AGP Executive Report

USDA & Animal Health: New World screwworm has been confirmed in the U.S., prompting renewed guidance and tighter livestock protocols as the pest threatens wounds and livestock health. Climate & Inputs: India’s Andhra Pradesh rolled out an app-based fertilizer sales system to curb diversion and speed supply, while Telangana’s agriculture ministry is preparing for El Niño-linked monsoon uncertainty with WhatsApp weather advisories. Policy & Trade: The Philippines is seeking to more than double corn’s minimum access volume to 500,000 tons to reduce feed-price and supply risks. BRICS Agriculture: BRICS agriculture ministers adopted the Indore Declaration, putting farmers at the center and backing digital agriculture and food security. Tech in Farming: China completed its first comprehensive field evaluation of pure electric vegetable machinery, testing electric transplanters, crop protection units and transport vehicles. Local Livelihoods: Virginia launched a plan to expand small meat processing capacity to improve local beef access, and a Virginia vineyard became the first in the state to earn Certified Regenerative status. Regional Cooperation: Malaysia and Uzbekistan agreed to strengthen agri-food ties, including aquaculture, irrigation tech and R&D.

Water Stress & Irrigation Politics: Cyprus farmers in Larnaca and Famagusta plan to confront the agriculture ministry after a cabinet decision to add 3.5 million cubic metres of irrigation water failed to ease shortages, with growers warning the distribution may deepen district inequality and threaten crops. Public Health & Rural Risk: Nepal’s monsoon-era snakebite burden remains severe for farmers and rural families, driven by delayed treatment, limited awareness and antivenom access. Wildlife Conflict & Farm Switching: In Nepal’s Jhapa, repeated elephant and monkey damage is pushing farmers to rubber cultivation as a more reliable income source than paddy and maize. Animal Welfare Court Fight: A lawsuit alleging systematic animal cruelty against Alexandre Family Farm moves forward after a judge’s ruling, keeping pressure on “ethical” dairy branding. Environmental Compliance Under Scrutiny: Tata’s iPhone parts plant in Tamil Nadu faces possible shutdown over wastewater allegations tied to contamination of nearby farmland and wells. Climate Shock for Crops: India’s El Niño has been declared, raising the odds of a deficient monsoon and adding uncertainty for rain-fed agriculture. Livestock Trade Restart: Zimbabwe’s ZITF cattle auctions resume after eight years in previously FMD-affected areas, with strict veterinary safeguards. Farm Inputs & Regulation: New slurry/soiled-water storage rules under TAMS are set to tighten from 2028, pushing dairy farms to plan upgrades now.

BRICS Agriculture: BRICS ministers meeting in Indore adopted the “Indore Declaration,” putting farmers at the center with new moves on seed rights, digital agriculture, agroecology and regenerative farming, plus stronger food security and climate-resilient practices. Food Security Policy: Indonesia’s deputy agriculture minister said food security underpins economic transformation, linking it to land use, irrigation, and farming modernization. Agri-Tech & Seeds: China’s new five-year planning explicitly flags gene-editing as a core agricultural technology for high-tech seed breeding. Traceability & Exports: Malaysia picked durian as a pilot for FAMA’s GPL traceability system, aiming to record supply chains in real time before expanding to other export crops. Biosecurity Threat: Hawaii confirmed dead coconut rhinoceros beetles in Maui traps, prompting surveys and early detection efforts. Livestock Health: Texas launched free screwworm inspector training after USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases in cattle. Water & Pollution: India’s TNPCB issued a show-cause notice to an electronics firm over alleged effluent discharge contaminating groundwater and nearby farm lands. Farm Safety & Conflict: Gunmen attacked agricultural workers in Nigeria’s Zamfara State, killing at least 17 farmers and injuring 13. Trade & Markets: Saskatchewan’s premier led an EU trade mission to open new markets for food and other sectors.

Nigeria Security Crisis: Gunmen killed 17 farmers and injured 13 in Zamfara, as armed groups keep targeting fields during planting season, deepening food-security fears. Maize Value Chain: Nigeria’s maize boom is pulling in investors toward trading and processing—flour, starch, feed and other products—turning staple demand into new income streams. Controlled-Environment Farming: Nigeria’s Ojeah scaled from one greenhouse to 10+ facilities, arguing farmers should start small, learn the system, then expand. EU Antibiotics Rules: The EU is pushing ahead with tougher antibiotic restrictions that could disrupt Brazilian beef exports from September, with traceability concerns still unresolved. Pakistan Water Stress: With the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, severe shortages in Sindh and Balochistan are threatening agriculture and livelihoods. Fertiliser Pressure: Telangana urged India’s Centre to fix urea shortfalls ahead of kharif, warning reduced supplies will hurt buffer stocks and crop plans. Tech for Farming: Sarawak is betting on youth-led AI, robotics and smart farming under its PCDS 2030 push. Animal Health Alert: New World screwworm detections in the US have risen to 9 cases, prompting expanded treatment access and producer guidance. Policy & Support: Philippines distributed agri-fishery aid to thousands, while Ireland’s CAP deadlines highlight upcoming grant windows for farmers.

