AGP Executive Report

Trade & Market Access: India and Seychelles signed pacts to boost trade, digital payments and farm ties, including a line of credit for Seychelles. Agri-Inputs & Food Security: Nigeria’s NADF flagged off subsidised fertiliser for 80,640 smallholders in the South-south under FISP, aiming to cut costs and raise yields. Irrigation Finance: Zimbabwe is converting grain import levy revenue into irrigation projects, with about US$3.2m already deployed to rehabilitate and expand schemes. Investment & Agribusiness Expansion: EBID committed $268m to Taraba for irrigated rice (10,000 hectares plus milling), renewable power and an industrial park. Livestock & Biosecurity: The U.S. pledged $84m to stop screwworm spread as a sterile fly plant ramps up production for U.S. and Mexico. Farm Policy & Oversight: Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a risk-based organic oversight bill to reduce burdens on low-risk farms. Local Farming Economy: Millarville Farmers’ Market returns for its 44th season with 125+ vendors, while Zimbabwe-China investment talks tee up new opportunities for industrialisation.

Food Security & Prices: A World Bank economist says the world’s bigger problem is access, not production, as food prices rise again (cereal up 4%) driven by supply-chain, energy and conflict pressures. Nutrition Policy: A top USDA watchdog warned Congress that SNAP fraud has benefited people linked to terrorist groups and foreign adversaries, intensifying calls for tighter oversight. Livestock Biosecurity: Cebu tightened borders with a 45-day restriction on livestock vehicle pass-throughs to protect its P20B hog industry after an ASF outbreak in Negros Occidental. Farm Economics: U.S. farmers are in a 12th straight quarter of downturn, with net farm income projected to fall and bankruptcies up sharply as costs stay high. Agri-Trade & Supply Chains: Russia-Iran trade is up modestly, with Russian grain and vegetable-oil exports and growing North-South corridor volumes. Value Addition & Skills: Nigeria’s cassava push focuses on turning production into processing and industrial inputs, while Tanzania’s WFP-backed youth training trains agribusiness practitioners to spread financial literacy locally. Regional Ag Growth (Malaysia): Penang plans durian market interventions and buys fruit via forward agreements to manage seasonal oversupply, while Melaka highlights pineapple expansion and a faster SG-1 variety rollout.

Animal Health & Border Control: Cebu activated African Swine Fever (ASF) task forces and tightened border checks via Executive Order No. 36 after outbreaks in Negros Occidental and elsewhere in the Visayas, aiming to protect the province’s roughly P20B hog industry. Policy & Standards for Crops: Pakistan’s PM approved a National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, setting a direction for science-based innovation and seed systems, but implementation risks remain amid ongoing GM maize misinformation. Export Support for Rice: Pakistan’s rice exporters urged extending the DLTL duty and taxes remission scheme to Sept 30, 2026, citing shipping disruptions and higher freight costs that delayed orders. Farm Funding Accountability: Fiji’s Agriculture Minister said the 2026-27 budget will come with stricter monitoring so farmers use assistance effectively, alongside added support for marketing and training. Market Access & Local Food: Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market returned with Illinois-grown produce and direct-to-consumer sales, while Morden (Canada) kicked off its seasonal farmers market to boost local shopping. Trade & Regional Business: Albania and Kosovo signed agriculture cooperation deals covering advisory services, innovation, and a shared approach to agri-food marketing and trade facilitation. Biosecurity Update (US): Texas expanded emergency quarantines for New World screwworm after new detections, tightening animal movement in border-region counties.

Trade Policy Watch: India and the U.S. are nearing a major interim trade deal, but New Delhi is pushing for a “sunset clause” to protect against shifting U.S. policy. US Farm Relief: Virginia got a USDA disaster declaration covering 43 primary and 61 contiguous counties after late-spring frost and freeze damage. Biosecurity & Livestock: Idaho tightened entry rules after the New World screwworm reached Texas and New Mexico, requiring fresh veterinary inspections and permits. Plant Health & Peace: Negros Occidental urged tighter coordination on African swine fever and red-striped soft scale insect, warning farm losses can spill into youth violence and unrest. Ag Markets & Costs: A Fourth of July cookout in Iowa now averages $73.82 for 10 people—about 4% higher—highlighting how inflation hits farmers too. Fertilizer Pricing Shock: Nepal reportedly paid far more than India for the same chemical fertilizer from the same supplier, raising questions about tender practices. Export Wins: India’s APEDA enabled the first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes to the UAE. Digital Ag & Finance: Bangladesh’s iFarmer won a $250,000 OPEC Fund award to expand smallholder access to inputs, advice, and markets. Policy & Industry Support: New York’s Dairy Modernization Grant Program reports 90% of Round 1 projects underway or completed.

