AGP Executive Report

Biosecurity Alert: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, the first Texas case since 1966, triggering quarantines, movement controls, sterile fly releases, and heightened surveillance that could rattle cattle markets and rancher planning. Policy & Trade: New Zealand’s special ag trade envoy Nathan Guy weighed in on proposed Trump tariff changes, while industry groups are also watching fertilizer and potash tariff-free access in ongoing CUSMA talks. Farm Labor: Vermont dairy workers are pushing for basic labor protections, describing long, low-paid shifts and weak safeguards on farms. Ag Finance: The U.S. SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for Pennsylvania small businesses and private nonprofits hit by a mid-April freeze, with eligibility for small ag cooperatives. Export Pathways: Cambodia and China signed SPS and quarantine cooperation deals to expand Cambodian beef and dried longan exports. Mechanisation Push: Punjab, Pakistan is accelerating mechanisation via tractor subsidies, interest-free loans for high-tech equipment, and super seeder support to cut rice residue burning. Jobs & Food Security: Ghana launched the AgriConnect Compact to boost productivity, value addition, and resilience, targeting 2.6M+ jobs by 2035.

US Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—the first U.S. detection in decades—prompting a 20 km infested zone, quarantines, movement controls, surveillance, and expedited sterile fly releases. Trade & Market Access: The Philippines sent its first commercial shipment of fresh carabao mangoes to Toronto (1 metric ton), with a second shipment planned next week. Agri-Finance & Storage: Pakistan launched an agri-storage portfolio financing facility to mobilize up to PKR 7.1bn for silos, warehouses, and cold storage, targeting reduced post-harvest losses. Climate & Exports: South Africa’s citrus growers warned flood damage in Eastern and Western Cape could cut export volumes by at least 5% as roads and orchards take hits. Policy & Compliance: FAO support in Comoros is shifting food import controls toward a structured, risk-based approach to better protect consumers. EU Support for Farmers: The EU pledged €50mn+ for Armenia after Russia’s new restrictions hit agri-food and flowers, including help to find alternative markets.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a suspected New World screwworm case in south Texas, with officials moving to contain and eradicate the flesh-eating parasite after it spread through Mexico—an event that’s already rattling cattle markets. Trade & Inputs: A new look at the U.S. fertilizer supply chain shows heavy reliance on imports for key nutrients, especially potassium (mostly from Canada), raising stakes for crop costs and planting decisions. Bees & Pollination: Australia’s bee industry warns varroa mite could wipe out at least 60% of hives, with a projected shortage of nearly 300,000 commercial hives for peak pollination. Rural Economy: The Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth-neutral again, citing weak farm prices and higher input costs spilling into local business confidence. Local Agriculture Support: Sonoma County approved an urgent action plan to stabilize struggling agriculture, while Pennsylvania’s senior farmers market vouchers ($25) return for eligible Carbon County residents. Workforce & Youth: Career and scholarship programs—from Campaspe food-and-fibre careers days to CCA scholarships in Carpinteria—push students toward ag and skilled trades. Markets & Communities: Coaldale’s Civic Square Farmers’ Market launches late June, and Niagara’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program marks 60 years with a community celebration.

USDA Biosecurity: The New World screwworm is creeping back toward the U.S., with a fresh detection in Mexico near the Texas border prompting USDA to keep ports closed and ramp up a sterile-fly response. Trade & Tariffs: USTR is considering a new 12.5% forced-labor tariff on Japan, while the U.S. also moves to adjust Section 232 metal tariffs that could lower costs for HVACR equipment used in homes and, indirectly, farm and industrial facilities. Ag Tech & Policy: China released a 2026-2030 plan to boost farm output via AI, gene editing, and better machinery, aiming to lift the share of tech-driven gains. Mechanization Investment: Italy’s SDF opened a South Africa subsidiary in the Western Cape to expand tractor and harvest equipment support as demand for mechanization grows. Livestock Health Practices: A dairy-focused explainer warns that cross-suckling can raise mastitis risk, urging slower milk flow to protect calves. Regenerative Farming Politics: Iowa’s GOP governor primary upset—Zach Lahn over Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra—spotlights “big ag” backlash and regenerative farming themes. Food Security Programs: Hawaii is rolling out summer meal options across schools, parks, and community sites to cover the school break gap. Market Access & Exports: Curaçao is exploring export pathways through a Dominican Republic partnership, including a possible formal cooperation agreement.

