AGP Executive Report

USDA Funding Boost: USDA announced about $2.4M available via the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program to back production, marketing, animal health, and risk management, with at least 80% pushed to producer-focused subawards. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA will spend $25M on an Arizona facility to disperse sterile flies to fight New World screwworm, as it prepares to resume Mexican cattle imports. PFAS Court Fight: Plaintiffs in a PFAS contamination case against Perdue asked a judge to lift a mediation pause and sanction the company after talks were canceled. Disaster on the Ground: A major fire damaged Iowa’s AgriStar Meat & Poultry plant in Postville, triggering a smoke advisory and water conservation request while crews respond. Animal Health Preparedness: Trinidad and Tobago completed a highly pathogenic avian influenza simulation exercise with FAO support to strengthen detection and response. Climate Pressure on Farms: Kenya’s farmers brace for El Niño-driven flooding after crop failures from failed rains. Trade & Branding: Philippines’ DA and IPOPHL renewed a partnership to protect geographical indications for priority agri-fishery exports. Policy for Farmers: Colorado’s new agriculture laws take effect Aug. 12, including rules on labeling Colorado-grown products and a diseased livestock indemnity fund. Market Watch: Soybeans and corn slid on weather expectations and crop outlook uncertainty, while cattle futures were mixed.

Food Security Funding Debate (Philippines): Philippine farm and fish groups praised President Marcos’ SONA agriculture push but warned subsidies may be hard to sustain amid fiscal strain and weaker focus on export growth. Flood Mitigation (Philippines): Cotabato province says continuous dredging has cleared at least 39 km of waterways and reduced monsoon flooding impacts, with amphibious excavators deployed across multiple towns. Drone Regulation (Malaysia): Malaysia reported 250,000 drones registered and is drafting a regulatory framework for low-altitude operations, with public consultation starting in August and a target launch later this year. Protein Policy Clash (EU): Europe’s Protein Action Plan drew criticism from seafood groups for excluding aquatic foods from the framework, raising concerns about future visibility in food-security planning. Poultry Import Cut Plan (Ghana): Ghana’s Bechem poultry project is 50% complete and aims to cut poultry imports by more than half by building a feed and processing value chain. Food Safety (US): Investigators continue probing a cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with irrigation contamination suspected. Farm-to-Market Infrastructure (Liberia): Liberia began handing over heavy road equipment to counties to improve feeder roads and boost access for agriculture. Wildlife Conservation (Nepal): Nepal’s tiger census reports 429 tigers in 2026, up from 121 in 2009, citing expanding protected habitats.

Policy & Markets: Philippines’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. says the President’s Sona put food security, higher farm incomes, and export expansion at the center of the agenda. Pest Watch: In the sugar belt, the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) has been found in Sultan Kudarat, with officials ramping up monitoring and planning science-based control. Emergency Response: The DA is backing a P35-million Visayas intervention for RSSI control, including drones and chemical supplies across Negros Island and Western Visayas. Co-op Push: The Philippine Senate passed two agriculture bills to strengthen agricultural and fisheries cooperatives and expand extension services. Food & Health: Delaware unveiled a statewide “Food Is Medicine” pathway, using $1M in federal support to link patients with fresh food to prevent chronic disease. Risk & Resilience: Greece reported 25 agricultural/forest fires in 24 hours, with crews containing most early and investigating causes. Local Food Systems: Missouri opened Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant funding for projects that expand local food production and access. Water Stress: Kelowna urged agricultural users to cut water use as drought has pushed reservoir capacity down to about 70%.

Philippines Farm Policy Push: The Senate passed two agriculture bills to strengthen agricultural and fisheries cooperatives and expand extension services, aiming to modernize training and support farmers. Marcos Rural Aid: Ahead of the next season, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rolled out cash, farm machinery and inputs under “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang,” including rice support via local funds. Tarlac Land-Use Fight: A celebrity-backed backlash against the Pax Silica AI hub in Tarlac warns it could displace farmers and disrupt local livelihoods. Africa Financing & Climate Risk: UN ECA urged Africa to mobilize more domestic resources as El Niño-linked drought and flooding threaten rain-fed farming and food security. Supply Chain Reform (Indonesia): Indonesia plans to cut farm supply-chain stages from eight to three using village cooperatives to boost farmer earnings and bring subsidized fertilizer closer to villages. EU/UK Aquaculture Blueprint: The UK unveiled a policy blueprint to scale land-based seafood via recirculating aquaculture systems, while the EU approved €149m state aid for agri and aquaculture firms facing higher fuel and fertilizer costs. Market Pressure & Trade: South Africa’s sugar industry faces a crisis as imports nearly double in early 2026, while Croatia’s dairy and beef outlook points to falling self-sufficiency by 2030. On-the-ground Disruptions: Wildfires in Spain are threatening livestock livelihoods, and Romania faces moderate to extreme soil drought impacts on corn regions.