Trade Talks: Philippines President Marcos will push for faster Canada free-trade talks during a July 1–4 visit to Vancouver, aiming to conclude both a Philippines-Canada FTA and a Canada-ASEAN FTA this year. Legal/Agri-Finance: Chile’s appeals court vacated a $217M salmon-farm arbitration award tied to Joyvio’s nearly $1B purchase, a blow to deal certainty in seafood M&A. Dairy Support: Iowa awarded nearly $400K in Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation grants to 11 Eastern Iowa projects, backing processing, packaging, robotics, and herd-health tech. Fertilizer Access: Madhes Province in Nepal has started subsidized paddy fertilizer distribution (DAP and urea), but farmers are still worried about delays and limited supply. Beekeeping & Pollination: South Africa’s Agriculture and Rural Development will host the 2026 BEE National Conference (June 30–July 1) to boost honey value chains and pollinator protection. Rural Broadband: Wyoming is moving ahead with ARPA and planned BEAD funding to expand fiber to thousands of rural locations, including farm areas. Hemp Policy Shock: North Carolina hemp businesses brace for a federal change starting November 2026 that could shut down intoxicating hemp products. Ag Workforce & Tech: Central Wyoming College is expanding Controlled Environment Agriculture training, and the University of Wyoming is launching a CEA Network to grow jobs and innovation.

Rice & Input Costs: The USDA raised its forecast for Philippines rice imports to 5.20M MT for MY 2026-27, citing weaker milled rice output (down to 12.30M MT) and shrinking planted area as fuel and fertilizer prices squeeze farm profitability. Climate Risk: S&P Global warns El Niño could hit rice and corn production across several emerging markets, with the Philippines among the most exposed as rainfall falls below average and pressures food and power supplies. Ag Policy & Rural Support: Northern Ireland’s DAERA will open a £4M Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (50% support up to £7,500) for rural micro businesses, with applications due by July 30. Skills & Competitiveness: Fane Valley Group plans £1.1M in workforce training across Northern Ireland, targeting sales, leadership, supply chain development, digital skills, and traceability. Market Access & Trade: Albania and Kosovo agreed to cooperate on farming advice, digital services, joint promotion, and support for international fairs to help producers reach wider markets. Agri-Tech & Digital Links: Spain’s Naturr closed a €620,000 round to expand its platform connecting fresh produce producers with professional buyers and improving transparency in the agri-food supply chain. Food Fraud Controls: Bulgaria’s agriculture minister urged EU-backed labs to detect counterfeit honey and rose oil, arguing current mechanisms aren’t protecting authentic products well enough.

Biofuels Policy: The Philippines’ agriculture chief ordered a halt to importing bioethanol feedstocks (molasses, sugar, sugarcane and syrups), aiming to close a loophole and protect the domestic sugar sector and farmers. Fisheries Reform: NSW abalone stocks are under pressure, and the state is moving toward lower catch limits, tougher anti-illegal fishing enforcement, and a draft new management framework out for consultation until July 17. Water Stress: Lake Powell is entering summer at its lowest level ever, with federal projections warning it could hit “minimum power pool” next spring—raising risks for electricity and, in worst cases, river flow. Farm Bill Momentum: U.S. senators are pushing a “Farm Bill 2.0” draft and resilience measures, including making USDA infrastructure programs permanent and expanding regional food hubs. Food Security & Trade: FAO says global cereal supply looks steady, but growing risks—from El Niño to trade tensions—could quickly disrupt access. Local Agriculture Economy: Santa Barbara County reported $2.24B in 2026 agricultural production, led by strawberries. Heat & Worker Safety: An Ireland survey found only one-in-five farm contractors use sunscreen during heatwaves, urging UV protection even inside tractor cabs.

Biofuel Policy: Philippines’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered a halt to importing bioethanol feedstock (molasses, sugar, sugarcane, syrups), aiming to close a legal loophole and protect the domestic sugar sector and farmers. Animal Health: South Africa’s agriculture department approved new, consolidated FMD outbreak control measures to give a single national framework from detection to recovery. Livestock Threat Training: Texas ranchers at an AgriLife Stocker Cattle event trained on the approaching New World screwworm risk, including vaccine and wormer strategy shifts. Market Support: India approved Karnataka mango relief under the Market Intervention Scheme—Rs 1,750 per quintal for Totapuri—after price drops and weather damage. Trade & Tariffs: EU formally cleared final approval for tariff commitments under the EU–US deal, including preferential access for some US seafood and non-sensitive ag products, with safeguards. Agri-Tech & Inputs: Drone imaging and AI platforms keep expanding, while pest-control demand continues to lift acephate market forecasts. Food Safety: Afghanistan authorities uncovered a counterfeit agricultural chemicals factory in Nangarhar, seizing thousands of cartons and arresting suspects.

