AGP Executive Report

El Niño Readiness: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is ramping up food and input reserves, expanding storage and shifting support to local “foliar and soil” measures as a “super El Niño” could last into mid-2027, with extra fuel subsidies approved to cushion farm and transport costs. Drought Relief Push: Karnataka’s home minister says central teams are assessing drought-hit taluks and urges simpler, stronger federal norms so farmers can actually get help; in India’s Telangana, an Amul dairy plant is pitched as “White Revolution 2.0” to cut middlemen and boost dairy incomes. Crop Performance & Prices: In Adilabad, soya yields are holding up better in black soils despite dry conditions, while north Telangana maize is drawing traders offering above MSP prices for poultry feed. Animal Health Alerts: Indonesia is stepping up anthrax response after a case in Yogyakarta; Namibia confirmed more FMD cases in Karasburg, with inspections and movement tracing underway. Farmers Under Pressure: Namibia says FMD-hit farmers still must pay the national minimum wage; in Tanzania, tobacco buyers were ordered to clear payments to farmers by Oct 30. Policy & Markets: Poland and Romania reject Ukraine’s request to expand grain transit corridors and subsidies, raising uncertainty for trapped Ukrainian supplies. Food Security & Safety: Nigeria’s agriculture minister condemned the killing of 15 farmers in Borno as an attack on food security.

Solar Irrigation Push: The Philippines plans to expand solar-powered irrigation to 10,000 sites by 2030, aiming to cut farmers’ water costs and boost climate resilience, with current coverage at 4,036 sites across 43 provinces. El Niño Preparedness: DA Bicol is lining up P3.3B for farmers and fisherfolk, including crop insurance, irrigation, seeds, and farm machinery, as drought risk rises into late 2026. Fuel Subsidy Backlash: Mongolia’s opposition DP says fuel shortages persist and criticizes state-backed lending for fuel storage, arguing public money is being misused while farmers face higher costs. Cane Price Uncertainty: Fiji cane growers are demanding clarity on whether the $85/tonne price will rise, warning costs are making the current rate unsustainable. Drought Relief Demand: Karnataka’s CM is asking the Centre for Rs 7,142.64 crore in drought relief, citing severe hardship and large estimated losses. Water Cuts Hit Border Farmers: In Mexico’s Mexicali Valley, Colorado River cutbacks are pushing mandatory fallowing, but locals fear no compensation will be offered. EU Grain Tensions: Romania and Poland reject EU calls to help unblock Ukrainian grain, saying domestic farm pressure and port congestion are already hurting local sales. Livestock & Feed Pressure: UK farmers are bracing for winter forage shortages after a tough summer, with guidance urging tighter forage budgeting and alternative feed planning. Farm Safety & Costs: A major Australian dairy land dispute is brewing over the Marinus Link undersea power cable, with farmers warning access easements could disrupt operations. Security Threats to Farming: Nigeria’s kidnappings are keeping farmers away from fields, raising food security fears as ransoms and missing people climb.

Fuel Relief Push: Ohio farmers brace for harvest squeeze as diesel prices surge; a 90-day motor fuel tax suspension signed into law aims to cut costs at the pump. Drought & El Niño Support: Philippines’ DA Bicol is preparing P3.3B for farmers and fisherfolk, including crop insurance, irrigation, seeds and machinery, as El Niño risk rises. Data-Driven Farming: Agusan del Sur lawmakers urge soil testing before fertilizer and crop decisions, warning blanket recommendations waste money. Sugarcane Safeguards: Philippines House Speaker Faustino Dy III backs stronger protections for sugarcane growers via the proposed TUBO Act after farmer-industry consultations in Negros. Livestock Health: Scotland extends bluetongue restrictions and calls for vaccination to protect herds and keep trade moving. Regional Food Security: Guyana’s President Ali says agricultural expansion is a CARICOM duty, linking local production to inter-island trade. Agritourism Grants: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust offer up to $10,000 to help farmers host guests and diversify income. EU CAP Liquidity: Spain’s Galicia sets Oct 20 to pay €47m CAP advances to boost farm cash flow.