Livestock Trade & Prices: The USDA is lifting the ban on Mexican cattle imports, with phased border reopening starting Aug. 24, as screwworm controls continue—Texas ranchers warn the bigger near-term risk is market disruption, not disease. Beef Market Outlook: A Texas A&M report says summer 2026 meat prices should stay near record highs but move more steadily than last year’s swings. Livestock Health & Biosecurity: Texas ranchers and experts are also battling a pasture mealybug threat, raising concerns for hay and cattle producers. Water Stress for Crops: In Canada’s Okanagan, farmers face unprecedented mid-summer irrigation shutoffs after exceeding allotments, with orchards at risk of major losses. Fertilizer & Legal Fight: An Idaho agribusiness asks the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a ruling tied to a tribal land transfer over contamination concerns from a planned fertilizer plant expansion. Mechanization Push: The Philippines reports distributing nearly 35,000 farm machines since 2019 to cut labor costs and postharvest losses, including tractors, harvesters, dryers and precision seeders. Research Continuity: Saskatchewan and Ottawa sign an MOU to keep Indian Head and Scott Research Farms operating, aiming to protect crop innovation capacity. Food Security & Climate: FAO warns Europe and Central Asia face rising affordability challenges as climate shocks and geopolitical stress reshape food security. Organic Expansion: Will County, Illinois harvests its first certified organic crop on forest preserve land, marking a shift from conventional fields to organic practices.

Philippines Farm Shield: In Marcos Jr.’s SONA, agricultural insurance payouts hit P19 billion over four years, with coverage expanding beyond crops to livestock and fisheries as avian flu and African swine fever threaten livelihoods. Food Supply Infrastructure: Food Terminal Inc. plans about P20 billion for five “mega” food hubs plus cold-chain links to cut logistics costs and postharvest losses, aiming to support lower retail prices. Fisherfolk vs. Commercial Pressure: Small-scale fishers protested before SONA, warning commercial fishing, reclamation projects and US military activity are encroaching on municipal waters and displacing coastal communities. Sustainable Rice Heritage: Lake Sebu in South Cotabato was recognized by FAO as the Philippines’ first “FAO Village,” backing an heirloom rice seed bank and a rice museum with P2.5 million support. Kenya Blue Economy: Kenya earmarked KES 8.2 billion for fisheries landing sites and facilities, including cold storage and ice plants, with IFAD support for Lake Victoria upgrades. Zimbabwe Mechanisation Push: Zimbabwe plans to roll out 35,000 tractors so every village gets at least one, targeting productivity gains and stronger food security. Australia Paraquat Shift: Syngenta will stop selling paraquat in Australia under tighter safety rules, though generics will remain—raising questions for weed-control choices. South Australia Bird Flu Watch: Authorities reported seven new suspected H5N1 cases in crested terns, with samples sent for confirmatory testing and surveillance increased around high-risk seabirds.

