AGP Executive Report

Global Food Prices: The UN FAO says global food prices rose 1.9% in August to the highest level since late 2022, driven by extreme weather and war-related trade disruptions. Market Access for Exporters: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says Saba (Cardava) bananas are set for new international markets after supply and purchase deals signed at Asia Fruit Logistica Hong Kong, including shipments to Saudi Arabia and distribution links for Hong Kong and New Zealand. Farm Risk Protection: India’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is highlighted as a major crop-insurance safety net, with millions of farmers insured and large claim payouts reported over the program’s decade-plus run. Biosecurity Watch: Ireland confirmed a bluetongue case in a Wexford cattle herd, underscoring the need for farmers to report unexplained deaths. Water and Resilience: England’s drought coverage is expanding, with growers urging water storage to be treated as strategic infrastructure for food security. Input Safety: Nigeria’s Kano consumer watchdog seized 419 cartons of expired agrochemicals, alleging attempts to reintroduce them into the market. Extension and Skills: Kenya is looking to revive agricultural extension by partnering with universities and drawing lessons from the US.

Water Security: Israel says its water sector is “fully stable” after a 24-hour assessment, with desalination and Sea of Galilee flows keeping supplies to residents and agriculture normal, while drinking water is deemed safe. Seed Systems: Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture has inaugurated a new National Seed Council team to boost certified seed access, cut import dependence, and raise adoption of improved varieties. Drought-Driven Prices: Jamaica’s markets warn of rising produce costs as drought reduces supply, pushing items like lettuce and sweet peppers higher. Livestock Health & Vaccines: Bangladesh launches a domestically developed Lumpy Skin Disease vaccine campaign to reduce cattle losses and lower farmer costs. Workforce & Farm Labor: U.S. House Ag leaders push the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) to modernize H-2A, aiming to prevent farm labor gaps from turning into food insecurity. Policy Pressure on Ranchers: Nebraska’s agriculture leadership highlights concerns over beef import plans and trade uncertainty as producers seek market stability. Irrigation Build-Out: Jamaica’s Essex Valley irrigation project nears completion, with water deliveries expected for farmers by late September. Co-op Market Linkages: Vietnam targets linking at least half of agricultural cooperatives with enterprises by 2030 to strengthen supply chains and boost farm exports.

Digital AgTech Push (Malaysia): MDEC was named the National Strategic Digital Technology Validator for KPKM’s Digital AgTech Programme, aiming to scale AI and smart farming via i-AGRI, BidFresh and Agrovator@Sekolah. Food Security & Prices: FAO says world food prices hit their highest since late 2022 as heat, drought and Black Sea disruptions lift grain and sugar costs. Rural Infrastructure (Nigeria): Sokoto flagged off the N12.708bn Kware–Gidan Madi road under the World Bank-backed RAAMP to improve market access for farmers. Agriculture Finance (Rwanda): GAFSP announced a second allocation using its business investment tool, mobilizing $21m to support Rwanda smallholders through farmers’ organizations financing. Soil Health (Africa): Industry leaders at AFSF warn soil degradation is widespread and call for better fertiliser use and sustainable soil management. Trade & Tariffs (Canada/US): Manitoba Pork welcomed $100m+ tariff supports to boost hog finishing and value-added processing at home. Biosecurity & Disease: Georgia confirmed a new invasive pasture mealybug and is investigating a donkey death case amid heightened scrutiny. Agri Risk (US/Global): A study links intensive farming practices to higher chances of antibiotic-resistant pathogens spreading from soil to humans.

Phosphate & permits: Namibia’s Marine Phosphate firm faces a fresh fight as Agriculture and fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani appeals an environmental clearance, arguing there was no legal basis for the permit. Water strategy: Texas Sen. Charles Perry says “produced water” desalination and brackish groundwater are the future for agriculture, but stresses the real fix is political will and mindset. Rice market stress: Japan moves to buy back last year’s rice reserves after a surplus leaves retailers discounting and farmers warning losses could threaten future planting. Livestock & feed economics: Farm income is up in the U.S., but Farm Bureau says costs still bite; meanwhile, Tennessee updates school rules to excuse absences for farm and equestrian work. Tech for productivity: ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone IQ Octo prototype targets autonomous spraying and seeding; Texas A&M tests far-UVC light to reduce avian flu spread in poultry houses. Regional cooperation: Qatar backs GCC food-security work on strategic storage; California and Queensland sign a new ag-tech and climate-resilience partnership. Food security projects: Yemen’s Hodeida launches seed cleaning and a solar-powered land reclamation phase to expand irrigated production. Markets & trade: U.S.-China leaders are expected to announce agriculture and non-tariff barrier steps during Xi’s Washington visit; Vietnam’s tropical produce expands in Russia via METRO.