Boko Haram Violence: Suspected Boko Haram attackers killed 15 farmers and abducted three in Marte, Borno State, as victims were reportedly executed after being tied up while working farms and gathering firewood. Farm Safety & Risk: The Ohio Department of Agriculture completed a grain audit of United Equity Inc. and found the handler in failure, triggering access to the Ohio Grain Indemnity Fund for eligible farmers who delivered grain. Women in Ag Policy: RSS leader Ramlal urged women farmers to lead agricultural policymaking, calling for legal and social recognition as independent decision-makers and entrepreneurs. Ag Tech for Resilience: Togo is expanding cooperation with Kyrgyzstan’s new satellite program to use Earth observation data for crop and pasture monitoring, drought detection, and yield estimates. Input Cost Relief: The European Commission approved €170m in Bulgarian state aid to help farmers offset higher fuel and fertiliser prices. Local Diversification: Two Iowa farmers shifted from hogs to mushrooms, repurposing former livestock buildings into a value-added mushroom business. Market & Community: Cardigan Farmers’ Market marks its first anniversary with October events, while Ozark Fall Farmfest returns for its 47th year showcasing farm tech and livestock.

El Niño Planning: In the Philippines’ Sablayan, farmers are reshaping cropping plans as officials warn water shortages could last longer than expected, prioritizing irrigated rice and steering non-irrigated land toward lower-water crops like mongo and corn while seeking solar and fuel support for irrigation. EU Cost Relief: The European Commission approved a €170 million Bulgarian state-aid scheme for farmers hit by higher fuel and fertiliser prices, with payments expected to be completed by year-end. US Conservation Push: USDA is boosting its Regenerative Agriculture Pilot to $1 billion for 2027, building on oversubscription in 2026 and expanding whole-farm conservation planning and technical help. Diesel Relief Fight: Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner urged Gov. Beshear to pause a ban on using untaxed diesel on public roads, as farmers across the US press for fuel-cost relief. Farmer Protests: Irish farmers protested outside a Dublin restaurant tied to Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin after claims it served non-free-range foreign chicken. Market & Research Moves: Wisconsin opened applications for its Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants (up to $200,000 total), while USDA leaders met SC State 1890 researchers to expand farm-focused soil health and disease-resistance work.

Trade Boost: Argentina’s EU agricultural exports rose 21% in the first four months after the Mercosur-EU deal, with tariff-cut products up 44% versus the prior three-year average. Fuel Pressure: Diesel costs are squeezing farmers across the US Midwest and beyond, driving calls for emergency relief and eased rules; Wisconsin candidate Rebecca Cooke held a diesel-and-fertilizer roundtable with Westby farmers, while Minnesota and other states moved to raise weight limits or expand cheaper diesel access during harvest. Budget Moves: The Philippines House agriculture budget amendments cleared an extra P16B for 2027, including more fertilizer support and solar pump irrigation funding. Drought & Flood Impacts: Chile chile growers in Hatch reported major crop damage after heavy flooding, while Wisconsin farmers reported yield drops in drought-hit areas. Farm Finance Gap: IFC says under 5% of Nigeria’s commercial bank lending goes to agriculture, highlighting a major development gap. Tech for Farmers: New soil-sensor testing found mid-range probes can outperform pricier devices, and Massey Ferguson launched a platform to connect mixed fleets and farm data. Youth & Skills: Nigeria and other countries pushed TVET and digital training for agriculture, while a Philippines film festival spotlighted agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Budget Boost for Farmers: The Philippines House subcommittee approved an extra P16B for the Department of Agriculture in the 2027 budget, including more fertilizer help and funding for solar pump irrigation and hybrid solar ice plants. El Niño Readiness: A Central Luzon initiative is also breaking ground on an Agribusiness Incubation Center to help marginal farmers process, train, and reach markets. Local El Niño Mitigation: One province proposed a P53.02M plan for heat-tolerant seeds, organic fertilizer, pest supplies, and water equipment, plus fish aggregating devices. Farm Skills & Savings: Practical Farmers of Iowa opened applications for its Savings Incentive Program, pairing beginning farmers with mentors while matching up to $4,000 saved. Technical Support Push: Guyana’s Region Three is getting direct extension support, land clearing, fertilizers, and planting materials. Animal Health Compensation: Bulgaria approved up to EUR 1.8M to compensate small ruminant farmers affected by sheep and goat pox restrictions. Fuel Relief at Harvest: Missouri and Minnesota moved to ease diesel and transport burdens for farmers during harvest. Market & Trade Signals: USDA reported pork export sales above average and beef up week-on-week, with soybeans, wheat, and rice also improving.

