AGP Executive Report

Climate Risk Management: Zimbabwe says it’s readying a multi-pronged plan to protect crops and livestock from a predicted Super El Niño, with officials warning of drought, heatwaves, and yield losses. Input Costs & Trade Policy: The U.S. eases tariffs on some farm and industrial equipment, cutting rates from 25% to 15% through end-2027 to lower machinery costs for producers. Farm Safety & Regulation: Ireland’s agriculture department drops a plan to require retrofitting roofs on existing uncovered slurry tanks, citing feasibility concerns. Water & Irrigation: Syria faces a “catastrophe” from illegal wells draining aquifers, while Georgia and Türkiye focus on irrigation and drainage upgrades to boost water-smart farming. Farmer Support Programs: Pennsylvania will again issue senior farmers market vouchers in Carbon County, and Idaho’s Institute of Rural Health gets funding to expand produce vouchers via local farmers markets. Market & Community: Sonoma County approves an agriculture stabilization action plan as dairies and vineyards continue to shrink. Agri Business & Exports: Zambia’s SeedCo reports exporting 15,000 seed units across East Africa, positioning the country as a regional seed supplier. On-the-ground Challenges: Fiji’s Taveuni yaqona growers demand tougher penalties after repeated thefts.

Irrigation Boost for Rice: Malaysia’s Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority received an extra RM850,000 to build tube wells in padi areas hit by water shortages, aiming to cultivate up to 95% of 24,500 hectares and target about 200,000 tonnes of rice. Fuel Access for Farm Work: Kedah’s domestic trade ministry is helping farmers get free special permits to buy more than 20 litres of petrol or diesel for machinery, with 494 new permits approved since Jan 1. Soil Health Equipment Grants: Minnesota awarded 166 cost-share grants totaling $4.7m for regenerative soil practices, including no-till and cover-crop machinery. Living Cover Leadership: Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative named oat and barley researcher Kevin Smith co-director to push continuous living cover. Pond Aquaculture Tool: AquaCulture Pro launched a free feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculator for small pond farmers, helping users spot costly feed inefficiencies. Poultry Disease Policy Shift: South Africa moved to allow HPAI vaccinations, shifting away from mass culling as a “stamping-out” model. Trade & Logistics: AD Ports agreed to acquire Brazil’s CLI agri-bulk port terminals, strengthening grain and sugar export routes. Market Pressure: South Africa’s citrus exporters warn supply-chain disruptions and fuel costs are squeezing margins. Food Assistance Rules: New U.S. SNAP retailer requirements will tighten stocking standards starting Nov. 4, 2026.

Digital Farming Push: Albania unveiled “YLLI,” an AI virtual assistant inside its Farmer Portal, promising real-time market prices and plot monitoring to help farmers meet European standards. Border Biosecurity: Texas lawmakers and USDA officials are stepping up response planning after New World screwworm was detected in Mexico near the U.S. line, raising stakes for ranching and public health. Fertilizer Price Probe: A dairy farm filed a class action alleging major fertilizer firms conspired to limit supply and inflate NPK prices, squeezing U.S. farmers. Animal Health Watch: Utah confirmed avian influenza at a dairy in Cache County and ordered mandatory weekly surveillance and quarantines. Trade & Input Costs: Trump cut tariffs on some farm and industrial equipment from 25% to 15%, aiming to ease machinery cost pressure. Food System & Safety: A worker was burned in an explosion at a Dairy Farmers of America plant; injuries were not life-threatening. Market Signals: Iowa planting progress nears completion as fieldwork improves, with moisture still tight in parts of the state. Agribusiness Events: Belarus’ Belagro expo opened in Minsk with machinery, greenhouse tech, and dairy-focused showcases.

