabilize textile supply, while Maharashtra pilots a fertiliser booking app using QR codes to reduce queues and improve transparency. Agri Finance & Investment: World Bank backs agriculture as a key driver for Papua New Guinea’s long-term transformation, and investors keep moving into agtech that cuts fuel, fertiliser and labour costs through embedded farm infrastructure. Market Access: The India–Oman CEPA starts June 1, promising duty-free access that could boost Kashmir’s horticulture and handicraft exports. Soil Innovation: Australia’s University of Tasmania transfers IP for the QUOLL soil e-nose to TIA, aiming to bring faster soil health sensing to growers.

Vietnam-Philippines Food Security & Trade: Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Manila for a two-day state visit, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcoming the delegation as leaders plan talks on food security, trade, investment, and defense ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Fertiliser Reform Push (India): India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the month-long “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” from June 1 to June 30, urging balanced fertiliser use, soil health steps, and alternatives like nano-urea and organic inputs. School Feeding Scale-Up (Kenya): Food4Education hit 200 million meals served, aiming to reach one million learners daily by 2027 by strengthening supply chains with local farmers and vendors. Climate Resilience for Farmers (Liberia): Liberia and UNDP are set to launch a five-year climate resilience project (2026-2030) to help rural communities adapt and protect agriculture and livelihoods. Input Cost Pressure (India): Farmers in Asifabad (Telangana) allege urea and DAP overpricing by dealers, with complaints about charges above official MRP and weak supervision. Global Food Security Warning (FAO): FAO warns disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could deepen a food security crisis in 2026-2027 by raising fertiliser and seed costs. Irrigation Investment Drive (Kenya): Kenya is courting Portugal for financing and private investment to add one million acres under irrigation, including community schemes for smallholders. Agroforestry Research Link (Africa): JKUAT is coordinating an intra-Africa agroforestry education and research project to train students and staff across East, West, and Southern Africa for climate mitigation.

Solar Irrigation Push: Northern Samar (Philippines) is validating sites for 19 solar-powered irrigation systems to cut fuel costs and stabilize rain-fed rice production. Credit Access Fight: Kenya’s smallholders are being locked out of formal lending as banks face a 100% risk weight for smallholder loans, despite lower default rates. Farmers vs Metering: Protesters in Telangana’s Adilabad oppose plans to install meters on agricultural motors, warning the policy will crush groundwater irrigation livelihoods. USDA Tech Contract Debate: A $300M USDA blanket purchase agreement with Palantir is drawing scrutiny over how the agency plans to “modernize” farm services. Beef Prices Stay High: Record US beef prices are tied mainly to drought-driven herd shrinkage and steady demand, not just inflation. Land Protection Crackdown: Egypt is intensifying enforcement against illegal agricultural land encroachments during Eid al-Adha. Cold Storage Boost: Ethiopia opened a $30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa to cut post-harvest losses and improve market supply. Rural Crime Update: UK rural crime costs fell in 2025, but livestock thefts surged, showing organized targeting of farms. Monsoon Watch: India’s monsoon forecast drops to 90% of average, raising risks for farm output and food prices. Poultry Price Stabilization: Indonesia’s agriculture ministry is monitoring live chicken prices to protect smallholder farmers as demand softens.

Rythu DISCOM row in Telangana: BRS leaders told the energy regulator the proposed “farmers’ power distribution company” is meant to end 24/7 free power and set up privatisation, while officials say it’s to streamline irrigation supply and deny plans to meter pump sets. Drought and monsoon warnings: Southern Africa is bracing for a possible strong El Niño-driven drought in 2026/27, and India faces high risk of a disrupted monsoon that could hit kharif sowing. US livestock biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in a young sheep in Mexico near the U.S. border, raising stakes for cattle producers and beef prices. Disaster credit for farmers: USDA designated all of New Mexico as a natural disaster area, unlocking emergency loan help for drought-hit producers. Soil and farm resilience research: A field study is advancing real-world understanding of rainfall-driven soil erosion to improve conservation planning. Urban ag policy: Maryland expanded eligibility for an urban agriculture property tax credit. Food safety enforcement: Tennessee ordered a Memphis store to discard rat-contaminated chips after a FOX13 investigation. Women and agriculture: Namibia’s president urged urgent investment in agriculture and rural youth, linking farming, tourism, and cultural identity.