Earthquake Disruption: A 5.6 quake hit Northern California near Willits, knocking out power for 6,000 residents and causing injuries, with officials urging people to avoid roads while crews assess damage. Energy for Agriculture: South Africa’s Upington will launch a District Energy Council to coordinate electricity planning with municipalities, including agriculture and major off-takers. Livestock Digital Push: Vietnam’s Vietstock 2026 spotlights AI, IoT, biosecurity and smarter farm management as the livestock sector accelerates industrial and digital transformation. Wine Trade Strategy: Wine Australia targets Asia-Pacific growth via Vinexpo Asia and a China roadshow, aiming to defend share as China tariffs ease and other markets soften. Grain Under Weather Pressure: Drought and heat are firming European maize and stressing crop prospects, with EU monitoring flagging reduced soil moisture across parts of France and eastern Europe. Trade Talks Watch: India and the US wrapped two days of negotiations reviewing market access, digital trade, supply-chain resilience and non-tariff barriers ahead of a tariff deadline. Livestock Export Bottleneck: Ireland says live cattle and sheep exports to Britain remain stalled five months after bluetongue detection, with certification outcomes still uncertain. Regional Ag Finance & Markets: Nepal’s carbon-credit supply is tightening as verified demand rises; Vietnam urges simpler green-loan access for SMEs; and the Philippines plans talks with Egypt on fertilizer supply and ag export opportunities.

Price Stabilization: Malaysia’s FAMA is stepping in to cool durian prices after a supply glut, targeting direct purchases of 1,000 tonnes (RM7m) and adding 90 sales locations, while noting its RM2.70/kg floor price currently covers kampung durian only, not premium Musang King/Black Thorn. Farm Innovation: Tasmania’s TIA is taking Dairy HIGH2 results on the road, saying low-to-moderate nitrogen plus legumes like white clover can cut synthetic nitrogen while keeping pasture growth and milk solids strong. Pest Threat: Florida growers reeling from a historic freeze now face a new invasive pasture mealybug detected in South Florida, raising alarms for sugarcane and cattle pastures. Climate-Smart Breeding: Zimbabwe’s Kutsaga is strengthening drought- and heat-tolerant tobacco breeding as dry conditions loom for the 2026/27 season. Agri-Finance & Modernization: Moldova approved talks for a €150m EIB loan under “Livada Moldovei II” to modernize agri-food, processing, post-harvest, irrigation and EU-standard alignment. Policy & Trade: India and the US reviewed progress on an interim trade deal aimed at beating a July 24 tariff deadline, with “substantial” progress but remaining sticking points. Water for Agriculture: Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin Plan is nearing its environmental water targets, with 85% of the goal achieved via water purchases and community support funding.

Trade & Tariffs: India and the U.S. held high-level talks on a bilateral trade deal as Washington’s temporary 10% tariff framework is set to expire July 24, with Congress warning the pact could hurt Indian farmers and domestic industry. Farm Policy (U.S.): Sen. John Boozman unveiled “Farm Bill 2.0” discussion draft, aiming to modernize loan limits and keep support flowing as the current Farm Bill extension runs to Sept. 30. Monsoon Risk (India): India flagged 111 “high priority” districts with irrigation coverage under 25% as it prepares for a weak monsoon and possible kharif crop impacts. Fertilizer & Productivity (Australia): Tasmania’s Dairy HIGH2 results are being rolled out, showing dairy farms can cut synthetic nitrogen while maintaining pasture growth and milk output. Market Access (Africa/Asia): Kenya is pushing to triple avocado and other exports to China after zero-tariff access; Nigeria’s intra-Africa trade rose 21% to $9.02bn, with processed ag goods gaining share. Animal Health (U.S.): Colorado issued emergency entry rules for warm-blooded animals from New World screwworm zones. Local Food Systems (U.S.): USDA grant support is helping Mason County expand farmers market access and strengthen local supply chains.

Planting Push: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture distributed 60,000 ube planting materials to 900 farmers in Leyte and Bohol to expand purple yam production and boost incomes, with field monitoring to track uptake. Export Pressure: Malaysia’s Penang state is stepping in to help durian exporters hit by “dumping” after overseas shipping constraints and high transport costs piled up during peak season. Farmgate Uncertainty: Zambia’s President ordered the Food Reserve Agency to announce an early maize floor price for the 2026 marketing season so farmers can plan sales and reinvest. Livestock Shock: Wisconsin egg output fell 57% year-on-year in April as avian flu reduced laying hens, raising supply concerns even as wholesale egg prices stay low. Policy + Trade: Laos and Cambodia launched new export and transit procedures for plants and plant products, backed by phytosanitary protocols to speed cross-border agri trade. Mechanization Update: John Deere unveiled a new 5E 3-cylinder utility tractor with an electronically controlled eHydro transmission aimed at easier operation for part-time producers and specialty crops. Agri-Finance: India released the 23rd PM-KISAN installment, sending ₹18,880 crore to 9.44 crore farmers, including 2.18 crore women farmers.