Flood Fallout: Bangladesh’s Kishoreganj haor flash floods have wiped out more than half of expected Boro paddy, with discoloured grain now largely unfit for consumption—likely tightening rice supply and pushing prices up. Animal Health Policy: Ireland launched the Biosecurity Targeted Advisory Service for Animal Health (TASAH) for 2026–2028, offering free farm visits and veterinary consultations to help control major livestock diseases. Farmgate Prices Protest: Maharashtra onion growers are staging agitation over “throwaway” prices, after the Union set MAPP for Rabi onions in Nashik at Rs 1,580 per quintal. Trade & Inputs: The US temporarily cut tariffs on select agricultural and industrial equipment to 15% until Dec 2027, aiming to lower machinery costs while keeping broader protectionism. Skills for Food Security: UK land-based sectors face a severe skills shortage, with Lantra warning it threatens food security and net-zero goals. Biochar for Carbon Credits: A new biochar methodology links farm residue use to carbon and biodiversity outcomes, offering farmers a low-cost pathway to carbon credit claims. Poultry Competitiveness: South Africa overtook the US as the world’s No.2 poultry producer, driven by improved feed efficiency.

Highland Vegetable Rescue-Buy: In Atok, Benguet, a rescue-buy initiative (Project UBBO) helped 146 farmers move about 79,236 kilos of vegetables after oversupply crushed farm-gate prices, while local leaders push for fair long-term pricing reforms. Water & Farm Policy Push in Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed agriculture and water-quality bills, including “Farm to Faucet” funding of about $319 million over 12 years to upgrade water treatment and support rural and urban water quality improvements. Farmers Brace for Weather Uncertainty: Wisconsin producers are shifting to first-crop hay as planting and fieldwork progress, while South Dakota farmers face drought pressure and input disruptions, and Australia watches for an El Niño declaration that could swing conditions. Risk Management Tools: USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection updates are giving cattle and dairy producers more ways to hedge volatile prices using futures-based coverage. Food Safety Alert: Minnesota’s agriculture department issued a consumer advisory for certain Milkjam Creamery frozen desserts over possible metal fragments. Trade & Biosecurity: U.S. CBP quarantined a rare leafhopper found in a leafy-greens shipment at Nogales, underscoring ongoing pest-prevention efforts.

Livestock & Rural Business: Namibia’s Oruharui SME Agricultural Expo wrapped up with top livestock producers crowned, plus feed prizes and support for small businesses, as organisers said the event helps farmers benchmark breeding and improve animal quality. CAP Policy Watch: Ireland’s MEP Nina Carberry met farm groups on the next EU Common Agricultural Policy, urging protection of direct payments and rural development funding, with less red tape and properly funded environmental schemes. Wheat Shock Signals Higher Food Costs: The U.S. is heading for its weakest wheat harvest in decades, with Hard Red Winter output forecast at the lowest since 1957, raising the odds of gradual grocery price pressure. Drought Relief on the Ground: An Indian IRS officer in Narayankhed, Telangana, spent weekends helping build community soak pits and ponds to boost rainwater storage ahead of monsoon. Pest Control Coordination: Australia’s Goulburn Murray Valley fruit-fly program is pushing councils to manage host trees on public land to stop reinfestation undermining grower suppression efforts. Water Crisis After Earthquake: Kona coffee and macadamia farmers in Hawaii say their stored water tanks were wiped out by a 6.0 quake, forcing reliance on public spigots and makeshift rain capture. Trade & Food Safety: Russia will suspend seafood imports from most Armenian processing plants unless they pass inspections, adding to a growing list of food restrictions. Climate & Crops: India’s Andhra Pradesh and Telangana officials are urging farmers to plan for below-normal monsoon with diversification and faster irrigation maintenance.

