AGP Executive Report

Seed Security: USDA is investing $180 million to protect and sequence its collection of about 600,000 seed samples, aiming to help breeders develop crops better able to withstand pests, disease and extreme weather. Next Generation: Texas is partnering with Texas A&M and the Texas Farm Bureau to offer aspiring farmers and ranchers access to state land, hands-on training and mentorship. Global Investment: UAE-based Elite Agro Holding announced 660 million dirhams in projects across the UAE, Morocco and Mauritania, spanning more than 9,300 hectares. Climate Risks: A strengthening El Niño could threaten southern Africa’s maize and bean harvests, with researchers warning climate shocks have cut legume yields by as much as 78%. Food Emergency: FAO says more than 1.2 million people in Gaza and the West Bank faced acute food insecurity from April to June and is seeking $140.9 million for agricultural recovery in 2027. Equipment Access: The FTC and USDA are seeking public input on barriers to buying, servicing and repairing farm equipment; comments are open until Dec. 7.

Diesel Relief for Farmers: Trump signed an executive order allowing tax-free purchase of red-dyed (off-road) diesel, with governors in the Midwest and South also suspending state taxes—aimed at cutting harvest-season fuel costs. Food Trade & Tariffs: The US spice industry is pushing to keep tariff exemptions for Indian spices, arguing many can’t be grown commercially in the US and want the carve-outs made permanent. Farm Data & AI: Soilytix unveiled LOAM, genomic AI models trained on long-read environmental soil data to find new agricultural candidates from microbial diversity. Climate Pressure on Farming: Philippines agencies report El Niño impacts on hundreds of thousands of people and farmers, with drought and calamity declarations expanding. Agritech Policy-to-Farmer Push: A Kenya-focused commentary argues agriculture transformation must move from policy to practical farmer outcomes—information, finance, extension, storage, and markets. Agriculture Security Tech: Hawaii plans automated license plate recognition cameras, saying the goal is to tackle agricultural trespassing and theft while raising privacy concerns. Livestock Modernization: China’s new livestock plan emphasizes AI and smart farming as pork demand peaks, shifting focus to quality and safety.

USDA Seed Security Push: USDA announced a $180M Seed Sovereignty Initiative to strengthen the National Plant Germplasm System, sequence genetic info, and use AI to spot traits for future crop resilience. Conservation Funding (US): NRCS opened applications for Nevada producers to access ACEP, CSP, EQIP, and AMA, plus a regenerative pilot program. EU-Ukraine Trade Tension: The European Commission is considering caps on funding and market access for “sensitive” Ukrainian agricultural products after Ukraine joins the EU; Kyiv says any permanent limits are unacceptable. Food Security & Farm Water (Ghana): Ghana broke ground on a 175-hectare Anunuso water conservation scheme to support year-round rice farming for 220 farmers. El Niño Planning (Malaysia): Malaysia’s food security leaders will prepare cabinet memos through the El Niño period, citing climate-driven supply risks. Farm Inputs & Training (Ghana): CSIR-CRI and KOPIA Ghana trained farmers on greenhouse tomatoes to cut import dependence. Local Food Systems (US): Washington schools will highlight farm-to-school meals during Taste Washington Day, boosting local purchasing. Poultry Expansion (Bahamas): The Bahamas’ Golden Yolk project aims to scale domestic egg production to reduce import reliance. Diesel Relief for Farmers (Iowa): Iowa temporarily suspended penalties for dyed diesel used to haul certain agricultural products on public roads through Feb. 2, 2027.

