AGP Executive Report

Regulatory Push for Animal Drugs: The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine rolled out a 3-year MUMS Blueprint (2026-2028) to expand access to safe, effective treatments for “minor use and minor species,” aiming to cut the persistent gaps that leave vets relying on extra-label options. Farm Finance & Inputs: USDA launched the FIELDS program, pledging $500M to expand U.S. fertilizer production and stabilize long-term supply for farmers. Right to Repair for Farm Equipment: The FTC and state AGs secured a Deere settlement requiring diagnostic and repair tools be available to owners and independent shops, not just authorized dealers. Water Stress Hits Rice Jobs: SunRice plans major cuts at its Leeton and Deniliquin mills, citing reduced rice supply tied to dry conditions and government water policy. Trade Signals for Soybeans: China placed its biggest daily U.S. soybean order since November, a sign of improving trade momentum after the Xi-Trump commitments. Local Policy Meets Farm Reality: In Australia, a Greater Shepparton submission highlights uneven economic impacts from water recovery efforts, with allocation-price pressure and turnover losses.

Trade & Exports: Zimbabwe shipped its first blueberries to China after a phytosanitary protocol signed last year, with China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries helping exports reach $804m in 2025. Governance & Corruption: Kyrgyzstan detained agriculture/water officials over alleged bribe extortion tied to a tourist project near a water protection zone. Farm Economics: A U.S. wheat acreage slide is tied to long-run profitability shifts toward corn and soybeans, leaving wheat as an “also-ran” unless returns improve. Policy Watch: Congress is debating year-round E15 sales, which could boost corn demand but may pressure soybeans. Agri-Industry Finance: CRISIL upgraded credit ratings for seven SAEL Industries SPVs spanning agri waste-to-energy and solar projects. Dairy Tech & Health Markets: New market outlooks highlight growth in udder health monitoring and veterinary testing/traceability services. EU Trade: The EU-Mexico agri-food deal cleared the European Parliament, lowering tariffs on items like cheese, pork and poultry. Animal Health & Oversight: South Africa’s port modernization push raises cybersecurity concerns as logistics systems get more connected. Industry Leadership: Parliament’s agriculture committee in South Africa elected Nobuhle Nkabane as acting chair, with foot-and-mouth disease updates on the agenda.

Agriculture Space Tech: South Korea launched its first dedicated ag/forestry observation satellite, KAI’s CAS500-4, to speed crop-yield, water, deforestation and wildfire monitoring. Irrigation Push: Zimbabwe flagged 100+ priority dams to add 113,000 hectares under irrigation by 2030 as it targets 496,000 hectares total. Cotton Productivity: India’s VP urged time-bound approvals and clear targets to lift cotton yields under the Mission for Cotton Productivity. Ethanol Trust Test: India says its ethanol-blended petrol program hit 20% nationwide ahead of schedule, but public skepticism is rising amid viral claims. Weed Control Leap: China’s laser weeding robot completed field trials, aiming to cut herbicide use and enter mass production by year-end. Farm Policy & Legal: A US judge ordered USDA to restore $127M in farmland-access grants to 24 farm groups. Water Rights: A major US tribal water settlement stalls, leaving many tribes without infrastructure to use their Colorado River allocations. Producer Support: Wisconsin opened 2027 producer-led watershed grants (up to $40,000 per group) through Sept. 15. Market Signals: USDA expects fresh fruit retail prices to stay relatively stable in 2026 even as farm-level returns remain pressured. Local Workforce: Illinois’ Richland Community College hosts a public Agriculture Workforce Summit focused on CTE pathways and employer partnerships. Tax Incentives: Texas beekeepers can qualify for ag property-tax valuation, potentially cutting bills dramatically.