Livestock Pulse (Mongolia): Mongolia reports 76% of spring breeding livestock have given birth, with about 17.04 million deliveries out of 22.4 million expected and a ~99% newborn survival rate, as herders manage pasture and weather to protect the livestock-based farm economy. Fertiliser Pressure (Southern Africa): SADC ministers urged faster fertiliser reforms, warning that 58 million people remain food insecure and that fragmented national rules raise costs and disrupt trade, while Foot-and-Mouth Disease threatens livestock output across 11 member states. Input Costs Under Scrutiny (US): The U.S. FTC is investigating a fertilizer price spike tied to the Iran conflict and Hormuz disruption, as farmers face squeezed margins and advocacy groups allege manipulation. Farmer Finance That Recycles (South Africa): PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund says it has approved R246m for black agricultural entrepreneurs, including R233m in loans, and repaid R98m to keep reinvesting in farmer support. Rural Roads Boost (Ghana): The World Bank approved $500m for Ghana’s feeder roads and market access push, targeting 350,000 farmers and aiming to cut post-harvest losses by improving all-season connectivity. Farm Safety (Ireland): Ireland’s agriculture ministry funded Agrikids’ AgriKids Farm Safe Roadshow to teach children farm safety at public events using hands-on and VR activities.

Organic Fertilizer Push (Laos): Attapeu Province signed an MOU to study raw-material sources and build an organic fertilizer plant in Sanamxay, aiming to cut reliance on imported inputs and support chemical-free crops like durian. Climate Resilience (Laos): Bokeo Province marked completion of a three-year climate adaptation project, training youth and building community learning centers to strengthen upland farming and livelihoods. Ag Innovation (Global): A gene-editing breakthrough is highlighted as a new tool for tougher crops and healthier livestock, helping farmers do more with less amid disease and weather pressure. Organic Awards (Ireland): Ireland launched the National Organic Awards 2026 at Bloom, with entries open for thousands of organic farmers and businesses ahead of September judging. Dairy Support (Ireland/US): Lakeland Dairies rolled out a student bursary for milk suppliers’ families, while Dairy’s Foundation opened grants up to $10,000 for ag education and outreach programs. Market Shock (US): A late April freeze is projected to cost New Jersey agriculture about $300M, with growers warning of higher prices and reduced local harvests. Research Controversy (Canada): Canada’s only public organic research plots in Swift Current were reportedly destroyed and prepped for non-organic wheat, raising alarms about lost long-term organic studies. Input Cost Pressure (EU/US): The EU approved €15m French fuel aid for agriculture and aquaculture as diesel prices surged, while US wheat outlook worsened as WASDE confirmed a smaller crop amid drought and high costs. Livestock Security (US): Kansas State University research says outbreaks caught within 8–10 days can stay contained, stressing rapid traceability to prevent national cattle crises. Farm Crime (US): Two Tennessee men were charged with cattle theft after 94 head were allegedly sold without permission over several years. Food Trends (US): Cricket-based protein is gaining traction in Michigan, with a local producer selling at farmers’ markets and pitching low-waste, ethical farming.

Climate Risk & Food Security: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture warned a severe El Niño could cut national rice output by up to 700,000 metric tons, prompting a renewed task force and measures like cloud seeding, solar irrigation, planting-calendar shifts, and crop diversification. Biosecurity & Pests: Australia’s Agriculture Victoria urged landholders in north-west Victoria to report locust activity early as adult numbers run above normal, warning egg-laying in May-June could drive spring damage. Invasive Species Watch: Tennessee reported spread of the Asian longhorned tick, a livestock threat that can reproduce without mating, as tick season ramps up. Trade & Supply Chains: US beef shipments to Japan fell 4% in Q1 2026 amid tighter cattle supply, while Russia imposed temporary import restrictions on Armenian fresh produce over phytosanitary “violations.” Agribusiness & Innovation: South Africa’s Hortgro named Jacques du Preez as CEO from Aug. 1, 2026, as the deciduous fruit industry navigates market access and compliance priorities. Farmer Support: The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement awarded $457,000 in scholarships to 66 students pursuing agriculture careers.