Drought Relief & Food Security: Agusan del Sur in the Philippines has been placed under a state of calamity after El Niño cut irrigation and damaged crops worth about P3.5 billion, with rice hardest hit as thousands of farmers struggle to plant. India Onion Procurement Scrutiny: Maharashtra has launched an inquiry into alleged irregularities in Nashik onion procurement under the PSF scheme, asking farmers to submit complaints and supporting documents. Farmers’ Fuel Cost Pressure: Indiana extended its gas tax suspension and eased dyed-diesel restrictions for farm use during harvest, while Missouri also temporarily allows dyed diesel on highways for farm-related vehicles to curb transport costs. Ghana Food Systems Funding: Ghana’s agriculture committee backed a National Agriculture Development Fund to speed investment across production, storage and processing, citing NAFCO’s turnaround to GH¢96m profit in 2025. Policy & Payments Friction (UK): England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive funding (SFI) was fully allocated in under six hours, leaving some farmers calling the process unfair and urging changes for SFI27. Regulation Watch (India): SEBI cancelled registrations of three alternative investment funds after they failed to file required quarterly reports.

UAE Dates & Trade: Sharjah’s SCCI will launch the Al Dhaid Date Festival 2026 on 8 October, bringing together date growers, retailers and agricultural experts to boost Emirati date sales and market links. Kyrgyz Ag Expo: Kyrgyzstan’s Day of Agricultural Workers will run Oct. 23-25 in Bishkek with AgroTechExpo 2026 and the Altyn Kyz fair, featuring drones, the iDiykan farmer platform, and local food and livestock stalls. Food Prices Push Markets: Guyana’s agriculture minister says weekly farmers’ markets will tackle high food prices by cutting middle-men markups, starting with a launch event in Sophia. Livestock Supply Boost: Guyana expects about 1,000 pregnant heifers via a Brazil shipment schedule to strengthen its breeding herd, with more arrivals planned over coming weeks. Diesel Relief in the US: Arkansas and Indiana governors extended emergency measures to ease harvest fuel costs, including temporary dyed-diesel rule changes for farmers and loggers. Drought Pressure in India: Mayiladuthurai farmers in Tamil Nadu demand drought-hit status and Rs 15,000 per acre relief after water shortages disrupt Samba cultivation. Regenerative Standards Move: Perdue Farms backs a new environmental board of trade to standardize regenerative agriculture claims and related credits. Caribbean Food Security Plan: Caribbean ministers discuss a “One Country, One Product” approach plus investment in climate-smart infrastructure and transport to strengthen regional food systems.

Trade & Tariffs: China and the US agreed to extend their trade truce and cut tariffs on about $60 billion of goods, with China planning reductions on U.S. farm products like corn, wheat, meat, dairy and vegetable oils (soybeans excluded). Food Security & Procurement: India’s Food Reserve Agency closed the 2026 maize marketing season after buying over 2 million tonnes, with an expected total of 2.7 million tonnes. Climate & Weather Risk: A “super” El Niño is raising alarms for global weather swings, while Tropical Depression 26W formed near Saipan, triggering tropical storm watches for parts of the Northern Marianas. Farmer Costs & Policy: Michigan farmers face harvest pressure after a dry summer, with extra drying costs looming; in the US, rising long-term Treasury yields and high diesel prices add strain to farm budgets. Mechanisation & Support: Zambia’s WFP-backed projects aim to help smallholders build resilience through integrated land management, and North West South Africa handed out tractors and sprayers to shared farmer cooperatives. Local Disruption: Odisha, India, saw a 12-hour bandh over alleged textbook errors, disrupting parts of daily life. Agri-Tech & Training: Nairobi’s trade fair is pushing climate-smart tech for farmers, and Greece’s Farm Food Future opened applications for a second training cycle.