Dairy Industry Shock: Vermont’s dairy sector is bracing for immediate fallout from Dairy Farmers of America idling its St. Albans plant, with 80 jobs at risk and farmers already facing rising costs and flat production. Food Systems Policy: South Africa’s Grain SA defended its stance on wheat tariffs and agricultural tech at a food systems inquiry, arguing for “fair” competition against heavily subsidized imports. Poultry Health: Zoetis won European Commission marketing authorization for Poulvac Procerta HVT-ND, a single-dose vaccine option targeting Newcastle disease and Marek’s disease in chickens. Ag Tech & Inputs: India’s solar irrigation push got a boost as Jupiter International secured an INR 108 crore order for 5,000 solar agricultural pumps in Maharashtra. Trade & Labor: The USTR kicked off forced-labor import hearings with India participation, while California lawmakers moved to close loopholes that let labor traffickers/wage thieves operate across county lines. EU Livestock Strategy: The European Commission rolled out a new livestock strategy focused on crisis preparedness, competitiveness, sustainability, and animal welfare. Ag Innovation Infrastructure: Fresno State and UC San Diego’s supercomputer center launched an innovation platform to speed AI-driven agriculture and food security work in California’s Central Valley.

USDA–SBA “lawfare” shield for farmers: The SBA and USDA signed an agreement to route complaints about weaponized regulation into a centralized portal, with the SBA analyzing patterns to push deregulatory reforms. Fertilizer supply security: USDA is redirecting $500M to expand domestic fertilizer capacity, while Pakistan’s minister toured Morocco’s OCP phosphate plant, calling it strategic for Pakistan’s fertilizer and food security. Commodity pressure on inputs and crops: Wheat, rice and cotton climbed on El Niño-linked weather stress and geopolitical shocks, with fertilizer and energy costs feeding into higher prices. Ag lending partnerships: UnCommon Farms teamed with First Financial Bank to give progressive farm operators specialized Farm & Ranch financing. Ag finance in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 3,000cr refinancing scheme to boost northern crop, fisheries, livestock, preservation and export-linked agro-processing. Regional integration for food security: CARICOM leaders urged faster rollout of the Single Market and Economy, highlighting progress on skilled-worker movement and regional agricultural production. Trade and investment links: Thailand–EU FTA talks advanced, with agriculture still among the remaining chapters.

Philippines Rural Roads Push: The Department of Agriculture cleared ₱2.06B for farm-to-market roads and bridges (about 66 km of roads and 310 linear meters of bridges) across Zambales, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Samar, Bukidnon and North Cotabato, with No Objection Letters letting LGUs move into procurement—aimed at cutting costs and improving market access for farmers and fisherfolk. US Farm Labor Reform: U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 to modernize the H-2A visa program, expand access for year-round operations, and streamline agency processes to stabilize farm labor supply. Trade Uncertainty for North America: Trump declined to renew USMCA for a 16-year term at the first joint review, shifting agriculture trade into annual review negotiations while the pact remains in force. Food Prices Watch: FAO reported the Cereal Price Index fell 3.5% in June as wheat and maize eased on supply and harvest progress, even as some categories rose. India Cooperative Overhaul: India marked five years of its Cooperation Ministry, including converting 50,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies into e-PACS and launching new dairy procurement tools. Global Biomed + Farm Tech: China’s vice premier urged faster biomedicine innovation and higher mechanization, plus accelerated construction of modern water networks and AI-enabled R&D for agricultural equipment.

Export Boost: APEDA helped ship the first Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu & Kashmir to the UAE, aiming to open premium fresh-fruit market access for growers. Sustainability & Market Access: Vietnam’s coffee sector is pushing regenerative farming to meet tighter export rules on sustainability, traceability, and emissions. US Land Grants: USDA reinstated $127M in land access grants after a court order, including Native-led groups supporting land and water restoration. Ag Tech on the Farm: Halter launched “Beef Pro,” adding satellite forage data and grazing planning to its virtual fencing for better feed-demand and rotation decisions. Food Trade Rules: The Philippines is seeking wider US pineapple port access, with APHIS signaling approval if shipments meet pest-resistant or treatment requirements. Energy vs Food Debate: A new critique warns solar expansion is being fast-tracked at the expense of farmland and forests, raising food-security risks. Policy & Labor: A 22-state coalition is urging the US Department of Labor to withdraw a proposed joint-employment rule that could weaken worker protections. Clean Cooking in Nigeria: Nigeria began a pilot of an 80M clean cookstoves program, targeting big cuts in firewood use and carbon-credit verification.