Water Stress in the Philippines: Valencia City, Bukidnon says below-normal rainfall has hit about 80% of its 300 hectares of rainfed rice, with NIA moving to scheduled water deliveries. Planting Materials Boost: Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur opened an LGU-owned banana tissue culture lab to supply disease-free Lakatan seedlings and narrow local supply gaps. Smart Irrigation in Malaysia: Kemubu’s KADA is rolling out SPARK, shifting rice water management to real-time monitoring and faster gate and flow decisions. One Health Animal Health Push: Malaysia’s DVS and PERHILITAN signed a One Health joint statement to strengthen zoonotic disease control, including HPAI and ASF. Fertiliser Demand at MAHA: NAFAS Bajakimia reported fertiliser sales topping RM160,000 in the first six days of MAHA 2026 after launching its Premium Care range. Tech-Driven Rice Farming: BERNAS showcased solar-powered, remotely controlled irrigation plus automated planting and harvesting at MAHA 2026. Africa Food Systems Funding: Rwanda’s Kigali forum set a goal to catalyse US$100B investment by 2035 to transform African agriculture and food systems. Rabies Awareness Drive (South Africa): Ahead of World Rabies Day, South Africa’s agriculture minister urged “Stronger Together” action on dog/cat vaccination and rapid response after exposure. Drought-Resilient Inputs (Zimbabwe): Farmers in drought-prone areas were urged to consider organic liquid fertilisers as Super El Niño risks loom. Poultry Investment Debate (Ghana): Ghana’s reported US$270M poultry plan raises the key question of whether farmers will gain affordable feed, chicks, and guaranteed markets. Agritech Solar for Manufacturing (India): Swaraj Tractors will buy solar power via Mahindra Susten’s 42 MWp captive plant in Punjab to cut emissions and power costs. Vertical Farming Market Watch: A new report forecasts vertical farming growth from $5.78B (2025) to $17.28B by 2035, citing policy support and falling fixture costs.

Weather & Losses: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng pushed farm losses to P3.39B, up from P2.84B the day before, affecting rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock and ag-fisheries infrastructure. Water-Quality Policy: Iowa’s Greater Des Moines Watershed program has enrolled over 300,000 acres of cover crops in state cost-share, with statewide enrollment topping 1 million acres; sign-ups run until Sept. 9. Beef Trade Pressure: U.S. farm groups are urging reversal of Trump’s beef import plan that would temporarily remove tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings, warning it could hit ranchers’ bottom lines. EU Import Rule: The EU’s suspension of Brazilian meat imports over antibiotic protocol failures takes effect Sept. 3, with Brazil a major supplier for both beef and chicken. Ag Tech & Data: Canada will fund the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network with $50M to boost adoption of productivity and sustainability tools. Farm Finance: A Philippine bill approved on final reading would condone unpaid interests and restructure certain agricultural loans to restore farmers’ creditworthiness. Land, Gender & Access: Nigeria’s push for women farmers centers on land-rights reform, credit products that don’t require land collateral, and better extension and rural infrastructure. Corruption Probe: Kuwait prosecutors referred 71 defendants over alleged manipulation of agricultural holdings and usufruct rights, citing bribery, document forgery and money laundering.

Fisheries Tech Push (Philippines): DA-BFAR will co-host the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies Conference in Cebu (Sept. 8-10), spotlighting digital tools like I-FIT GIS/FGIS for traceability, risk assessment, and anti-IUU enforcement. Aquaculture Standards (Malaysia): Malaysia’s fisheries department launched new Good Aquaculture Practice codes for giant freshwater prawns, marine-fish ponds, and freshwater-fish cages, plus an antimicrobial resistance awareness kit. Smart Farming Funding (Malaysia): Perak is urging next year’s budget to back its Smart Agriculture Development Programme, targeting smart-farm areas, matching grants, and tech such as smart irrigation and controlled-environment farming. Climate Risk Warning (South Africa): South Africa’s agriculture department issued guidance for El Niño, warning of lower summer rainfall, heat stress, pest/disease spread, and urging climate-smart risk reduction. Beef Herd Plan (US): USDA rolled out the Ranchers First Initiative to rebuild the cattle herd, adding risk management tools, disaster recovery flexibility, and a “BRAND” endorsement for keeping heifers for breeding. Input Cost Pressure (South Africa): A sharp fuel price jump is set to hit the new planting season, with El Niño drought risk adding downside pressure. Organic Scheme Uncertainty (Ireland): Ireland’s organic farming scheme budget is fully allocated, raising concerns that new entrants may be shut out this year. Winter Wheat Update (Ireland): Ireland’s winter wheat variety list shows tight disease margins, with rust and septoria resistance driving which varieties stay recommended. Israel Water for Agriculture: Israel restored agricultural water after desalination disruptions tied to seawater turbidity, though some plants remain offline. Cattle Disease Alert (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe farmers are being urged to tackle lumpy skin disease as a vaccine push and local workshops aim to reduce herd losses.

