AGP Executive Report

U.S. Biofuels Policy: The IRS and U.S. DOE issued fresh 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit guidance, updating emissions-rate tools and explicitly recognizing regenerative and manure-derived practices—commodity groups say it gives farmers more value and certainty. Food Security Pressure: New USDA data shows SNAP losses are continuing as Congress debates future cuts, with hundreds of thousands losing benefits in multiple states and advocates warning hunger will worsen. Bangladesh Energy + Ag Finance: PKSF approved Tk 500 crore for rooftop solar and Tk 5,000 crore via Bangladesh Bank loans, aiming to back technology-driven agriculture and agro-processing entrepreneurs. Climate Action in Agriculture: Namibia launched NDC 3.0, mapping mitigation and adaptation actions that include agriculture and forestry, with major funding needs flagged. Cross-Border Trade for Farmers: Iraq and Syria agreed on electronic customs-data exchange and streamlined border lanes, with a trade boost forecast of 30–50% in the first year. Rural Stress Spotlight: North Dakota coverage highlights higher suicide risk among male farmers amid drought and price pressure, pointing to support networks.

Climate Risk: Philippines’ El Niño is now hitting 14 of 18 regions, with the agriculture sector reporting about P6.87bn in damage and drought affecting more than 223,000 farmers. Biosecurity & Invasives: Guam is stepping up warnings as invasive species hitch rides through travel and cargo, threatening both agriculture and tourism. Crop Health: Corn tar spot is spreading across Virginia, with past Midwest losses reported at 25%–30% and some fields much worse. Trade & Policy: China and the US agreed to keep key trade talks moving and set up an AI incident-handling channel, while tariff reductions include non-sensitive goods such as agricultural products. Farm Finance & Inputs: Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture signed an MoU with ABC Oyeasase Yie Ltd to build a $50m fertilizer blending plant to boost organic inputs for farmers. Water Stress: Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas, raising fresh questions about water priorities as data-centre expansion accelerates. Regenerative & Soil: Ireland is rolling out a free soil-health and regenerative agriculture course for farmers, as extreme weather pressures grow. Pollinators: A UF study finds pollinator activity shifts later in human-modified landscapes, changing the timing of seasonal life cycles. Regulation: Malawi suspended import licences for aluminum phosphide (“chi m’bulu”) after misuse concerns, tightening access to certified grain dealers.

Fertilizer Trade: Belarus climbed to 10th globally among fertilizer exporters, shipping 2.44M tons in 2024, with Russia still leading and global exports topping 113.3M tons. El Niño & Drought Prep: Malaysia’s Fama is building buffer stocks as “Super El Niño” risk rises, while Fiji’s agriculture minister urges farmers to store water, cut use, and plan early livestock actions. Waterlogging & Drainage: Kuwait farmers report groundwater seeping onto fields in Wafra, and India’s Tekkali officials were told to clear waterlogged areas fast to prevent waterborne disease. Input Controversy: Uganda’s “free” fertilizer drive is under fire as farmers question whether they’re really paying Shs54,000 per 50kg bag and challenge allocations and supplier quality. Disease & Biosecurity: Namibia faces an FMD threat after detection in its FMD-free zone, with movement and trade restrictions already in motion. Regional Farm Pressure: India’s Maharashtra declared drought across 74% of the state, and Ukraine saw a 17.6% drop in farmland sales in August with prices barely changing. Family Farms Spotlight: US Farm Aid 2026 in Virginia Beach will livestream support for family farmers amid rising farm bankruptcies.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: The Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed an African swine fever case in Agutaya, Palawan, triggering quarantine checkpoints and urging pig owners to report illness and avoid selling or slaughtering suspected animals. Climate & Crop Risk: In Bicol, El Niño has driven P97.67m in farm losses across rice, corn and other crops, with drought forecasts for October. Farm Policy & Payments: Wales announced drought-hit farm support, including higher advance payments (70% to 80%) and a slurry/manure spreading extension to Nov. 15 with water-quality safeguards. Market & Livestock: Irish cattle prices strengthened as tight supplies boosted factory quotes, while beef farmers in Waterford saw higher per-kilo payments. AgTech & Inputs: Arizona’s AgTech challenged Arizona State Land Department lease cancellations, arguing it wasn’t given proper notice to cure. Food Systems & Water: ECOWAS lawmakers warned that shrinking land and water are fueling farmer-herder conflicts and regional insecurity. Global Trade: The US-China summit extended a trade truce and included limited agricultural product steps, but left major disputes unresolved. Rural Livelihoods: Nigeria’s plant breeders urged bigger funding and breeding infrastructure to tackle food security under climate pressure.