U.S.-India Trade Talks: India says the first tranche of a bilateral trade deal is “about 99 percent” done, with remaining work focused on minor wording. Policy & Farm Finance: Nepal’s budget pushes incentives across the ag value chain, including investor grants and farmer ID cards, while Bangladesh Bank will prioritize marginal and landless farmers with “smart cards” for refinancing. Pest Threats to Livestock: USDA warnings intensify as New World screwworm detections in Mexico move closer to Texas, prompting calls for briefings and faster response planning. Trade Friction in Sugar: Mexico’s sugar industry urges the U.S. to scrap import limits and signals possible anti-dumping action over fructose. Energy & Inputs: New Zealand diesel stocks fall to the lowest level since the Middle East conflict escalated (with extra reserves en route), and farmers face ongoing input pressure. Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loans expand for drought-hit South Carolina and storm-impacted Texas counties, including support for small agricultural cooperatives. EU Farm Funding: An EU lawmaker pushes to ring-fence at least 10% of CAP for young farmers. Agri-Business & Ports: AD Ports agrees to buy Brazil’s CLI, a major agri-bulk terminal operator, in its biggest-ever M&A deal.

India–US Trade Talks: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says the first phase of a long-awaited India–US bilateral trade deal is “99%” done, with US negotiators in New Delhi to settle remaining legal and technical points; agriculture market access is a key sticking area alongside tariff relief for India on metals and other items. Philippines Rice Crackdown: DA teams are issuing notices of violation as they enforce the PHP50/kg cap on imported rice with 5% broken grains, including cases where retailers relabeled shelves during surprise inspections. UAE Food Logistics Push: AD Ports agreed to buy Brazil agribulk terminal operator CLI for $835m, aiming to expand global food logistics links from Brazilian grain and sugar terminals. South Africa Maize Export Boost: Forecasts peg 2026 commercial maize output at 17.064m tonnes, creating a surplus that should lift regional and international exports. Kenya Floriculture: Cut-flower exports rose to Sh143.78bn in 2025, supporting jobs and keeping Kenya among the top global exporters. Dairy Pressure: A 2026 dairy industry report shows profit expectations falling sharply as costs and uncertainty squeeze producers. Agritech Funding: Aquapulse (shrimp tech), ProLearn (edtech), and Rosada secured new early-stage funding to scale products and farmer-facing services. Policy/Trade Signals: Trump’s tariff reset lowers some steel/aluminum/copper derivative rates (including certain ag machinery) to 15% from June 8.

Food Safety Alert: Minnesota’s MDA issued a consumer advisory for specific Milkjam Creamery ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts due to possible metal fragments, listing affected lot codes and urging customers to discard or return products. Market Access & Infrastructure: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif pushed to turn Pakistan–China B2B MoUs into formal deals, including agricultural research cooperation, while Javid Dar Dar reviewed Mandis and Kissan Ghars and ordered renovations to protect public assets. Ag Trade & Tariffs: Mexico says it will press the U.S. to remove tariffs during USMCA review talks, as negotiations focus on rules of origin and sector provisions. Supply Tightness: Global prune supply is tightening as demand for large sizes rises, with Chilean output and weather disruptions shaping availability. Price Signals: India’s Lasalgaon onion market saw wholesale prices jump on lower arrivals and expectations of higher MAPP, with some growers holding back stock. Drought Risk Financing: Laos PDR launched a sovereign anticipatory drought insurance pilot with FAO/SEADRIF, aiming to trigger payouts before damage hits. Pest Watch: A new invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was found in Northern California Costco stores, raising concerns for vineyards and other crops. Local Agriculture Economy: Wisconsin’s beef prices hit record highs amid smaller herds tied to drought, while Dane County proclaimed June Dairy Month to spotlight dairy’s role in jobs and stewardship.

Food Prices & Enforcement: Selangor’s KPDN launched Ops Kesan 6.0, issuing nine notices to traders and inspecting 46 SKUs, including agricultural and livestock items, to curb unreasonable price hikes through Aug 31. Agri Trade & Logistics: Uzbekistan’s Ferghana region is ramping up exports to Japan, with Costco and AEON planning higher imports via a new Chiba warehouse complex and expanded supply of raspberries, plums, melons and dried fruits. Regenerative Farming Push: ADM, Louis Dreyfus Co. and Moulins Soufflet joined 40+ food groups signing a declaration to scale regenerative agriculture under SAI’s Regenerating Together Programme. Livestock Biosecurity: South Africa is spending about R494m on foot-and-mouth vaccine procurement, vaccinating 4.4m animals so far, with more doses approved to support boosters and protect export access. Cotton Economy: USDA unveiled the Great American Cotton Plan to restore farm profitability, boost domestic textile demand and expand trade, including elevating “Plant Not Plastic.” Horticulture Development: Nagaland moved toward India’s first kiwi Centre of Excellence at Pfütsero with New Zealand experts, including plans for a weather monitoring station. Dairy & Pest Monitoring: Wisconsin kicked off June Dairy Month and plans 6,700 spongy moth traps statewide in 2026 to track new outbreaks.