Food Safety & Inspections: Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture flagged improper food storage and uncertified practices at a recent round of restaurant inspections, including peppers stored above required temperatures and issues with warewashing setup. Community & Pest Threats: Hawaiʻi’s Maui Nui Coconut Celebration Festival (June 13) spotlights niu (coconut) farmers and resilience as communities brace for CRB (coconut rhinoceros beetle). Storm Damage Accountability: Ireland’s agriculture department says it still lacks a system to measure how much windblow timber was salvaged from private forests and what total forestry costs were, despite major damage in late 2024/early 2025. Farmers’ Livelihoods Under Pressure: In Bangladesh, a solar-powered irrigation innovator is helping Boro paddy farmers cope with deep underground water needs amid fuel and outage problems. Policy & Input Costs: South Africa pushes SADC to harmonize fertilizer rules to cut regulatory bottlenecks and protect farmers from price shocks. Water for Crops: Andhra Pradesh released early irrigation water to the Godavari Delta for Kharif planting, aiming to reduce El Niño-related drought risk. Local Farm Economy: Anchorage’s Assembly passed an ordinance reaffirming that hay, feed and compost retail sales are allowed, easing pressure on a small family farm supporting local livestock. Drought & Crop Risk: Texas drought conditions are worsening in parts of the state, with wheat abandonment expected to rise and calls for insured coverage. Agricultural Trade: The Philippines and Japan expand cooperation to boost exports like pomelo, banana and tuna, alongside farming and logistics modernization.

Sanctions and credit squeeze: Zimbabwe’s agriculture recovery is being slowed by years of illegal Western sanctions, which officials say have made farm credit and investment harder and damaged production and marketing infrastructure. Seed and organic push in India’s Northeast: Arunachal Pradesh urged the Centre to boost timely seed funding and expand organic farming, while also calling for uninterrupted NABARD credit to farmers and rural enterprises. Seed sovereignty drive: A seed fest in Arunachal wrapped with calls to protect indigenous seed lines, preserve ecology, and back community-led agribusiness. Weather-smart support in South Asia: Telangana launched mandal-wise WhatsApp weather advisories for 15 lakh farmers, and Jamaica rolled out $50m parametric insurance for 5,000 farmers ahead of hurricane season. Fertilizer crunch workarounds: Farmers in the UK and elsewhere are turning to manure and even urine-derived inputs as nitrogen fertilizer supply tightens after Iran-war-related disruptions. Local food access: Ohio’s Lima Farmers Market expanded with SNAP/EBT token support and “Produce Perks,” while Pennsylvania’s Slippery Rock market highlighted local growers and community events. Research and resilience: Canada’s grape sector gets a boost as Brock University expands its virus-free Clean Plant Program, and Fiji faces delays in scaling black soldier fly farming due to legal vetting. Farmers in the spotlight: Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir won Britain’s Got Talent, using the win to raise awareness of mental health in farming.

Solar Irrigation Push (Philippines): Northern Samar is validating sites for 19 solar-powered irrigation systems to cut fuel costs and stabilize rain-vulnerable rice production. Cover Crops Pay More (U.S.): Farmers for Soil Health reopened 2026 enrollment with higher per-acre payments and simpler one-year contracts to speed cover crop adoption. Soil-to-Market Leadership (U.S.): South Dakota’s SDARL Summit (June 19-20) will bring agriculture, business and policy leaders together, with sessions on leadership and AI. Digital Farming Rollout (Fiji): Fiji is moving from pilots to nationwide digital agriculture, backed by FJD 115m for platforms, market access and protected farming. Farm-to-School Expansion (Utah): USDA selected Utah for a $350,000 Farm to School grant to boost locally grown fruit in school meals and classroom education. Milk Buyer Switch (Luxembourg): Prolek farmers face a new milk buyer after Lactalis ends a 40-year partnership, with talks underway. Disease Security Concern (U.S.): A UF/IFAS survey finds rising public support for stronger protections against agricultural pests and diseases. Freeze Damage Aid (Maryland): Gov. Wes Moore ordered state help for farmers hit by April freeze, including waiving certain winery sourcing rules and pushing disaster funds. Procurement Anger (India): Telangana farmers protested paddy procurement delays, including road blockades and burning sacks over staffing, transport and storage shortages. Trade Friction (Russia-Armenia): Russia temporarily restricted Armenian tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries over phytosanitary violations. Farm Income Crisis (India): Tomato growers in Assam’s Merapani report prices collapsing to Rs 1/kg, leaving many unable to repay loans. Regenerative Agenda (South Africa): Kagiso Trust will host Regenerative Futures SA (June 24-25) to align investment and scale regenerative farming. Agriculture Security (Jamaica): Jamaica expanded its Agricultural Protection Branch to fight praedial larceny, citing a sharp rise in arrests and convictions. Agri Innovation Funding (UK): Blaney launched its 2026 Innovator Programme offering £50,000 to solve real on-farm problems.