Philippines Sona pressure on food and farm livelihoods: Ahead of President Marcos Jr.’s fifth Sona, fisherfolk in Zambales urged stronger West Philippine Sea patrols and sustained fuel/food aid, saying harassment and high costs are squeezing coastal work. Land-use and food security fears from Pax Silica: An agricultural workers’ group in Central Luzon opposed the US-led Pax Silica economic security zone, warning it could accelerate land conversion, depress wages, and harm nearby communities and food production. Meat import strain and ASF backdrop: The Philippines’ meat imports rose 12% in H1 2026, with pork up 11% as African swine fever keeps domestic hog output below full productivity; policy changes raised the minimum access volume for lower-tariff pork. Biofuel demand cools with pump prices: USDA expects Philippine fuel ethanol and biodiesel growth to slow in 2026 as higher gasoline prices and limited E20 rollout temper uptake. Angola irrigation boost: Angola inaugurated two irrigated perimeters in Cuanza-Norte—Cacala (312 ha) and Coreia-1 (314 ha)—to support thousands of farming families and expand commercial agriculture. India pest threat to cash crops: Kerala’s Bison Valley faces an expanding African snail outbreak damaging cardamom; Kerala Agricultural University is promoting area-wide control methods. Nigeria fertilizer push: Kaduna Governor Uba Sani flagged off free fertilizer and tractor distribution to 150,000 smallholders, continuing a multi-year input support drive. Zimbabwe illegal ARVs in poultry: Zimbabwean farmers reportedly mix antiretroviral drugs into chicken feed to boost growth and disease resistance, raising serious food-safety and public health concerns. Texas screwworm containment update: Oklahoma’s state veterinarian said active New World screwworm cases in Texas have fallen to 10, suggesting containment efforts are working.

Migrant labour crunch in South Africa: Anti-migrant protests and tougher immigration enforcement have triggered an exodus of 160,000+ foreign workers, leaving farms and factories short-staffed and threatening harvests in citrus, vineyards and sugarcane. Trade push for agri value chains: Ghana and India unveiled plans to target a $6bn trade boost over the next decade, with agriculture and food processing, cold-chain upgrades and storage among the key pillars. Fertiliser support in Nigeria: Kaduna State flagged off free fertiliser and tractors for 150,000 smallholders, aiming to protect cultivation and yields amid rising input costs. Climate risk warning for Southern Africa: FAO says Botswana faces a high risk of severe agricultural drought as El Niño strengthens, raising stakes for crops, livestock and food security. Input fraud probe in India: Kerala police seized 1,360 bags of subsidised urea allegedly diverted to a polymer factory, with investigations into how it was obtained. USDA disaster aid: USDA granted a disaster designation for Ulster County farms hit by an April freeze, unlocking low-interest emergency loans for orchards and vineyards. Agritech expansion: Malaysia’s Qarbotech says its QarboGrow photosynthesis enhancer is now used by nearly 7,500 farmers worldwide, with pilots underway in Japan. Pest pressure in the US: New Jersey officials warn spotted lanternflies remain endemic and farmers should keep up control efforts. Labour and drought hit women farm workers (India): In Telangana’s Adilabad, delayed monsoon and dry spells have reduced work for women agricultural labourers, prompting calls for guaranteed employment.

Qatar Food Security & Heritage: The 11th Souq Waqif Local Dates Festival opened with 125 Qatari farms, up from 19 in 2016, giving producers a direct sales boost and showcasing varieties like Ikhlas and Barhi plus seasonal fruits. US–Mexico Livestock Trade: USDA will reopen U.S. cattle and horse livestock ports on the southern border in phases from Aug. 24 after a year-plus screwworm ban, with strict veterinary checks at Douglas, Arizona and later New Mexico ports. Climate & Water Stress: Saskatchewan’s flood debate is intensifying over agricultural drainage oversight, with farmers and residents blaming different causes as regulators push for coordinated solutions. Farm Income Under El Niño: India’s government is warning that up to 32 lakh acres may be left fallow and is urging irrigated dry crops and fodder to protect farmer incomes. Agri-Processing Push in Nigeria: Six Nigerian governors are studying Ethiopia and Benin models to build agro-processing hubs and move from raw exports to value-added manufacturing. Food Safety Enforcement: Bulgaria’s fisheries inspectors seized two poaching boats with 500+ kg of black mussels near Varna, citing illegal harvesting in prohibited channels. Organic Support: Fiji’s Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network delivered equipment to 195 organic farmers to strengthen productivity and resilience. Disaster Relief (US): New York designated 32 counties for USDA disaster aid after spring frost, freeze, hail, wind and flooding damaged apples, grapes and other crops.