Philippines Rice Security & Budget: The Philippines’ agriculture chief says rice supply is “quite secure” through end-2026 as harvest begins and imports continue, while the DA seeks a lower 2027 budget of P198.45B, citing normalization of farm-to-market road funding. Bioethanol Push: DA and Energy officials plan cheaper local feedstocks to raise the bioethanol blend from 10% to 15%, aiming to cut pump prices and import dependence. U.S. Beef Processing Tension: Tyson Foods disputes USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ claim that shuttered beef plants will be sold only to American-owned buyers, highlighting foreign-ownership and consolidation concerns. Data Modernization for Farmers: Rollins also unveiled a USDA plan to modernize agricultural data collection using satellites and AI to improve acreage and yield estimates while reducing reporting burdens. Food Security & Trade Controls: Iraq banned agricultural imports until the end of the domestic production season, and Qatar reiterated GCC efforts to strengthen food-security readiness, including strategic stockpiles. Disease & Biosecurity: Wisconsin added two more captive cervid facilities to CWD quarantine after detections, while U.S. border agents intercepted a potentially destructive straw crest moth at Detroit. Water for Irrigation: India’s Andhra Pradesh plans to release Godavari waters into the Polavaram Left Main Canal to boost irrigation across Uttarandhra. Local Policy for Poultry: Maryland eased nutrient-management permit cycles for qualifying no-land, pasture-only chicken farms, cutting administrative load. Agritech & Training: OSU tested a first-of-its-kind hemp harvest machine, and Venezuela inaugurated a youth agricultural training center focused on livestock diversification.

Beef Trade Shock (US): Trump’s tariff-free “discounted” beef imports begin, with critics warning about food-safety optics and market disruption for ranchers. Livestock Policy (US): USDA backs beef with loans for small processors and lets ranchers use conserved land for grazing after disasters. Dairy Health Watch (US): H5N1 reporting resumes after a quiet stretch, with new detections in dairy herds and commercial poultry. Cattle Supply (US): Wisconsin’s licensed dairy herd count falls below 5,000, showing how consolidation is reshaping production. El Niño Food Security (Tanzania): NFRA boosts storage and reserves as forecasts warn of flooding and disease risks. Agriculture & Water (Africa): AGRA chair Hailemariam Dessalegn urges scaling irrigation, especially renewable-powered systems, to cut poverty and improve diets. Farmers vs Weather (Canada): Alberta expands AgriStability access for producers hit by excessive moisture, while warning tariffs could add costs. Market Access (Malaysia): MAHA Trade Days draws heavy interest, with MoUs and visitor numbers signaling momentum for agri-food supply chains. Flood Risk (Philippines): DA reports major monsoon and cyclone farm losses and warns assessments are ongoing. Land Pressure (Philippines): Philippines DA is studying potential farmer impacts from the Pax Silica project in Capas, Tarlac. Inputs & Productivity (Bangladesh): BRRI distributes modern rice inputs in coastal Khulna to support yields amid salinity and waterlogging. Regional Food Systems (Global): A push grows for scaling what works beyond pilots, including social franchising to reach more smallholders.

Ukraine War Impacts Food Supply Chains: Kyiv says Russian strikes have destroyed about 90% of retailers’ food logistics, with occasional empty shelves reported after attacks on warehouse depots. U.S. Beef Policy Clash: Nebraska’s cattle producers are bracing for market disruption as USDA rolls out “Ranchers First” herd-rebuilding incentives while cattle groups urge Trump to reconsider a proposal allowing large volumes of lower-tariff imported beef. Biofuel Rules and Farmer Costs: The White House moves to reallocate additional 2025 small refinery exemptions to protect RFS biofuel markets, after biodiesel and farm groups warned of uncertainty. Grain Transport Watch: CN Rail reports strong early crop-year grain movement in Western Canada, supported by above-average carry-in stocks and export uncertainty from the Black Sea. Food Security Under El Niño: Oxfam warns El Niño is driving severe crop losses in Central America’s Dry Corridor, hitting corn and bean households and water access. Cold Storage Push (Philippines): The Philippines’ DA tenders three cold storage facilities worth P750m to cut postharvest losses and stabilize farmer incomes. Local Agriculture Education (U.S.): Idaho’s Grow Idaho brings students to farms to learn about zoning, soil, water, exports, and seed varieties. Invasive Species Control (Idaho): Idaho begins another targeted quagga mussel treatment on the Snake River near Twin Falls, with limited public access during work.