Trade & Market Access: India–Oman CEPA kicks in June 1, granting near-total duty-free access for Indian exports and boosting prospects for Kashmir handicrafts and horticulture, while India–US talks aim to lock an interim deal amid tariff uncertainty. Inputs & Food Security: China pledges oil, gas and fertiliser support to Cambodia as global supply disruptions and high costs squeeze farmers; Fiji moves to cut imported rice reliance with climate-resilient seed, mechanisation and milling upgrades. Agtech & Investment: Investors are increasingly funding “picks-and-shovels” agtech that embeds cost-saving farm infrastructure, from livestock automation to methane-reduction tools. Soil & Farm Tech: Australia’s QUOLL electronic nose moves toward farm-ready commercialisation after IP transfer to the University of Tasmania. Sustainability & Rural Growth: World Bank backs agriculture in Papua New Guinea as a long-term transformation driver, and Golden Agri-Resources reports emissions cuts and expanded smallholder support. Farm Safety: New Zealand issues a warning after a Canterbury farmer was killed changing massive tractor tyres alone.

Global Food Security: FAO warns the Strait of Hormuz disruption could trigger a deeper food security crisis in 2026-27 by raising fertilizer, seed and energy-linked farm costs. Fertiliser Pricing Pressure: Farmers in Asifabad (India) allege urea/DAP overpricing and weak enforcement, while Malaysia’s highland vegetable prices are reported up to double as fertiliser and transport costs jump. Trade Deals for Agri-Exports: India-US chief negotiators start four-day interim trade talks in New Delhi June 1, while India-Oman CEPA kicks in June 1 with duty-free access for most tariff lines—both could reshape market access for farm goods. Dairy Market Build-Out: Tanzania says smallholder dairy farmers are gaining formal market links and better handling as partnerships expand ahead of National Milk Week; Nigeria targets 37,000 women and youth across dairy value chains. Farm Inputs & Policy Support: Donegal extends fuel income support for farmers/contractors facing diesel costs; the US launches the “Great American Cotton Plan” to boost demand for U.S.-grown cotton. Ag Tech & Markets: India startup Impensus Electronics raises ₹1.6 crore for controlled-environment ripening to cut post-harvest losses; Tanzania and local markets spotlight ongoing efforts to connect producers to buyers.

USDA tech spending: A $300M USDA blanket purchase agreement with Palantir is drawing scrutiny over how the National Farm Security Plan will “modernize” farmer services. Credit access squeeze: Kenya’s smallholders are being locked out of formal loans as banking rules assign a 100% risk weight to small-farm lending, despite lower default rates. Cold-chain push: Ethiopia opened a $30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa to cut post-harvest losses and stabilize supply. Export-ready refrigeration: Kenyan agritech SokoFresh is seeking about $1.5M to expand solar cold rooms for avocado exports, aiming to extend shelf life and reduce waste. Trade & logistics corridors: Indonesia, Malaysia and Perlis are linking ports and inland clearance to move commodities like palm oil, coffee, cocoa and tea faster across ASEAN. Regional market infrastructure: Consolidated Grain and Barge plans a $47M expansion at Mount Vernon to improve grain storage and truck unloading for faster farmer deliveries. Food safety pressure: India’s food supply chains face rising scrutiny as many samples fail safety standards, with concerns over contamination and adulteration. Poultry price stabilization: Indonesia’s agriculture ministry is coordinating to keep live chicken prices from falling below reference levels. Agri-finance for schools: Utah won a USDA Farm to School grant to boost local fruit in school meals and expand classroom ag education.

USDA & Trade Talks: USDA officials met South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden to tout strong momentum in dairy and beef exports and push trade gains as the US targets a big cut to its trade deficit. Fertilizer Pressure: A USDA report says urea prices have nearly doubled since February, with the Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions (including the Strait of Hormuz) keeping fertilizer costs high; experts point to smarter nitrogen timing and fertigation to stretch inputs. Farm Labor & Youth: A trilateral forum in Bulgaria focused on labour-market policies for young people, warning they face lower pay and longer paths into stable jobs as AI reshapes work. Rural Vet Shortage: A US rural animal-care access gap persists, with places like Nebraska struggling to recruit large-animal veterinarians despite incentives. Regional Ag Cooperation: Zimbabwe is deepening SADC agricultural cooperation with South Africa and Tanzania, including work on food security and harmonizing responses to foot-and-mouth disease. Budget Watch (Ag-Adjacent): Nepal’s government reduced its agricultural budget even as fertilizer allocations rose, raising concerns for the next planting cycle. Market/Policy Signals: Russia tightened curbs on Armenian vegetable and strawberry exports, citing sanitary violations, adding more trade friction for growers.