Conservation Funding: USDA will invest $5M via NRCS to help farmers and private landowners restore wetlands and floodplains through conservation easements, aiming to improve water quality and reduce flooding risk. Policy & Deadlines: England extended the slurry spreading deadline by one week to Oct. 7, while Ireland is weighing extending petrol/diesel duty relief to curb fuel protest pressure. Farm Support Rush: England’s SFI scheme saw £253m run out in hours after a short application window, with farmers now waiting for 2027. Biosecurity & Disease: Manitoba is seeing renewed HPAI detections in wild birds and poultry, and Chile’s Salmones Camanchaca is harvesting two pens after ISA was found, with monitoring continuing. Trade, Markets & Costs: Southern California truckers are hit by record diesel prices, raising transport costs for food supply chains. Beef Supply Chain Stress: Cattle groups in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas warn ICE operations are disrupting cattle processing and could push beef prices higher. Water & Weather Impacts: J&K cloudbursts and flash floods damaged thousands of homes, roads, water schemes and large areas of orchards and farmland. Local Ag Governance: Alachua County seeks applicants for rural advisory committee seats tied to agriculture and silviculture. Ag Education: North Dakota named Napoleon ag teacher Brian Schneider as Teacher of the Year, highlighting long-running agricultural education impact.

Climate Risk: A University of Chicago report warns the Philippines could see up to 6,500 extra heat-related deaths during “Super El Niño” (Sep 2026–Feb 2027), with similar risks across Southeast Asia and globally. Livestock Support: Minnesota is accepting applications for two livestock grants—up to $1.5M for investments and up to $250k for avian-influenza risk-reducing equipment (reimbursement, matching funds; due Nov 17). Disease Preparedness: Bulgaria has published a sheep and goat pox vaccination plan for public consultation until Oct 9, citing dozens of outbreaks and the need for coordinated surveillance. Food Safety: The US FSIS recalled 160,000+ pounds of raw meat sold with false USDA inspection labels. Fuel Pressure: Alabama paused enforcement on dyed diesel for 120 days to ease costs for farmers and timber operators; Kansas economists also warn diesel may stay $6–$7 through 2027. Ag Finance & Rural Income: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust launched “Farm to Stay” agritourism grants (up to $10,000), aiming to help farms add guest income. Regional Cooperation: Azerbaijan and FAO discussed expanding agricultural support mechanisms and projects under a 2026–2030 development program.

Agri-Trade & By-products: The Philippines’ DA-Davao is in talks with a Malaysian firm to buy coconut shells for energy, starting with about 100 metric tons and linking smallholders to a higher-value market for waste. Smuggling & Enforcement: A Philippine senator pressed DOJ/NBI to target wealthy agricultural smugglers, after smuggling cases were dismissed over missing customs documents. Fertilizer Innovation: Malaysia’s Diversatech launched AJIB NCF nano-coated fertilizer, promising more controlled nutrient release to cut losses in heavy rain and heat. Climate & Farm Risk: A University of California study warns irrigation can’t fully shield processing tomatoes from extreme heat, lowering both yield and quality. Jobs Beyond the Farm: Zimbabwe says agriculture investment should expand into processing, logistics, finance and tech to create livelihoods across value chains. Food Security & Skills: Zimbabwe also urged schools to build practical skills beyond academics, aligning education with productive agriculture pathways. Water & Resilience: Liberia’s REALISE project commissioned a rice mill and communal farm, but questions remain on how assets will stay viable after the program ends. Policy Pressure: UK farmers vented after the Sustainable Farming Incentive budget was snapped up in under a day, leaving some environmental plans unfunded. Pests & Imports: Japan’s Hokkaido potato growers fear U.S. fresh potato imports could spread hard-to-eradicate pests, as Japan reviews the request.