US–Philippines Market Access: The Philippines says it can reapply to resume blue swimming crab exports to the US, aiming for approval before year-end after a June 11 ban tied to dolphin bycatch monitoring. Food Security & Local Production: Malaysia’s Labuan urged a push into greenhouse farming to cut heavy reliance on mainland Sabah, warning that supply shocks can quickly hit essentials like eggs and cooking oil. Agri Support for Smallholders: Malaysia’s plantation ministry reports 144,894 smallholders approved for BUDI Agrikomoditi aid, but says many eligible farmers still haven’t registered. Climate Resilience: Telangana’s agriculture minister pressed micro-irrigation firms to speed drip and sprinkler rollouts ahead of El Niño. Trade & Policy Pressure: A Philippine farmers’ group graded the Marcos administration’s agriculture performance as barely passing to failing, citing stagnant yields and rising import dependence. Market Disruption: Selangor’s wholesale market says operations are continuing after a July 23 fire, with the cause under investigation. Fisheries Governance: Angola says over 4,000 fishing vessels operate clandestinely off Luanda, matching the number of legalized boats. UK Farm Succession: Changes to inheritance tax relief for agricultural property took effect, raising thresholds but keeping planning urgent for cash-poor estates.

US Farm Policy & Input Costs: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig urged the Senate to push year-round E15 nationwide, arguing for a policy override of EPA limits that currently restrict sales in summer. Specialty Crops Under Pressure: Farm Bureau says specialty growers are facing the same cost squeeze as row crops, with a report citing $7B+ in 2025 losses and no quick improvement in 2026; the National Potato Council adds that USDA specialty-crop aid is reaching only about a third of allocated funds due to eligibility hurdles. Trade & Tariffs: Oil prices rose for the week as new US tariffs loom and supply risks grow, while Washington weighs potential retaliatory tariffs on EU goods tied to tech fines. Climate & Weather Risks: Western Corn Belt drought recovery may get a boost from monsoon moisture and an anticipated El Niño, though timing remains uncertain. EU Livestock Policy Backlash: The EU’s new Livestock Strategy is being criticized as “lipstick on a pig” after earlier emission-cut plans threatened to reduce herds. Disaster Relief: Connecticut is finally unlocking $53M in federal disaster relief for farmers after delays, with applications expected to open in the fall. Farm Governance & Security: Nebraska passed new protections for agriculture and critical infrastructure, including penalties aimed at threats like unauthorized ag pathogens. Farmer Protests & Sovereignty: Indian farmers staged nationwide action against proposed US FTAs, warning they could undermine food sovereignty and rural livelihoods. Local Ag Life: Minnesota named 2026 Farm Families of the Year ahead of Farmfest, while fairs and expo coverage highlights ongoing community farming culture.

Food Security & Production: China reported record summer grain output of 150.75m tonnes and said high-standard farmland and seed upgrades are supporting consecutive harvests. Rural Economy: China also flagged steady H1 growth in rural investment and consumption, with rural retail sales rising and trade totaling $163.78bn. Ag Tech & Monitoring: Namibia’s agriculture ministry is facing scrutiny over a $39.5m AI-backed crop monitoring deal with a US firm, as analysts call for more transparency and local safeguards. Soil & Natural Farming: India said it has issued 25.89 crore soil health cards and expanded natural farming to 8.8 lakh hectares, alongside more demonstrations and trained “Krishi Sakhis.” Climate-Smart Farming: Kenya’s counties are adopting agroecology policies, but stakeholders warn implementation and budgets must catch up. Agri Innovation Funding: UK-based Moa Technology raised €25.9m to tackle herbicide-resistant weeds. Policy & Governance: Moldova’s agriculture minister Radu Musteata resigned amid a political scandal, while Ghana’s central bank said it will sell remaining stakes in its agricultural and investment banks.