Livestock Update (Mongolia): Mongolia reports 76% of spring breeding livestock have given birth, with about 17.04 million births out of 22.4 million expected and a ~99% newborn survival rate, underscoring how herding remains central to the country’s farm economy. Input & Food Security (SADC): Southern African ministers urged faster harmonisation of fertiliser rules and stronger regional disease control as 58 million people still face food insecurity; Foot-and-Mouth Disease is hitting 11 SADC states, threatening livestock and trade. Competition Watch (Fertiliser Prices, US): The U.S. FTC is investigating a fertilizer price spike tied to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption, as farmers report squeezed margins and allege manipulation. Trade & Agri-Food (India–Canada): India and Canada reaffirmed their push to conclude CEPA negotiations by year-end and launched a Trade and Investment Forum, with agri-food named among priority sectors. Rural Infrastructure (Ghana): The World Bank approved $500m for Ghana’s rural roads and market access project to cut post-harvest losses and strengthen agricultural value chains, targeting 350,000 farmers. Farmer Finance (South Africa): PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund says it has approved R246m for black agricultural entrepreneurs, using repayments to keep reinvesting in farmer support. Weather Risk (India): NCDEX launched an exchange-traded weather derivative, RAINMUMBAI, to help hedge monsoon rainfall risk for agriculture-linked market participants.

Retail Beef Pricing: A new analysis argues U.S. retail beef prices are rising for more than a decade, and the key question is how much comes from higher input costs versus concentrated retail margins. Crop Protection R&D: A CropLife-backed study puts the average cost of bringing a new crop protection product at about $307M and roughly 11+ years, warning that delays keep tools from farmers. Wheat Supply: WASDE confirms the 2026-27 U.S. wheat crop is set to be the smallest in decades, with production down sharply amid drought and high costs. Fertilizer Pricing Scrutiny: The FTC is investigating surging fertilizer prices as farmers face mounting financial pressure. Biofuels Policy Risk: Canada’s biofuels sector warns that uncertainty around Clean Fuel Regulations amendments could stall investment and shift production south. Organic Push: Ireland launched the National Organic Awards 2026 at Bloom, with entries open for thousands of organic farms and businesses. Market Access for Africa: China says ongoing talks with Zimbabwe will address non-tariff barriers under its new zero-tariff scheme. Education & Risk Tools: South Dakota’s Lake Area Tech is launching an Agriculture Commodity Risk Management Lab with CHS Foundation support. Livestock Disease Readiness: K-State research finds an 8–10 day window to detect outbreaks before they escalate through cattle movement networks. Horticulture Trade: Australia’s beef export growth gets a boost from China, while Rockit says China is now its biggest market.

Climate Risk: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture warns a severe El Niño could cut national rice output by up to 700,000 metric tons, prompting a reconvened task force and measures like cloud seeding, solar irrigation, planting-calendar shifts, and crop diversification. Leadership & Industry: South Africa’s Hortgro appoints Jacques du Preez as CEO effective 1 August 2026, as Anton Rabe retires after decades steering deciduous fruit through major regulatory change. Trade & Supply: US beef exports to Japan fell in Q1 2026 (57,396 metric tons, down 4%), as cattle shortages tighten supply; meanwhile, India’s mango and spice exports face disruption from the Iran conflict. Inputs & Prices: Fertilizer markets are under pressure from Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with analysts warning the pain could reach farmers via higher urea and energy-linked costs. Livestock Programs: South Africa’s ARC expands cattle betterment work in KwaZulu-Natal, using ear tagging and traceability to improve genetics, health, and market readiness. Agri-Policy: UK ministers discuss suspending a carbon tax on fertilisers to curb food inflation, amid tension over how to amend finance rules. Agri-Finance: RBI fines three cooperative banks ₹2 lakh each for compliance lapses, including KYC and account review failures.

USDA Biosecurity: USDA is upgrading defenses against invasive pests with a new Knipling-Bushland livestock insects lab in Kerrville, Texas, focused on New World screwworm surveillance, genomics, and new control tools. Food Safety: Connecticut’s consumer watchdog reminded farmers market sellers and buyers about cottage food rules and what’s off-limits, including potentially hazardous foods. Trade Access: China will grant quarantine access for eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries starting July 20, using unified phytosanitary requirements. Market Pressure: In Pangasinan, Philippines tobacco growers say native “batek” oversupply has pushed prices down sharply, squeezing break-even margins. Agri-Industry Investment: SunRice plans to expand its Vietnam rice processing capacity to 120,000 tonnes/year and fund climate-resilient premium rice work with smallholders. Policy & Resilience: Australia is moving to extend right-to-repair reforms to agricultural machinery to cut downtime and open repair information. Research & Inputs: WA trials suggest careful EPE herbicide timing can improve ryegrass control, warning against phytotoxicity risks. Dairy Cashflow: Nepal’s Dairy Development Corporation paid Rs 120m to farmers, but hundreds of millions in dues remain.