El Niño Food Buffer & Corn Imports: The Philippines’ DA says it has enough rice, corn, chicken and pork stocks to ride out Super El Niño, while also proposing to more than double corn imports under the MAV quota to 500,000 tons to protect hog and poultry feed costs as El Niño threatens local output. Drought Response in India: Maharashtra has formed a central team to assess drought damage across 265 drought-hit talukas, aiming to speed relief and rehabilitation for farmers. Water-Saving Push (Philippines): DA Mimaropa urges farmers in rain-fed areas to conserve water, maintain irrigation, and use soil conditioners and biofertilizers ahead of El Niño. Sugar Sector Under Pressure (Philippines): The government is stepping up support for cane sugar producers facing pests and drought, including chemical controls and drones, as artificial sweeteners erode demand. Climate Finance Gap (Tanzania): Tanzania faces a $12B+ climate funding shortfall, with the World Bank warning climate risks could hit agriculture and growth. Agritech & Training (Mongolia/Cambodia): Mongolia launched a Livestock Technician program to tackle skills shortages, while Cambodia-Singapore training focused on sustainable agriculture systems and controlled-environment farming. Market/Policy Signals: Sri Lanka’s economy has returned to pre-crisis levels, but food and energy price pressures remain; and the U.S. moved to ease red-dyed diesel rules for farmers, cutting fuel costs.

El Niño Preparedness (Philippines): Romblon and Quezon province agriculture offices are coordinating “Super El Niño” coping plans, including technical meetings and distributing drought-tolerant seeds like mung bean and corn to keep farmers producing after rice harvests. Water Stress (India): Maharashtra ordered a mandatory 10% water cut from Oct. 16 as reservoirs run low, with local bodies tasked to enforce reductions and curb leaks. Diesel Shock & Food Costs (Global): A Scotiabank report warns diesel and crude disruptions could push up inflation, with diesel’s reach into trucking and agriculture likely lifting food prices. Livestock & Farm Inputs (US): Tennessee’s Agricultural Enhancement Program adds livestock fencing cost-share support, with an Oct. 7 application deadline. Local Food Systems (US): Kentucky’s school-food law update shows 171 districts adopting a model policy to expand locally grown options. Trade & Seafood (Europe): Nueva Pescanova sold its French refrigerated seafood business to Ecuador’s Omarsa, aiming for growth in Europe’s chilled shrimp market. Animal Health (US): Western North Carolina is set for a raccoon rabies vaccine bait drop to protect people, pets, and wildlife. Policy & Governance (US): A US minority farmers advisory committee remains “on pause,” leaving members seeking answers from Congress.

El Niño Readiness (Philippines): Quezon province agriculture officials met to coordinate projects and support for farmers and fisherfolk as El Niño affects 14 of 18 regions and is projected to cause P6.87B in damage. Trade & Food Security (Libya): Libya’s economy ministry banned exports of all agricultural products (with limited date exceptions) and halted exports of locally produced food until domestic supply stabilizes. Agrifood Export Push (Malaysia): Malaysia’s agriculture minister says efforts to grow high-value exports like pineapples and durians are narrowing the food trade gap, including a durian export MoU expected to add RM1B. Grain Markets (Black Sea): Wheat prices jumped on Black Sea shipping disruptions, while corn eased on large US inventories. Land Reform Fallout (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe paid/issued over $500M (R8.5B) in compensation to former white commercial farmers to settle a long-running dispute. Animal Health Pressure (South Africa): Agri SA warns farmers face mounting strain from foot-and-mouth disease, high input costs, and El Niño risk. Water & Irrigation Community (Qatar): A UN/FAO-backed hackathon in Qatar focused on agriculture and AI, including crop-site recommendations and cold-chain monitoring. Drought Impacts (India): Maharashtra soybean farmers report severe losses as drought worsens, with drought-affected tehsils declared for crop damage assessments. Biosecurity (Australia): Australia launched a bird flu public campaign urging people to avoid sick/dead birds and report suspected cases.

El Niño Readiness (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture says it’s “more prepared” for a potentially strong El Niño, expanding rice and fertilizer purchases, adding food storage (365 active NFA warehouses), and opening cold storage to protect meat and vegetables. Sugar Supply Watch (Philippines): The Sugar Regulatory Administration asked the USDA for until November to confirm whether the country can meet its US sugar export quota as El Niño is expected to cut output and stakeholders push for all production to go to domestic use. Livestock Disease Alerts (Namibia/Indonesia): Namibia confirmed 79 new FMD cases across 11 farms in Karasburg, while Indonesia stepped up anthrax control in Yogyakarta after a case was detected. Farm Policy & Payments (Egypt): Prime Minister Madbouly reviewed progress on settling sugarcane farmers’ dues and strategic commodity procurement prices. On-the-Ground Farming Tech (California): Santa Cruz County began a $175,000 steam-treatment pilot to test soil steaming as a lower-risk alternative to fumigation for berry crops. Crop Progress (Canada): Saskatchewan harvest hit about 63% complete, with winter cereals and pulses nearly wrapped up despite quality downgrades from weather. Rural Livelihoods (Namibia): Otjinene’s councillor urged farmers to back new leadership of the Otjinene Farmers Association. Food Prices Risk (Global): Economists warn soaring energy costs could feed into higher food prices.