El Niño Response: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is updating plans as El Niño threatens drought-hit crops and food prices, including shifting production to less-affected areas, expanding cloud seeding and solar-powered irrigation, and improving water efficiency. Flood Damage & Relief: In the Philippines, monsoon rains and cyclones have triggered major agricultural losses—Oriental Mindoro reported P112M in damage and 52,642 people affected, while Pangasinan declared a state of calamity with early estimates of P649.23M in crop losses. Solar vs Food Land: The Philippines is proposing geofencing to protect about 3 million hectares of flat farmland from new solar projects, targeting up to 2,000 rice areas and coordinating with the energy ministry to avoid overlaps. EU Poultry Trade: Ukraine’s EU poultry exports are set to stabilize near a revised quota of 120,000 metric tons for 2026-27, with MHP expected to stay dominant as competition shifts. US Farm Services Under Strain: USDA staffing shortages are delaying loans, conservation help, and rural infrastructure support, with NRCS down sharply and local offices operating reduced schedules. Climate Aid for Farmers: France is preparing several hundred million euros in drought and heat compensation as crop and pasture losses mount across western Europe. Agri-Exports & Logistics: Ghana plans a 150-acre air cargo hub at Tamale to speed exports of vegetables and other high-value produce, linking farming, value addition, and logistics. Tech for Seeds: China’s Origin Agritech opened a Southwest R&D center in Guizhou, building a full-chain seed and biotech platform for the region. Rangelands & Drought Finance: At UNCCD COP17, Tanzania and other countries face pressure to restore rangelands and deliver drought support fast enough for pastoralists.

Heritage Protection: Philippines’ Cordillera technocrats want a new Cordillera Rice Terraces Commission to halt deterioration of World Heritage-listed terraces, after earlier bodies were dissolved and conservation shifted to Ifugao. Climate & Markets: El Niño-linked drought risk is expected to hit agro-stocks and commodity prices via lower output and tighter supplies. Tech for Farm Efficiency: USDA and Auburn University are collaborating on drone and AI research to improve scouting and delivery for crop operations. Food Safety & Waste: WSU scientist Kang Huang secured multiple USDA grants to cut microbial spoilage and reduce U.S. food waste, including new food-safe coatings. Soil & Water Resilience: A UK peat rewetting scheme uses “scallop bunds” and leaky dams to store water, protect wildlife, and reduce wildfire and flooding impacts. Policy & Funding: Bangladesh Bank cut rates on a Tk 3,000cr agro-refinance fund to support an agricultural economic hub. Food Systems Support: WFP and Sri Lanka’s ministry delivered Rs. 22m in equipment for home-grown school feeding in Nuwara Eliya. Supply Chain Infrastructure: Superior Ag opened a new 32,000-ton Ohio River fertilizer terminal to strengthen nutrient logistics for regional farmers. Conflict Impact: Ukraine’s Kherson region reports 17 farmer deaths and 70+ injuries since the war began, with machinery and crops repeatedly destroyed. Land & Livelihoods: Zimbabwe is relocating 806 families for the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project ahead of dam impounding, at an estimated US$28m. Trade & Exports: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia set a target to lift Pakistani agri and food exports to $3bn in two years, including rice and red meat. Farmer Wellbeing: Australia’s 2026 Norco Farmer Wellbeing report flags worsening stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, with many considering leaving farming.