El Niño Preparedness (Philippines): Iligan City is bracing for “super” El Niño impacts on crops and power, citing drought already hitting 16 barangays; officials plan water tanks, sprayers, crop insurance coordination, and drought-resistant planting. Animal Health Policy (Nepal): Nepal’s House passed the Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, aiming to strengthen measures against outbreaks. Livestock Disease Alert (Namibia): Namibia detected foot-and-mouth disease in its southern Kharas FMD-free zone, suspending movement of cloven-hoofed animals and halting cloven-hoofed imports/exports. Food Safety (US): USDA recalled 167,000+ pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat meat over a false federal inspection mark. Farm Risk Tools (Global): Texas A&M’s WISE drought-and-flood risk estimator expanded worldwide for farmers and policymakers. Soil Health Research (US): University of Missouri study finds sulfur in cropland soils has steadily declined since the 1880s, pointing to nutrient-management changes. Fertilizer Supply (Bangladesh): Early char-land cultivation is driving higher fertilizer demand and shortages, sparking protests. Agriculture & Security (Edo, Nigeria): Farmers are returning to fields after years of insecurity, crediting improved state security measures. Trade/Exports (Fiji): A Sigatoka couple’s garage-to-packhouse venture is exporting produce to New Zealand and Japan while buying from local farmers.

Climate Risk & Water Security: Guyana’s agriculture minister says El Niño is bringing drought-like conditions with a 97% chance, prompting full water conservancies plus new tanks and reservoirs to protect hinterland farming. Climate Risk & Crop Losses: In the Philippines, Iligan officials are bracing for “super” El Niño after crop damage and reduced farm income hit 16 barangays, with plans for water tanks, sprayers, and drought-resistant planting. Policy & Farm Succession: Teagasc will run free “Transferring the Family Farm” clinics starting Oct. 6, including a Mayo stop Oct. 15, pairing farmers with solicitors, accountants, and mediators for succession planning. Food Supply & Trade: Guyana also moves to stabilize chicken prices via a temporary weekly import of 330,000 pounds, while Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s maritime corridor and agricultural infrastructure are flagged as a direct threat to global grain exports. Ag Tech & Industry: IntelliAM expands an industrial AI trial across EMEA for predictive maintenance and reliability intelligence in agricultural processing and commodities operations. Community & Livestock: The Silver Dollar Fair livestock show returns to Memorial Weekend in 2027, reuniting exhibits, competitions, and community events.

Trade & Policy: Russia reset floating export duties on wheat, barley and corn until Dec. 31, 2026, keeping sunflower oil/meal caps tied to August levels. Food Safety & Biosecurity: U.S. CBP at Houston intercepted a previously unreported eucalyptus plant pathogen (Davisoniella eucalypti) from traveler baggage, sending samples to USDA labs. Regulatory Pressure on Imports: EU records show multiple 2026 alerts for unauthorized GM material in Chinese rice products (noodles, miso, flour, crackers, sticks), including NOS terminator flags. Ag Finance & Value-Add: Canada could add up to $5.4B GDP by redirecting 10% of raw crop exports into domestic processing, creating about 34,000 jobs. Sustainable Farming Research: FAO says livestock systems supply one-third of global protein and are shifting toward better feed use and agroindustrial by-products. Farm Inputs & Environment: Michigan MDARD awarded $1.9M in PFAS research grants to understand impacts on agriculture and livestock. Risk & Resilience: New Mexico officials tightened fair animal movement rules after a New World screwworm case. Costs Hitting Producers: Record U.S. diesel prices are driving calls for an export ban, but experts warn it could worsen the global supply crunch.