US Cotton Push: USDA unveiled the “Great American Cotton Plan,” aiming to boost domestic cotton demand, restore textile manufacturing, expand trade, and protect growers from costs and cheap synthetics. Fertilizer Pressure: Farmers urged the FTC to act as the agency launches a formal investigation into fertilizer industry competition amid soaring prices. SNAP Fight: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended Trump-era SNAP cuts at a Marana farm, while advocates say Arizona families are still losing benefits. Disaster Relief for Freezes: Maryland and Virginia governors pressed USDA for disaster declarations after late April freezes devastated fruit and perennial crops, with losses running into tens of millions. Weather Hits Crops: Ohio warned heavy May rains could force replanting and raise fuel costs, while Pennsylvania growers face major apple, pear, and vineyard damage from freeze swings. Pest Control in Hawaii: UH Mānoa is asking farmers and growers to complete a survey to strengthen invasive fruit fly management, targeting a $300M threat to agriculture. Farmers vs. Rail Drones (Canada): Eastern Ontario farmers criticized a high-speed rail builder’s drone surveys, saying they weren’t properly consulted. Market Season Starts: Reno’s Shirley’s Farmers Market kicks off May 30, with other regional markets opening across the week.

Iran War Costs: Missouri farmers say most fertilizer was bought ahead, so near-term disruption may be limited, but higher diesel and broader food-security risks could still hit grocery prices. Biosecurity Deadline: Ireland’s €6m On-Farm Badger Biosecurity Scheme application window is extended to midnight June 7, with 40% grants (up to €2,000 eligible spend) for fencing and badger-contact prevention gear. Farmers Markets Return: Somerset County markets are kicking off summer, while Toledo’s Power of Produce programs bring $3 produce vouchers for kids and support for seniors at the farmers market. Agri-Tech & Data Centers: Vietnam’s CPF and FPT signed an MoU to expand AI in agri-food value chains, while Pennsylvania lawmakers consider rules that could restrict data centers on farmland. Fertilizer & Trade Signals: Fertilizers Europe warns EU tariff suspensions on nitrogen inputs could weaken domestic fertilizer capacity; wheat futures slide on a stronger euro and better harvest forecasts. Farm Protests & Procurement: Telangana farmers protested paddy procurement delays and alleged weighing irregularities; in India’s Kumram Bheem Asifabad, farmers burned paddy over procurement delays and quality deductions. Livestock Health Politics: South Africa’s court ruling supports farmers’ role in FMD vaccination, and Cyprus saw a blocked livestock breeders’ march over culling and compensation demands.

Drought-hit wheat in Kansas: USDA forecasts Kansas wheat production down 21% from 2025, with some fields shortened after dry spells and unusual heat during dormancy break, raising fears of the smallest crop since 1972. Freeze damage in New Jersey: Gov. Mikie Sherrill toured farms after a late-April cold snap that could total about $300 million in losses; some growers report near-total destruction of apple and peach crops, threatening higher prices. Input-cost pressure meets antitrust scrutiny (US): The FTC has launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, responding to farmer complaints about rising costs and limited competition. Slow start to seeding in Saskatchewan: After late snow and wet weather, seeding is 52% complete provincewide—past halfway but still behind the usual pace—while pulse crops lead progress. Organic push in Ireland: Minister Martin Heydon launched the National Organic Awards 2026, opening entries to Ireland’s organic farmers and food businesses ahead of September judging. Rural finance innovation: New digitized credit plans are helping farmers build credit histories tied to crops, aiming to unlock more funding for smallholders.