Pesticide costs and competition: Minnesota says a settlement with Corteva will end a loyalty program that allegedly steered distributors away from cheaper generics, with 10 years of compliance oversight and $1.25M paid to the state. EU farm squeeze: EU ministers warn extreme heat, drought and wildfires cost farmers about €14B–€17B, pushing calls for more water storage, better irrigation and wider insurance. Animal health alert: Wisconsin confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County, with the virus also found in local deer; officials urge vets for suspected cases. Trade and policy: The U.S. Senate is set to consider Trump’s nomination of Greg Ibach to lead USDA trade and foreign agricultural affairs, aiming to expand export markets. Farm bill gridlock: Oklahoma producers face renewed uncertainty as the U.S. Senate delays Farm Bill 2.0, leaving negotiations deadlocked. Water funding: New York awarded about $25M for on-farm water quality projects, while Iowa highlights Source Water Protection Week and private well support. Drought response in India: Maharashtra released Rs 6,728 crore under employment guarantee schemes for drought-affected rural works and water conservation. Tech for yields: Michigan reporting highlights how combine settings and operator skill can prevent soybean harvest losses.

Agriculture Policy & Finance: The IRS and Treasury issued proposed rules letting eligible sellers of qualifying farmland pay tax on gains in four equal annual installments, aimed at keeping farmland in agricultural use. Drought & Risk Management: India’s agriculture ministry is preparing contingency plans for a possible deficient-rain rabi season, with weekly monitoring and crop-specific strategies. Animal Health: A bluetongue outbreak is spreading in the UK, with vets urging vaccination as farmers report fertility and herd impacts. Farm Inputs & Food Security: Zambia’s FISP redemption is underway in Vubwi, with 2,720 of 8,000 beneficiaries already redeeming inputs and officials pushing early-maturing, climate-resilient crops ahead of El Niño. Energy for Farmers: Vikram Solar secured a 400 MW module order for decentralised solar projects in Maharashtra, supporting agricultural feeder solarisation. Land & Conservation: Florida and Polk County preserved 991 acres of working farmland via rural protection easements. Research & Training: Ireland’s ATU launched new veterinary facilities and a herd health hub to support farmers and students. Trade & Markets: China approved fresh South African cherries that meet phytosanitary rules, opening a growth channel for growers. Rural Development: Kyrgyzstan and California discussed expanding trade and investment cooperation.

Drought Relief Delayed in Maharashtra: Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule says farmers won’t get immediate cash; aid will come only after crop-loss panchnamas confirm eligible losses. Harvest Disrupted by Wet Weather: In Saskatchewan, harvest is “moving very slowly” as September rain keeps cereals too damp to dry, forcing farmers to switch toward canola. El Niño Planning in the Philippines: The DA in Mimaropa is preparing a ₱147m package for El Niño impacts, including seed and fertilizer prepositioning and a fuel subsidy of ₱5,000 for eligible farmers. Rabi Risk Warning for India: India’s agriculture leadership says El Niño could make rabi tough for rainfed areas, urging state crop plans based on water and soil moisture. Pesticide Prices Cut in the US: The FTC and states reached a settlement with Corteva that dismantles loyalty programs blocking generics, aiming to lower pesticide costs for farmers. Women in Farming Spotlight: India’s inaugural “Female Farmer Worker Conference” in Delhi will recognize women’s role across 60–80% of farm activities. Conservation Win in Cambodia: Cambodia designated its first Genetic Conservation Area for Siamese crocodiles, protecting 315 hectares of wetland habitat. Irrigation Modernization in Morocco: Australia’s Rubicon Water won a $12m project to modernize Tadla canals and expand pressurized drip irrigation.