Irrigation Upgrade (Philippines): The government plans to expand solar-powered irrigation to 10,000 sites by 2030, more than doubling today’s 4,036 sites, aiming to cut farmers’ irrigation costs and add climate-resilient water management for 2 million farmers and 100,000 more hectares. Weather Risk Response (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe deployed three aircraft for cloud seeding as it prepares for a 2026/27 season forecast to bring below-normal rainfall and higher temperatures, supported by a six-pillar drought and production plan. Farm Input Support (US/Indiana): Indiana farmers can apply for free soil testing via the Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program until Nov. 6 (or funds run out) to improve fertilizer decisions and reduce runoff. Market Pressure (Bangladesh): Early winter vegetable supplies in Dinajpur pushed prices down for consumers, but farmers worry about recovering production costs. Health & Safety (South Africa): A UCT-linked study found household pesticide use and spray drift are linked to higher pesticide chemical levels in children’s urine. Trade & Exports (Cambodia/Philippines): A 20,000-tonne Cambodian rice shipment is sailing to the Philippines on a faster direct route, with targets rising to 60,000 tonnes by year-end. Ag Tech & Value (Vietnam): Vietnam’s green startup competition highlights agripreneurs turning farm by-products into higher-value products using circular models.

El Niño farm support (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture Bicol is preparing a ₱3.3B package for farmers and fisherfolk, including crop insurance payouts, irrigation help, certified rice seeds, and farm machinery, as El Niño risks intensify. Water stress (India): Telangana reports severe shortages in minor irrigation tanks, with thousands holding under 25% of normal storage, raising alarms for rural farming and groundwater. EU farm funding push: Seventeen EU leaders urged the Irish presidency to protect the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion funding from budget cuts. Rice trade boost (Pakistan): Pakistan secured an extra 70,000 tonnes of rice exports to Malaysia for Oct–Dec 2026 after trade talks tied to PM directives. Soil-first farming (Philippines): A lawmaker called for replacing “guesswork” with soil testing to guide fertilizer and crop decisions. Coffee value chain (India): Arunachal Pradesh is looking to expand coffee cultivation and strengthen processing and marketing to raise grower incomes. Livestock disease disruption (Namibia): Foot-and-mouth disease forced organizers to drop the livestock section from KAITE’s upcoming expo. Post-harvest cashew upgrade (Cambodia): Japan granted $164k to build cashew warehouses and drying yards and install moisture testers in Kratie cooperatives. Agroforestry for cocoa (Global): Barry Callebaut is advancing assisted natural regeneration in Ivory Coast to build more resilient cocoa landscapes. Food system convening (UAE): Global Food Week 2026 (Oct 6–8) in Abu Dhabi will bring FAO and WOAH into talks on food security and agrifood transformation.