Disaster Response: A Philippine municipality in Pangasinan declared a state of calamity after Tropical Storms “Luis” and “Maymay” and monsoon rains caused over P31.28m in farm losses, hitting 577 farmers across 615.79 hectares, led by rice. Animal Health & Safety: In Ghana, about 10 cattle died after a high-tension electricity cable fell into a stream and electrified the water, prompting calls to isolate and remove the hazard. Food Security: The USDA warns the Philippines could see 15.4m people facing food insecurity this year, even as longer-term forecasts improve. Fertiliser Governance: India is expanding its iFMS digital system to boost fertiliser supply visibility and tighten subsidy oversight, linking buyers and retailers through Aadhaar and adding dashboards for stock and movement monitoring. Policy Restructuring: Tanzania’s Parliament repealed the Pyrethrum Industry Act, dissolving the Pyrethrum Board and shifting its functions to COPRA. Livestock & Land Use: Myanmar’s president ordered strict oversight of land allocated for farming and livestock zones to prevent diversion and ensure supply of feed, water, power, and breeds. Innovation & Circular Ag: Malaysia launched pineapple-based products—Pinasweet and LiqoFas—turning pineapple waste into a low-GI sweetener and liquid organic fertiliser. Trade & Tech: India and Chile moved to finalize CEPA by year-end, while Punjab’s AI push drew interest from Alibaba Cloud, including AI for agriculture and public services. Climate Risk: Nepal’s flash floods tied to glacier collapse are raising downstream alarm across the Himalayas, with rescue efforts still searching for survivors.

Food Security Watch: The USDA warns the Philippines could hit 15.4 million people facing food insecurity this year, even as a longer-term outlook improves, while Indonesia tops the regional list with 32.1 million. Climate & Markets: Barclays says the next commodity shock may be forming as El Niño strengthens, with forecasts pointing to a potentially stronger-than-2015-16 event that could disrupt agriculture and other key inputs. Farm Resilience: Zimbabwe is pushing solar-powered irrigation to keep food production going as El Niño risk rises. Agritech & Smallholders: A Kadavu farmer in Fiji built an online platform to connect farmers with buyers and services, aiming to represent the Pacific in China. Policy & Subsidies: Egypt’s agriculture and petroleum ministries deny any cut to subsidised fertiliser quotas, reaffirming a 2.4m-tonne allocation. Trade & Data: Fiji’s agriculture ministry wants better tracking of imported food that is processed locally and then re-exported. Pests & Risk: Saskatchewan reports high flea beetle numbers heading into winter, with adults building reserves. Youth & Education: New York State Fair opens a new FFA building to expand agricultural education and training.

Food Security Under Fire: Ukraine’s agriculture minister says Russian strikes destroyed about 90% of the country’s food storage and winter is coming, threatening grain, seeds and supplies that keep civilians fed and exports alive. Pest Control Funding: Spain’s Comunitat Valenciana will spend €11m to fight fruit fly with sterile-male releases, drone and ground treatments, mass trapping and weekly monitoring across 140,000+ hectares. Trade Access Push: India and Argentina agreed to improve market access for Indian pharma and farm products, including onions, milk, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses, as bilateral trade tops $6.5bn. Agribusiness Finance: Malaysia’s PKPS and Agrobank signed a RM200m trade facility to strengthen food supply chains, including a halal food warehouse buffer stock. Climate & Water Pressure: New research warns drylands are expanding fast and freshwater shortages could reshape agriculture and communities. Farm Tech & Inputs: Kenya’s KALRO researchers are developing improved feeds and pastures to raise cattle quality and weight for better prices. Local Production Boost: Mizoram plans to scale ginger cultivation after being named “Ginger Capital of India,” alongside efforts to expand other crops and edible oil processing. Fraud Alert: Ireland’s DAFM warns farmers about scam texts asking for banking details. Agriculture Jobs Plan: Tanzania says agriculture (plus livestock and forestry) is set to generate 55.1% of a planned 8.5m jobs over five years.

Producer Prices Watch (Philippines): The agriculture producer price index fell 11.7% in Q2 2026 as Middle East-linked input costs and a stronger U.S. dollar lifted expenses, with livestock and poultry hit hardest. Pest & Biosecurity (Georgia): Georgia confirmed pasture mealybug for the first time, warning of rapid spread through equipment and grass/hay damage. Disaster Support (U.S.): USDA is offering drought and wildfire recovery help for Skagit County producers, including livestock and tree assistance programs. Policy & Labor (U.S. H-2A): A California court ordered the DOL to redo the adverse effect wage rate method, raising uncertainty for farm employers and workers. Trade Pressure (Canada/Manitoba): Manitoba unveiled $103M in tariff-related supports, expanding loan guarantees and risk tools for farmers and agri-businesses. Market Signals (U.S.): Cattle futures slid to end the week, with drought forcing earlier sales. Agri-Value Push (Zimbabwe): President Mnangagwa used the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to argue for moving beyond raw exports toward local agro-processing. Beekeeping Aid (Virginia): VDACS is offering free beehive equipment (bees not included) to boost managed colonies and pollination.