Climate & Food Security: SADC officials in Victoria Falls are shaping regional food-security and climate-resilience plans after cyclones Idai, Freddy and Gezani repeatedly battered crops, livestock and livelihoods. Animal Health & Farmer Rights: Cyprus livestock groups say foot-and-mouth disease response is worsening, pushing for a presidential meeting and fair compensation; in South Africa, a court ruling is opening the door for farmers to privately procure and administer FMD vaccines. Farm Incomes & Inputs: India’s UP reports record sugarcane payments of ₹3.22 lakh crore and ongoing crush-season transfers; in Karnataka, subsidised soybean seed distribution hit delays as stock ran out, sparking farmer anger. Weather Risk Planning: India’s agriculture minister says contingency steps are underway for El Niño impacts on kharif, including district crop-change options and seed availability checks. Agritech & Policy Support: Nigeria’s NADF and OSPRE signed an MoU to roll out a multi-hazard agricultural early warning system. Infrastructure for Farmers: Philippines’ DAR chief backed a P97-million farm-to-market road in Candaba, improving access for hundreds of farmers and expanding irrigation plans. Agriculture vs Land Use: Florida’s agricultural community is bracing for hyperscale data centers, raising fears about farmland loss and heritage. Research & Pest Control: USDA opened a new livestock insects lab to develop tools against invasive fly and tick threats.

Onion relief in India: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says the Centre has approved onion procurement via NAFED and NCCF at ₹1,580 per quintal, with plans to expand storage, sorting and grading to stabilize prices and support farmers. Planting progress in the U.S.: USDA reports show Illinois farmers are nearly done, with 86% corn and 84% soybeans planted as of May 24, ahead of the 5-year average. Livestock security in Illinois: Farmers near Kirkwood report wild-dog attacks that killed sheep and injured cattle, raising fear and financial losses as authorities continue searches. Paraquat crackdown in Vermont: Vermont becomes the first U.S. state to ban paraquat use without explicit approval, as other states consider similar limits. U.S. farm finance after freezes: USDA approved disaster help for Pennsylvania farmers after April freeze damage, including emergency loans and faster steps to get fertilizer delivered. Global food risk watch: A strong El Niño later this year is forecast, with research warning food commodity prices could rise after such events. Local markets keep rolling: Sentara’s Long Family Farmers Market returns in Woodbridge, adding SNAP/EBT support and senior farmers market tokens.

Chicken Health & Trade: Merck’s chicken bronchitis vaccine won China approval, targeting a fast-mutating coronavirus strain and allowing chicks to be vaccinated from Thursday—another step for poultry biosecurity in a country with 5 billion birds. Food Security & Procurement: The Philippines’ DA says emergency milling contracts are expanding NFA warehouse capacity in Bicol and Region 12 to speed up palay processing and keep the P20-per-kilo rice program steady. Livestock Disease Politics: South Africa’s livestock union Kwanalu warns that a recent FMD vaccine court win won’t automatically unlock private access—more legal and regulatory steps are still pending. Farmers Under Pressure: Maryland launched zero-interest disaster relief loans for oyster harvesters hit by icy conditions and sewage damage. Input Costs & Water Stress: Punjab faces mounting groundwater strain as spring/summer maize expands fast—even where it isn’t officially tracked—raising fears of back-to-back water-heavy cropping. Market Integrity: Zimbabwe’s sesame sector is cracking down on smuggling and unlicensed buyers after major seizures since the 2026 buying season began. Local Disruptions: In Pennsylvania, USDA disaster help is now available for freeze-damaged counties, while restaurant inspections in Berks County flagged dirty hot pads and storage hygiene issues.

Food Safety Alert: USDA issued a public health alert for beef kofta from The Kebab Shop in California, Florida, and Texas, warning of possible Shiga toxin–producing E. coli linked to products made by Olympia Food Industries; the restaurants stopped selling the item May 18 and consumers are told to discard leftovers. Disaster Relief: USDA approved Pennsylvania freeze disaster help for 17 counties, with emergency loans and livestock/crop recovery programs now available after April cold snaps. Invasive Pest Watch: Yuba County warned Costco shoppers after glassy-winged sharpshooters were found on grape and citrus plants, raising the risk of Pierce’s disease. Trade Signal: China agreed to expand U.S. farm purchases by at least $17B more per year (2026–2028), aiming to boost American exporters. Local Agriculture: Montana launched a “Concept to Consumer” course to guide food entrepreneurs through regulations and market entry.