Avian Flu Update (Philippines): Quezon province was declared free of bird flu after depopulation, cleaning and disinfection, movement restrictions, and follow-up negative tests—aimed at keeping poultry production and trade safe. Water & Farm Income (Mexico/US): Mexicali farmers are pushing for financial relief as Colorado River cuts trigger mandatory land fallowing, arguing compensation should cover water Mexico owes under treaty obligations. Policy Shock (UK): Ireland’s reopened ESSPO grant scheme offers up to €30,000 for early-stage producer organisations, but in the UK the Sustainable Farming Incentive rollout drew backlash after the entire £233m pot was snapped up within hours. Food Prices (Global): FAO reports September global food prices hit a near four-year high as logistics disruptions and El Niño-linked weather risks lift sugar, cereal and vegetable oil costs. Tech & Agribusiness (India/US): Piyush Goyal pitches US investors on India’s food processing and modern value chains, while also promoting startup and innovation ties. Ag Innovation (Rwanda): VIV Africa 2026 returns to Kigali with poultry and growing dairy focus, bringing feed-to-food suppliers and industry leaders together. Conservation Funding (US): USDA NRCS in Tennessee is accepting applications for FY2027 conservation programs, including easements and incentives to protect working farmland. Showcase & Events (Australia): Dunyak Moira fishing ponds reopen in Merrigum, turning former water lagoons into a catch-and-release recreation and conservation hub.

Agricultural Trade & Policy: Global sugar subsidies are nearing $1.4B, with U.S. producers pushing for a Section 301 investigation as foreign support distorts markets. Farm Safety Net: USDA is boosting its regenerative agriculture pilot to $1B for FY2027 after strong demand, while Mississippi producers get $423M in improved ARC/PLC payments under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Local Food & Markets: Wisconsin’s DATCP is taking applications for 2027 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants (up to $200,000 total), and Guyana/Ghana-style “buy local” efforts keep popping up, including a new weekly direct-from-farm produce market in Sophia. Livestock & Biosecurity: Ireland warns bluetongue midges can travel up to 150km and urges vaccination; India’s Supreme Court ruled lack of transport documents alone can’t presume cattle were for slaughter. Environment & Land Use: Michigan bans bringing untreated firewood into the state from 2027; Iosco County faces wetlands restoration after a marijuana farm was found to have destroyed 15.9 acres of protected wetlands. Energy Meets Farming: An Oregon wheat family continues harvesting while wind turbines on their land generate a second income stream.

Climate Monitoring for Farmers: DOST Eastern Visayas is installing automatic weather stations under Project SARAI in Leyte to give farmers localized, near-real-time data as El Niño worsens rainfall uncertainty. Value-Add Push: Zimbabwe’s Dr. Masuka urged farmers to move beyond raw sales toward aggregation and value addition to capture more returns and drive agro-industrial growth. Diesel Relief Debate: In Indiana, lawmakers pushed to let farmers use untaxed diesel on public roads; the state lifted restrictions for farmers and timber harvesters amid record diesel costs. EU Aid Delays: Hungary’s farmers say they still haven’t received EU crisis aid for fuel and fertilizer price spikes, despite eligibility and funding availability. Food Security Policy: Malaysia urged states to gazette padi-growing areas after rice self-sufficiency fell, aiming to protect land for rice cultivation. Women in Ag: Indiana Farm Bureau awarded $1,000 grants to women-owned ag businesses for training, tech upgrades, and equipment. Market Linkages: Bihar’s APEDA-backed export of 1 MT popped makhana to Greece highlights better price potential through international supply chains. Biosecurity Workforce: Hawaii launched a Biosecurity Academy to train new inspectors to fight invasive species at airports and harbors. Youth Skills via Irrigation: Zambia’s Presidential Irrigation Initiative is giving school learners hands-on farming experience and income potential.

Drought Fallout (Maine): Farmers in the U.S. Northeast are bracing for a second straight year of severe drought, with wells drying and crop losses mounting as conditions shift toward a “new norm.” El Niño Support (Philippines): The House approved an extra P16B for the Department of Agriculture, including more fertilizer help and solar pump irrigation funding to prepare for super El Niño. Water & Climate Planning (Guyana): Guyana’s Agriculture Month push spotlights climate-smart production, drainage and irrigation investment, and tech/mechanization to strengthen food security. Aquaculture Industry (Canada): Canada’s national aquaculture group rebrands as Canadian Seafood Farmers, signaling a push for a stronger salmon-farming path in British Columbia. Food Safety (U.S.): USDA recalled imported Sempio chicken stews in eight states due to improper inspection on arrival. Fuel Relief Push (U.S.): Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner is urging temporary dyed-diesel relief during harvest to protect farm margins as diesel prices stay high. Ag Skills & Youth (India/Assam): Assam Skill University launched a 30-day digital agri-entrepreneurship certificate for trainees from farmer producer companies. Ag Education (U.S.): Wisconsin schools received grants for hands-on agriculture learning, including a calf care simulator. Export Push (Wisconsin): Applications opened for Wisconsin Export Expansion Grants to grow dairy, meat, and crop exports.