Biotech & Inputs: Syngenta says its EXORT biological tech—using plant microRNAs—could deliver yield and quality gains at extremely low leaf doses, marking a claimed “first new mode of action” in 20 years. Fertiliser Integrity: Bangladesh’s Kurigram will issue temporary “Soil Health Protection Cards” to curb fake-farmer fertiliser grabs ahead of the Robi season. Climate Risk: South Africa is bracing for an El Niño that scientists call unusually early and potentially “unprecedented,” with drought/heat risks in the south and flooding threats in the east. Food Security Geopolitics: The EU warns Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s grain routes are choking global food supply, pushing prices up and threatening millions. Agriculture Tech & Trade: Liberia highlights its smallholder mechanisation push at Beijing’s World AgriFood Innovation Conference, while China’s Ningxia seed firm reports exports to 27 countries. Local Farming Reality: Kurigram farmers question late cocoa seedling timing in Yei River County, while Punjab readies 1.25 lakh crop-residue machines for stubble season. Health Recall: FDA recalls frozen lemon fettuccine sold at Walmart over potential listeria contamination.

Trade & Investment: India–New Zealand FTA takes effect Oct 20, with duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports and a projected $20B NZ investment push, including an agriculture productivity partnership for areas like kiwi and honey. Climate & Weather Risk: Turkey logged 66 severe weather events in August, with heavy rain and hail damaging agricultural land. Disaster Relief: Rhode Island will release nearly $15M in federal disaster relief for farmers hit by 2023–24 weather losses; applications expected early October. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Georgia tightened animal entry rules after New World screwworm was found in New Mexico’s Grant County. Water-Saving Farming: Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan agreed to cooperate on drip irrigation, aiming to improve water efficiency for agriculture. Farm Policy: U.S. House Agriculture Committee member Brad Finstad criticized Senate delays on the farm bill, saying a vote could come before elections. Rural Development Grants: USDA Rural Development is investing $800K in Wisconsin value-added ag projects. Land Use & Farming Futures: A Reuters report warns New Zealand carbon-credit forestry is swallowing pastureland, shifting rural economies toward pine plantations. Ag Tech & Skills: Nebraska researchers are surveying how producers view AI in day-to-day farm decisions.

Trade & Investment: ASEAN and the US endorsed a new 2026–2027 TIFA work plan to deepen cooperation on digital trade, agriculture, trade facilitation and MSMEs, as two-way trade hit US$550.5bn in 2025. Food Security Risk: The Black Sea blockade threat is again rattling wheat markets as attacks on Ukraine’s ports disrupt grain exports, raising fears of a wider global food supply shock. Livestock & Market Access: Kenya launched electronic livestock identification and traceability (Anitrac) in Isiolo, saying traceability is key for meeting strict domestic and international market requirements. Climate & Water: Guyana warned water rationing may be needed if dry El Niño conditions worsen, with farmers already reporting lower irrigation supplies. Drought-Resilient Farming: Zimbabwe farmers in Gwanda are turning to spineless cactus to protect livestock and household food security as drought bites. Agri Tech & Innovation: A Kenyan coffee estate became the first in Africa to earn Rainforest Alliance Regenerative Agriculture Standard certification, aiming for higher-value buyers. Mechanization Push: Liberia received its first batch of Chinese agricultural machinery for mechanized farming, with more equipment due by Sept. 26.