USDA Rural Health Funding: Floyd County Medical Center in Iowa is set to receive a $27.5M USDA Rural Development loan to expand and renovate its facility, including surgical and dietary upgrades. Screwworm Alarm Across the US: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, prompting Kansas, Kentucky, Colorado and Minnesota to tighten monitoring and movement rules; USDA also eased Mexico’s dog ban while keeping other animals restricted. Grain Markets Watch: USDA’s June WASDE left corn and soybean outlooks steady but trimmed winter wheat supplies after Plains drought, keeping traders focused on weather. Weather Outlook for Exporters: Reuters reports El Niño may boost Argentina’s crop prospects in the second half of 2026, despite risks elsewhere. Fertiliser Cost Relief: The EU proposed €540M to help farmers cope with higher fertiliser prices, alongside faster CAP support mechanisms. Policy Push for Farmers: Brazil’s agribusiness caucus is pushing to fast-track rural debt renegotiation legislation. Community & Farm Support: Iowa’s Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants will fund 11 projects with $614.6K in cost-share, while Alberta’s Farmer’s Day highlights rural contributions. Rural Development Grants: Canada’s UFA Foundation opened applications for its 2026 Rural Communities grant program.

Rice Policy Watch: The Philippines’ DA is set to recommend extending the P50-per-kilo rice price cap beyond June 30, pending checks by the National Price Coordinating Council and presidential approval. Food Security Diplomacy: BRICS agriculture ministers met in Indore to focus on food security and smallholder welfare, with women and youth participation on the agenda. Animal Health Crisis: New World screwworm has been detected in the US again—seven infected animals in Texas and New Mexico—prompting an emergency response, with officials stressing low risk to the food supply. Trade & Prices: FAO’s May food price index edged down but beef prices kept climbing, with the beef index hitting new highs. Ag Water Research: UNM researchers are studying how irrigated agriculture uses water across small and large farms in New Mexico’s Middle Rio Grande Basin. Sustainable Farming & Inputs: Zambia urged farmers to use post-harvest training to cut losses, while Ireland’s DAFM released winter oilseed rape variety recommendations for 2027. Local Sector Support: Egypt and the World Bank discussed financing agri-processing projects, including aggregation centers and cold storage in Upper Egypt.

US Wheat Watch: The USDA cut its U.S. winter wheat outlook after Plains drought, projecting 2026/27 production at 1.030 billion bushels and hard red winter wheat at 497 million—worst since 1957. Legal Fight Over Food Aid Rules: A federal judge paused “unconstitutional” USDA conditions tied to SNAP/WIC funding in Virginia and other states, as a multi-state lawsuit continues. Input Policy: Bangladesh proposed VAT and advance-tax exemptions on pesticide imports in its FY2026-27 budget. AI for Farmers: India launched “Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra,” a WhatsApp AI advisory for oilseed growers with 24/7 crop, pest, and irrigation guidance. Animal Health Emergency: Democratic senators urged USDA to step up its response to the New World screwworm after new border crossings; Idaho also tightened animal entry rules. Irrigation Investment: Moldova will connect about 1,900 hectares in Briceni district to a modernized irrigation system under a World Bank-funded project. Trade & Markets: Saudi Arabia resumed receiving Lebanese exports, a potential boost for Lebanon’s farm and agri-food supply chains. Livestock & Rural Support: OSU rolled out a beef AI school for herd management, while a Michigan farm-stress program warned funding gaps can disrupt mental health services.

Fertiliser Policy Shift: Bangladesh’s finance minister plans to zero VAT and import-stage advance tax on fertilisers and pesticides for agriculture, plus cut duties on key inputs to boost local production. Input Tech Push: Malaysia’s Wastech Group is positioning the country as a regional hub for advanced fertiliser technology, including controlled-release coating and crop-specific blending. Food Security & Trade: The Philippines’ bid to lift Vietnam trade to US$10bn by 2026 is being strained by Manila’s rice import rule swings and tariff uncertainty, despite heavy reliance on Vietnamese rice. Climate & Water Stress: Sri Lanka urges farmers to use water sparingly and switch to short-term crops as El Niño risks lower rainfall. Rainwater Storage Drive: India’s Balrampur district launches rainwater conservation to raise groundwater and protect farm output. Animal Health Alert: Texas confirms five New World screwworm cases as rules tighten for animal movement. Regional Ag Research: Uruguay signs an agreement with a Chinese university to create a Joint Pasture Agriculture Laboratory for pasture genetics and forage biotech. Market Access: Iloilo City (Philippines) expands direct farmer-to-buyer produce sales through its Mercado Lokal. UK Farm Support: Defra announces £240m for Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 and £50m for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, though farmers warn funding is still short. Agrivoltaics in Practice: Oregon’s Our Table farm deploys a “Lettuce Shine” microgrid to control heat-shading for leafy greens.