Agribusiness Funding: North Carolina lawmakers approved $186.2M for agriculture and agribusiness, reinforcing the state’s top-ranked farm economy. Farm Economics: Australia’s ABARES warned profits could plunge 70% nationally as drier winter conditions hit yields and livestock returns. Input & Policy Pressure: India’s Punjab crackdown on subsidised urea diversion spotlights how fertilizer leakage can distort farm prices and industry supply chains. Food Safety & Livestock Risk: U.S. officials say the newly detected New World screwworm threatens animals and beef prices, but not food safety for consumers. Trade & Exports: Jordan reported 14% growth in agricultural exports in H1 2026, while Vietnam’s trade swung to a $16.65B deficit as imports outpaced exports. Market Access & Regulation: The UAE and FAO launched a workshop to shape future-ready ag legislation for food security. Co-ops & Rural Systems: Tanzania flagged governance and capital gaps holding back cooperatives, urging digital transparency. Research & Varieties: Malaysia’s MARDI is expanding premium hybrid durian plantings and testing new varieties.

Business Climate: Nigeria’s NESG says business growth stayed in expansion but slowed in June as high operating costs and credit limits bite; the Current Business Performance Index held at 104.6, down from 113.6 a year earlier. Trade & Infrastructure: Nigeria flagged off N137bn road rehabilitation in Borno (Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala) to reopen trade corridors, support farm-to-market movement, and improve security access. Animal Health: NSW confirmed its first H5 bird flu case in a dead migratory seabird; authorities say it’s isolated and poultry biosecurity and surveillance are ramped up. Food Prices: FAO reports global food prices rose 2.2% year-on-year in June, even as the monthly index dipped 0.3%. Farm Policy (India): India raised onion procurement for buffer stock by 13% to Rs 2,125/quintal to improve farmer returns. Fuel-Ethanol Debate (India): Industry and officials pushed back on E20 myths, saying testing shows only marginal mileage impact and older vehicles need no major changes. Agri Skills: Arunachal Pradesh wrapped an Agriculture 4.0 training course for youth and women, funded via NABARD. Market/Weather Risk: India’s monsoon started weak with June rainfall ~40% below average, with El Niño raising sowing and output concerns.

Food Prices Watch: FAO says global food prices rose 2.2% year-on-year in June, even as the monthly index slipped 0.3%, with energy costs and Middle East disruptions still weighing on markets. Seed & Rice Policy: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture will prioritize better, higher-yielding rice seeds to protect farmers’ incomes from El Niño, with distribution shifting to the 2027 wet season after a temporary halt to rice imports to stabilize prices. Onion Buffer Stock: India raised onion procurement prices 13% to ₹2,125/quintal from July 4 to boost Price Stabilisation Fund buying, after sluggish buffer stock procurement. Agrivoltaics in Practice: Philippines agrivoltaics moves beyond pilots, with a nearly 200MW Batangas project combining solar generation and crop production. Dairy Transition Risk: In Singapore?—Nestlé in Fiji? (No) Nestlé in the Philippines? Actually: Nestlé assured a government it will preserve jobs and factory operations while restructuring local dairy and juice portfolios. Market Infrastructure: Kenya commissioned the Milly Fruit EPZ processing plant in Kilifi to turn mangoes, oranges, passion fruit and pineapples into concentrates, pulp and dried snacks, supporting 1,000+ growers. Durian Glut Response: Malaysia’s Kelantan is working with FAMA and agriculture officials to expand export markets and track durian flows as a glut pressures prices.