Herbicide Watch: Australia’s chemical regulator approved restricted use of controversial paraquat, keeping it available but with lower application rates and tighter handling rules, drawing pushback from Parkinson’s advocates. Biofuels & Energy: Indonesia is readying a mandatory B50 biodiesel rollout from July 1, boosting palm-oil-based blend content to 50% to cut diesel imports. Ag Chemicals & Trials: 7 Worlds Ag showcased a new herbicide for tough weeds in vegetable crops at VicVID field days, testing post-transplant and pre-emergent combinations. Trade & Farm Impact: India’s US trade talks are taking longer due to a 50% tariff, with concerns from farm groups about any commitments that could raise US farm imports. Food Security: FAO and WFP warn hunger hotspots will worsen across 13 countries, with Nigeria added for heightened risk in Borno State. Market Access: Laos and Cambodia are pushing cross-border ag exports to China via a new corridor, including durian, bananas, rice, mangoes, longan and cassava. Rural Business Skills: Rabobank-backed financial skills workshops are coming to help farmers manage statements, banking needs and ratios. Livestock Health: Texas faces new screwworm alerts as extension efforts ramp up to protect cattle and reduce downstream costs.

Fertiliser policy push (Malaysia): Malaysia’s agriculture ministry is drafting a Fertiliser Bill to set quality standards, tighten distribution chains, and protect stable domestic supply after farmer complaints about unsuitable products during global shocks. Small-retailer squeeze (Malaysia): Lawmakers warn the SARA aid programme could shift village spending to supermarkets that accept MyKad payments, and say eligibility rules are too burdensome for small traders. Agro-processing revival (Nigeria): Benue State moves to restart the dormant Taraku mills (over $50m) with asset audits, dry-run tests, and plans to process maize, animal feed, and soybeans. Food safety enforcement (US): A state agriculture department outlines annual inspections for food-serving businesses, with “critical violations” like temperature control and hygiene triggering automatic noncompliance. Biodiversity impact (global oils): A new global study links expanding oil palm, soybean, and coconut cultivation to sharply rising biodiversity loss, driven more by consumption than population growth. Market watch (grains): Coarse grains pricing faces pressure as improved production prospects lift supply estimates, even as longer-term balances stay tighter. Pest threat (US blueberries): North Carolina researchers identify a native longhorn beetle damaging blueberry roots and say no insecticides are currently approved for the pest.

US Food Aid Shock: A new CBO analysis says a House Republican reconciliation plan could cut SNAP by nearly $300 billion through 2034, risking major benefit losses for millions and adding big state costs. Disaster Relief for Farms: Vermont secured $31.7M in USDA Farm Service Agency funding for storm- and flood-hit producers and timber operators, with applications expected to open in 2026. Water-Quality Equipment Grants: USDA’s CEAP is still taking applications for up to 90% cost-share on farm equipment that reduces runoff and improves water quality (cover crops, conservation tillage, manure/waste tech), due July 15. Livestock Price Pressure: Malaysia’s Sabah urged action to stabilize pork prices after live pig prices reportedly jumped from about RM11/kg to RM16/kg in six months. Fuel Crunch Threatens Harvest: Russia’s harvest faces risk as diesel shortages and soaring prices strain farmers’ ability to fund operations. Trade & Processing Push (Canada): Canada’s food security strategy targets more domestically made processed food, aiming to grow the food processing sector faster by 2035. Animal Health & Food Systems: A policy-focused piece argues faster, practical regulatory pathways are needed to keep animal health R&D moving. Women in Agribusiness: Nigeria’s UNHCR and TGI partnership backs input support, training, certification, and market access for displaced and host communities across key crops.

Water & Weather Watch: Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin saw widespread rain over the week to June 17, with more 5–25mm expected (heavier 25–50mm in Upper Murray and upper Victorian catchments), while unregulated Hume Dam inflows sit at about 82% AEP. Dairy Economics: Rabobank says global milk production growth is finally slowing, with output expected to rise 1.5% in Q2 then flatten and decline later in 2026 as input costs and milk-price uncertainty bite. Trade & Market Access: Georgia bought 218 tons of flowers from Armenia in May (over 63% of its total), but Russian-linked restrictions are threatening farmers with rejected shipments and lost sales. Sustainable Value Chains: Oman launched a frankincense “Luban” sustainable harvesting partnership in Wadi Gazelle covering ~1,500 acres, aiming to protect trees and expand global market reach. Policy & Farm Support: New Mexico is tightening rules to protect acequias after a Clean Water Act ruling narrowed federal coverage—key for agriculture and centuries-old irrigation. Risk Ahead: Research warns a “super El Niño” could severely hit global agriculture, threatening hundreds of millions of smallholders.