Drought Relief Pressure (India): Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 talukas and is preparing crop inspection reports, with relief measures including loan restructuring, land revenue concessions and power bill subsidies as El Niño risks loom. Loan Waiver Demands (India): NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar has submitted 17 demands to the Maharashtra CM, calling for a full waiver of farm and allied loans plus ₹1 lakh per hectare and a special legislative session. Rubber Export Row (Liberia): Rubber farmers are pushing back hard against Executive Order 166 on raw rubber exports, saying it’s flooding warehouses, breaking contracts and forcing smallholders into distress sales. Trade Signals for Farmers (US-China): The US will ship some farm goods to China under lower-tariff recommendations, but soybeans are excluded and still face an extra 10% tariff. Animal Health Cost (UK/Ireland): Bluetongue vaccine delays are blamed for 15% ewe losses on an English farm, with calls for faster outbreak information and quicker action. Input Support (Bahrain): Bahrain opens applications for subsidised urea fertiliser via a GPIC-backed partnership. Crop Risk Tech (Ghana): GAIP pilots rainfall-based “germination index” insurance to pay smallholders without farm-by-farm assessors. Invasive Pest Watch (Japan): Raccoon damage to crops is surging, nearing 700 million yen a year as they spread into cities.

Texas Agriculture Politics: A Texas agriculture commissioner candidate, Clayton Tucker, amplified claims from a rancher that a nearby AI data center is linked to “stillbirth after stillbirth” in cattle, though the report lacks public verification and has sparked debate. Middle East Conflict & Farms: Israeli artillery shelled agricultural land near Kodana Dam in Syria’s Quneitra, with no casualties reported. India Land Rights: Karnataka farmers around Bidadi asked the CM for permission for “mercy killing” if fertile land is acquired for a township, warning of livelihood collapse. Maharashtra Drought Relief: Maharashtra officials say they’ll extend help to drought-hit farmers after declaring 265 talukas affected, including loan restructuring and land-revenue concessions. Tech for Crop Protection: Pune-area pomegranate growers are using solar and night-vision CCTV to stop theft during harvest. Livestock Disease Impact: Namibia’s Grootfontein Show continues without livestock auctions after foot-and-mouth disease restrictions. Trade & Food Security: Nigeria’s governor urged treating agriculture as a full economic system, not just food production, as Agri-Connect Nigeria launches. Policy on Pork: The Philippines’ agriculture department proposed phased higher pork import duties as local hog prices fall.

Climate Risk for Farmers: The Philippines’ agriculture ministry says El Niño is now hitting 14 of 18 regions, damaging crops across 223,214 farmers and about 249,028 hectares, with damage estimated at P6.87 billion. Digital Credit Access: Kyrgyzstan plans fully online farmer lending via the iDyikan platform, letting farmers apply and track preferential loans without visiting banks. Soil Health Training: Ireland is inviting farmers to a free six-week course on soil health, regenerative agriculture and agroecology starting Oct. 8. Water Stress in India: Tamil Nadu’s Mettur dam level fell to 80.52 feet as releases outpaced inflows, leaving Cauvery delta farmers waiting to plant samba paddy. Drought Relief in Maharashtra: India’s state government declared 265 talukas drought-affected and set relief measures including crop loan restructuring and power bill subsidies, with aid tied to ground assessments. Agri Trade & Markets: India-New Zealand’s FTA is set to enter into force Oct. 20, and APEDA flagged off a GI-tagged Kalaburagi tur dal shipment to the Maldives, boosting farmer prices through export-linked channels. Farm Economy Pressure: South Africa’s fresh produce markets show onions still near record highs while carrots and tomatoes eased, reflecting shifting supply conditions.