Philippines Rice Policy: The Department of Agriculture is prioritizing higher-quality, higher-yield rice seed distribution to protect farmer incomes as El Niño pressure builds, with a temporary halt to rice imports ordered to stabilize prices ahead of the September harvest. Dairy Tech Adoption: New Zealand’s Bovonic is scaling its mastitis detection system, using sensors in milking cup liners to flag infections quickly—reportedly cutting antibiotics and somatic cell counts for early users. U.S. Farm Labor Law: The House Agriculture Committee introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act to modernize and expand the H-2A visa program for more year-round agricultural work and more flexible hiring. Agri-Trade & Market Access: Canada and the Philippines launched a strategic partnership aimed at concluding a Canada-Philippines free trade deal by end-2026, with agriculture flagged as a key beneficiary. Climate & Input Stress: Kenya faces a fertilizer squeeze tied to global shocks, raising fears of major yield losses for maize and other staples. Agroforestry Funding: The Nature Conservancy and partners announced a $39M agroforestry project offering payments and technical support to expand tree-and-crop farming across 30 states. H-2A & Workforce Push (U.S.): Farm groups and lawmakers continue pressing for faster, more workable labor rules as shortages strain operations.

Crop Value-Add Push (Malaysia): Durian growers are being urged to cut peak-season oversupply losses by shifting beyond fresh fruit into products like tempoyak and durian paste, with FAMA support via 90 sales centres and a set price for kampung durian. Food Prices Watch (Global): FAO says global food prices edged down in June for a second straight month, led by falls in sugar, cereals and dairy, while rice rose on strong Asian demand. Post-Harvest & Cold Chain (Zimbabwe): A rethink of Zimbabwe’s Cold Storage Commission is calling out post-harvest losses as the real bottleneck, pushing for redesigned cold-chain solutions for smallholders. Market Access & Infrastructure (Nigeria): Nigeria inaugurated 23 renewable mini-grids under the Africa Minigrids Programme to power rural enterprise and link to agriculture electrification efforts. Export Support (Jordan): Jordan reports 19 companies backed under its agricultural export support programme, with subsidies for air and maritime freight and more than 500 farmers benefiting. Smart Farming Tool (Global): FAO launched CropSuit, a free app that matches crops to local soil and climate conditions to improve yields and fertilizer use. Agri Inputs & Business (Corteva/Arevo): Corteva and Arevo partnered on Arginex Soy, an arginine-based seed treatment aimed at stronger roots, nodulation and soybean performance. Supply Chain Shock (Trinidad & Tobago): A chicken shortage is blamed on structural weaknesses, including heavy reliance on imported broiler eggs and gaps in local production planning. Farm Finance (Wales): Wales launched a £5m Sustainable Agriculture Loan Scheme offering fixed-rate loans for energy, renewables, waste management and equipment to build farm resilience. Cold Storage Boost (US): Detroit’s Eastern Market opened Shed 7, adding cold storage suites to strengthen regional produce distribution.

Market Access Pressure (Afghanistan): Balkh melon growers report a strong harvest but collapsing prices and no reliable buyers, saying fertilizer costs and lost export routes leave them unable to cover costs; they’re urging government help to reopen Central Asia sales. Livestock Trade Policy (Pakistan): AMEPA argues against allowing live animal exports, saying it would drain healthy animals from domestic markets and weaken meat processing and food security, pushing instead for value-added Halal meat exports. Fair Food Retail (Rhode Island, U.S.): Rhode Island signed a bill limiting “scorched earth” restrictive covenants that block grocery stores, aiming to reduce food deserts and protect small businesses. Farmer “Lawfare” Shield (U.S.): SBA and USDA signed an MOU to help producers report weaponized regulation and target patterns of regulatory abuse. Disaster Relief (U.S.): SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Louisiana businesses and residents hit by Tropical Storm Arthur. Palm Oil Value Chain (Indonesia): President Prabowo ordered cooperatives into palm oil supply chains from plantations through downstream derivatives to break private consolidation. Psylla Damage Relief Request (Oregon, U.S.): Gov. Kotek asked USDA for disaster designation and market relief for Gorge pear growers after major 2025 crop losses. Ag Innovation (Insect Vaccine): A licensed insect vaccine platform is reported as moving beyond antibody limits, with early results pointing to protection for shrimp and honeybees. Women Exporters (Nigeria): Lagos backed women exporters with financing and quarantine/packaging upgrades to cut rejection rates abroad. Fresh Produce Logistics (South Africa): Dube TradePort plans to expand its AgriZone to help smaller growers reach high-value perishable markets.