Irrigation Boost: President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, a P866.2m system expected to supply year-round water to 1,072 hectares and help 425 farmers shift from rain-dependent planting to steadier yields and incomes. Brand Protection: Nepal’s industry ministry met FAO to push laws for protecting local products and introducing geographical indications, warning that unregistered brands are being claimed abroad. Pollinator Pressure: Oregon’s native mason bees are under threat as a “backyard conservation boom” draws attention—and new predators—raising concerns for key agricultural pollination. Regenerative Insurance: Michigan launched a NextGen Crop Insurance pilot for regenerative corn and soybean practices, aiming to let farmers change management without losing coverage tied to yield-only models. Food Security Politics: Oklahoma City joined mayors nationwide urging Congress to strengthen SNAP in the next farm bill as a deepening food security crisis grows. Climate Stress: Heat and drought are testing Midwest crops, while Kansas fields show cracking soils and worsening moisture stress. Water Scarcity in Avocados: A Michoacán study links high-yield avocado expansion to aquifer depletion and rising water stress, threatening both production and drinking water. Timber & Wildfire Risk: USDA guaranteed $80m in loans for Oregon and Nevada sawmills to expand processing and reduce wildfire risk. Market Watch: Grain and livestock futures were mixed, with corn and soybeans slightly higher and wheat lower as traders keep one eye on weather. Food Safety: FDA is investigating a new cyclospora outbreak with 72+ illnesses and no confirmed source yet, prompting guidance for consumers to be selective while tracing continues. Tech for Farms: Malawi’s university rolled out an AI-powered fertigation system to automate irrigation and fertiliser use for climate-smart greenhouse production.

Agribusiness Finance & Innovation: Moa Technology launched a £22.2m Series C to advance novel mode-of-action herbicides, co-led by Oxford Science Enterprises and Supernova Invest. Policy & Land Access: Kyrgyzstan’s audit flagged 722.9m soms in violations in the agriculture ministry, while a separate proposal would let foreign investors use state land for up to 50 years under the Land Code’s temporary-use rules. Food & Farm Inputs Integrity: In the Philippines, a supplier was ordered to stop selling “DA” inbred rice seed after complaints that government-distributed seed was being resold, with authorities seizing sacks marked “DA” and “Not For Sale.” Climate, Water & Risk: The Sahel is seeing major groundwater recovery after decades of drought, as rains refill wells and lakes; meanwhile, Selangor (Malaysia) is pushing coastal defenses after identifying erosion along 350km of shoreline and planning upgrades. Agriculture Meets Energy: Ireland’s biomethane deal will take 26GWh annually from agri-food and animal by-products in Meath, supporting transport decarbonisation. Market Pulse: CME feeder cattle slipped on Midwest heat and higher feed costs, while grain prices firmed.

Agriculture Education & Workforce: Montana educator Lauren Vick won a $1,500 scholarship to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference, aiming to bring fresh farming ideas back to Power Public Schools. Local Fundraising for Fairs: Three Ontario agricultural societies are running a joint 50/50 raffle to support the Cobden, Renfrew and Arnprior fairs, with tickets sold online and at events. Ag Training & Safety: Monroe County, Michigan first responders trained for grain bin rescues funded by a Farm Bureau grant, including new rescue equipment for two fire departments. Extension Investment: University of Missouri Extension is expanding farm tours and upgrading research and education centers to better serve producers statewide. Food Security: FAO reports global hunger fell to 7.8% in 2025, down from 35% in 1970, though 645 million people still face hunger. Plant Health Alert: California confirmed citrus yellow vein clearing virus in a Lodi residential tree, triggering quarantine and surveys. Water & Land Stewardship: Texas A&M AgriLife will host rainwater harvesting and turf training, plus a certified applicator academy focused on integrated pest management and watershed protection.

El Niño Prep: Philippines’ Kidapawan City Agriculture Office is buying and distributing free heat-tolerant vegetable seedlings and seeds to schools and community gardens ahead of El Niño, aiming to protect local food supply. Fisheries Upgrade: Philippines’ agriculture chief inspected a new 60-metric-ton ice plant at Bulan Fish Port in Sorsogon and outlined plans to expand it into a five-hectare agro-marine industrial hub by 2028 to cut post-harvest losses. Disaster Relief Finance: GSIS in the Philippines has set aside ₱520.08m in emergency funding for members and pensioners hit by dengue and sugarcane pest crises in La Union and Negros Occidental. Farm Safety Push: Teagasc will host a major EU conference in November focused on making farming safer and more attractive for workers. Pesticide Politics in France: France’s environment minister resigned after a bill temporarily re-legalized two banned pesticides for certain crops, sparking fresh controversy over impacts on bees. Food Security Wins: FAO says the Dominican Republic has dropped below the hunger threshold and is removed from the World Hunger Map. Climate-Smart Water Use: California Central Valley growers facing water limits are turning to solar-plus-storage projects to keep farming viable. Agri Jobs Pipeline: Philippines’ Senate agriculture chair urged stronger support and on-the-job training for agriculture students to attract younger farmers.