Drought & Farm Debt Crisis: Maharashtra reported two farmer suicides within 24 hours after drought and failed crops left families unable to repay loans, underscoring how quickly climate shocks can turn into financial collapse. Water & Drought Relief: In Yemen’s Mawiyah District, officials inaugurated a new water project tied to local agricultural cooperatives, while India’s Dhule district assessed stunted cotton and failed maize and pushed priorities like drinking water and fodder. Crop Procurement Scrutiny: Nashik farmers were asked to submit complaints and documents over alleged onion procurement irregularities under India’s Price Stabilisation Fund scheme. Agri-Tech for Planning: The Quezon provincial government in the Philippines used drone mapping over 2,377 hectares to improve disaster preparedness and agricultural resource management. Farm Income Diversification: Utah farmers can apply for Airbnb’s “Farm to Stay” grants (up to $10,000) to launch or expand farm stays as drought and costs squeeze operations. Trade Rules & Food Security: At the G20 trade talks in Milwaukee, India warned against “weaponisation of food,” arguing for legitimate food-security measures rather than coercive trade actions. Bees & Organic Honey: Turkey’s high-altitude beekeepers are producing organic honey with seasonal hive moves and pesticide-free forage, supported by agriculture directorates. Agriculture Policy & Prosperity: Nigeria’s Tinubu said the country is shifting from economic “reform” to “shared prosperity,” with mechanized agriculture and lower farming costs central to the next phase.

USDA Regenerative Push: USDA boosted its Regenerative Pilot Program from $700M to $1B for FY2027, aiming to spread whole-farm conservation that improves soil and cuts chemical input dependence. Conservation Funding: USDA also opened a $5M partnership funding opportunity to restore wetlands and floodplains via conservation easements, targeting better water quality and flood risk reduction. Drought Relief (US): Oklahoma approved $2M for drought-impacted producers, with applications opening Oct. 5 and potential reimbursements up to $7,500. Drought Relief (Philippines): In Caraga, the Department of Agriculture sought P6.2M for cloud seeding to help drought-hit farms as local governments declare calamity. Livestock & Land-Use Conflict (US): A Wisconsin livestock facility approval is under appeal, with nearby landowners challenging setbacks, odor scoring, and manure calculations. EU Food Safety: The EU confirmed a two-year ban on Brazilian beef after hormone-related assurances couldn’t be met. Farm Safety: A Sanilac County, Michigan hay-baling accident killed a 16-year-old when a spooked horse overturned the wagon. Ag Tech & Skills: Nevada launched a Bachelor of Animal Science degree to keep more livestock talent in-state. Food Prices (Guyana): Guyana plans nationwide farmers’ markets to cut middlemen markups driving up produce costs.

EU Animal Welfare Deadline: A new poll says four in five farmers back a cage-free ban, with most citing welfare and wellbeing gains as the EU faces a looming deadline. Post-Harvest & Tech: Nairobi’s trade fair puts climate-smart farming and digital tools front and center, spotlighting drones and tech to help farmers handle unpredictable weather. Nutrition Breeding: Tanzania released three vitamin A-rich banana varieties to tackle vitamin A deficiency and give farmers higher-nutrition planting options. Farm Economics & Costs: South Africa’s diesel refund system is being modernised, but farmers must reregister on eFiling for future claims, even if they claimed before. Conflict Impact on Food: Russia struck a Chernihiv agricultural site, destroying about 200 tonnes of stored grain. Policy & Funding: Ghana’s Bono Agriculture Directorate targets 1.2 million metric tonnes of maize for 2026, citing good rainfall and farmer performance. Community Agriculture: Liberia’s communities donated 150 acres for an education and agriculture partnership aimed at jobs and university sustainability.