USMCA Shock for Ag Trade: The Trump administration declined to renew USMCA in its current form, starting a 10-year countdown and annual reviews—raising uncertainty for North American farm markets and supply chains. Mexico–US Friction: Mexico says the US won’t automatically extend USMCA and disputes US tariff moves plus seasonal import schemes for agricultural goods, with talks set around July 20. California Avocado Pressure: California growers are urging a seasonal import policy for Mexican avocados during March–September, citing oversupply and cartel-linked risks in Mexico’s supply chain. US Farm Safety Net Update: USDA/FSA expanded payment limitation and eligibility rules, including more options for structuring farm entities and a broader definition of farming income. Philippines Rice Relief: The Philippines’ agriculture department secured an industry commitment to limit entry of 5% broken imported rice, steering imports toward lower-quality varieties to protect domestic growers. Kenya Jobs Push: Kenya launched NASIP 2026–2030, a KES 1.081T plan to modernize value chains, expand irrigation, boost incomes, and create 2M+ jobs. Pesticide Worker Safety Fight (Canada): Worker advocates warn that new rules making safety data sheets optional could weaken protections for agricultural laborers. Zimbabwe Honey Quality Boost: Zimbabwe commissioned a new honey testing lab to meet premium export standards and strengthen buyer confidence. Ag Logistics Upgrade (Brazil): DP World and MRS Logística launched a multimodal agri-export corridor to cut road reliance and emissions for commodities like cotton, beans, and sugar.

Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. says it won’t renew USMCA “in its current form,” starting a new negotiation clock while the pact stays in force—raising fresh uncertainty for farm exports. Ag Inputs & Regulation: Bayer is consolidating its U.S. glyphosate business into Ruveon after seeking duties on Chinese imports, a move farmers say could lift herbicide costs. Biosecurity & Pollination: Queensland funds six projects under a Community Bee Innovation Fund to tackle varroa mite with research, training, and preparedness. Farm Finance: Agribank and other lenders are tapping bond markets to strengthen capital buffers and keep credit flowing for agriculture and related projects. Policy & Support Programs: Ireland’s tillage sector is pushing for full Straw Incorporation Measure funding after oversubscription fears, while the Irish minister says farmers will know “very soon.” Industry Pressure: Thailand’s shrimp sector urges a national 2026–2030 marine shrimp action plan as disease hits production and exports. Climate Impact: Hungary’s drought is exposing Lake Velence and cutting fodder yields, underscoring water stress risks for agriculture. Market Signals: USDA forecasts smaller sweet and tart cherry crops after freeze damage, while global weather risks keep sugar prices sensitive.

Food Security & Inputs: USDA data and acreage moves are keeping grain traders on edge, with Chicago corn and wheat extending a rebound after the latest USDA stocks and planting estimates. US Policy Compliance: Louisiana producers are being urged to book appointments with local FSA offices and file crop acreage reports by July 15 to protect USDA program benefits. Port & Logistics Risk: South Africa’s Port of Cape Town is blamed for major table-grape export diversions, with logistics losses estimated around R3.2bn and tens of thousands of tonnes rerouted to the Eastern Cape. Agri-Trade & Contracts: Gafta has rolled out updated Rice Contracts No. 120 and 122 to streamline international rice trading terms. Africa Investment Push: Kenya launched a KSh 1.081tn agri-food systems investment plan to modernize value chains, expand irrigation, and create 2m+ jobs. Tech for Farming: Italy’s agritech firms are scouting Kenya to cut post-harvest losses, while a UK-led research project (FARMAR) is set to test AI and robotics on farms. Biosecurity: Queensland is intensifying electric ant eradication using surveillance and targeted treatments, relying on community reporting.