Disaster & Food Security: Kerala’s flash floods and landslides killed at least 2 more people, with officials reporting the Chokkad River death toll rising to 3 as search and recovery continues. Climate Risk: A very strong El Niño is strengthening, with South Africa forecast to face drier, hotter conditions—raising pressure on food systems and water. Global Grain Watch: Despite a big U.S. corn harvest, analysts warn the world grain cushion is thinning, with corn and wheat shortfalls projected for 2026/27. Policy & Rural Power: In India’s Telangana, a former minister challenged claims of reliable farm electricity, alleging logbooks were hidden and warning poor power supply is hurting borewell cultivation. Corruption Crackdown: India’s CBI arrested a sub-divisional agriculture officer in J&K over a bribery scheme tied to releasing subsidies under a farming programme. Trade & Markets: Nigeria’s food inflation eased in August as harvest-season supplies increased, though experts say prices are still rising. Tech in Farming: China’s agricultural drone use is scaling fast, with hundreds of thousands of plant-protection drones now operating at massive treatment volumes. Community Agriculture: Santa Barbara County’s Farm Day drew hundreds for farm tours, produce giveaways, and hands-on learning.

Wildfire losses in Indonesia: A South Kalimantan vegetable farmer says fire engines couldn’t reach his plot, burning his tabuk beds and crops and leaving him with major rebuilding costs. Regional haze response: Malaysia offered Indonesia firefighting help—aircraft, helicopters and disaster teams—as transboundary smoke hotspots return. Direct farm support in Scotland: Scotland reports early rollout of Basic Payment Scheme and Greening funds, with verification deadlines extended for Future Farming Investment Scheme recipients. Controlled-environment push in Qatar: A market analysis flags rapid growth for greenhouse agriculture, driven by heat, water limits and government incentives. US drought relief for irrigation shortfalls: New bipartisan bills would expand USDA “prevented planting” eligibility when irrigation water is expected to be insufficient. Hay shortage emergency in Virginia: A state of emergency waives over-width transport rules to move hay fast, alongside emergency funding and anti-price-gouging protections. Mechanisation in Uganda: Uganda handed 150 power tillers to farmer groups to boost smallholder productivity. Food security and value-add in Uzbekistan: Nukus plans melon production on 10,000 hectares with imported varieties and on-site processing to shift exports up the value chain. Climate pressure on farmers in Fiji: El Niño dryness is hitting sugarcane, vegetables and livestock, raising fire risks and household strain. Policy and land-use tension in New Zealand: Farmers challenge a housing plan near Amberley, arguing it would permanently remove productive land. Agritech and soil testing: Virginia Tech launched an online system to streamline soil sample submissions and track results.

Direct Farm Support: Scotland says 81% of eligible businesses have already received Basic Payment Scheme and Greening funds, with the payment window set to close next July and FFIS verification due Sept. 30. Ag Tech in Schools: FAO and 4-H Trinidad & Tobago will supply hydroponic systems to 45 schools in 2026/27 to help students grow produce where land is limited. Water & Market Infrastructure: Yemen’s agriculture officials inspected fish landing, storage, export quarantine and marketing facilities in Mocha and Al-Khokha, pushing better collection, refrigeration and export readiness. Irrigation Investment: India’s Chiraharit Limited won a ₹59.60 lakh order to supply and install a center pivot irrigation system in Hisar, Haryana. Feed Demand Outlook: Bangladesh expects animal feed demand to hit 10m tonnes by 2030, led by poultry, with fish farming and cattle next. Drought Response: Andhra Pradesh’s CM ordered drought-hit mandals to be identified by Oct. 1 using multi-department data, with field assessments to follow. Agri-Exports Watch: India’s CWC chief flagged “malpractices” in phytosanitary certification at ports as exporters face rejections abroad. Value Chains & Jobs: Uganda’s Busoga festival backs coffee and cocoa value addition plus agro-tourism to create youth jobs and boost incomes. Wildfire Prevention via Grazing: A U.S. Marine base used 471 goats for targeted grazing to create defensible space against Southern California wildfires. Animal Feed Demand: Study projects animal feed demand to reach 10 million tonnes by 2030.