Invasive Pest Alerts (US): California counties warned shoppers after a glassy-winged sharpshooter was found on grapevine shipments sold at Costco, urging customers to keep plants contained and call local agriculture departments for pickup guidance. Livestock Biosecurity (US-Mexico): Mexico suspended most live animal imports from the U.S. after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, as both sides tighten movement rules. Fertiliser Pressure (EU): The European Commission signaled a €500m crisis package to help farmers hit by soaring fertiliser costs, while the EU agriculture commissioner stressed long-term supply fixes are needed to avoid food shortages. Agrifood Investment (Qatar): US-Qatar Business Council and IFC launched a roadmap to channel agrifood investments toward Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2030. Climate & Disaster Risk (US): Shenandoah County in Virginia sought an agricultural disaster declaration after a late freeze and dry spring damaged hay, pasture, orchards, vineyards and barley. Farm Safety Net (US): USDA’s Farm Service Agency opened a window for eligible landowners to review base acre increases for ARC/PLC programs ahead of 2026 enrollment. Spongy Moth Control (US): Minnesota plans aerial mating-disruption treatment across 112,211 acres to slow spongy moth spread. Market & Trade (New Zealand): New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are forecast to hit a record $64.3bn, with officials pointing to strong dairy, meat and horticulture performance. Livelihoods (Cambodia): Cambodia reopened a former refugee camp as a free-range chicken cooperative, enrolling 600+ families with coops, chicks, training and buy-back contracts. Agricultural Finance (US): Vine launched a reporting dashboard for community banks and credit unions to improve visibility into commercial and agricultural loan portfolio performance.

New World Screwworm: Texas confirmed new detections and expanded disaster posture as the flesh-eating pest spreads beyond earlier hotspots, prompting calls for faster federal deployment and tighter animal import readiness. Farm Safety & Rural Access: New Zealand’s Fieldays is spotlighting health and wellbeing services for rural communities, while the UK’s FarmersAid app pushes real-time guidance for common farm accidents. Climate & Water Stress: Asia faces fresh drought worries that could hit crop establishment and yields, and India’s agriculture story highlights how procurement, credit, insurance, and irrigation support have boosted output since 2014. Input Cost Pressure: UK farmers warn fertiliser shocks from global conflict and shipping disruption are squeezing margins, urging government triggers and CBAM delay to protect affordability. Ag Tech & Value Addition: Kenya courts Chinese investment to build local tea processing, Guyana and Brazil back a Caribbean agri-tech hub, and India’s Coromandel-Samunnati deal aims to expand input access for farmer producer organisations. Regional Farming Stories: Zambia’s peri-urban cherry tomato agribusiness shows conservation-led entrepreneurship, while Odisha’s smart village program uses science to diversify crops amid saline and water stress.

New World Screwworm Alert (US): Iowa issued guidance for livestock and pet owners after new detections in Texas and a case in New Mexico, urging wound checks and immediate reporting if maggots are found. USDA Response (US): USDA confirmed additional cases and named Texas A&M Regent John Bellinger to help lead preparedness efforts as eradication ramps up. Animal Health Guidance (US): Officials say the pest doesn’t pose a food safety risk, but early treatment is key to recovery. Dairy Growth (Nebraska): Nebraska highlighted National Dairy Month with industry leaders pointing to new processing capacity as a path to expand the state’s dairy herd and keep more value-added production local. Budget Pressure (Farmers): Growers welcomed a 2026/27 budget push for market access but warned support must be practical on the ground. Pest Control (Minnesota): Minnesota’s agriculture department plans aerial spongy moth mating-disruption over 112,000 acres starting June 24. Soil & Climate Tech (India): Telangana’s horticulture university promoted biochar from crop waste to boost soil health and cut fertilizer reliance. Food Security Talks (Egypt/World Bank): Egypt met the World Bank to expand cooperation on smallholder support, irrigation, and AgriConnect financing and digital services.

US Policy for Small Meat Plants: USDA launched a Small Processors Action Plan to cut red tape and improve support for small and very small meat and poultry processors, alongside more funding for meat and poultry expansion. Export Boost: APEDA helped ship the first GI-tagged Tezpur litchi consignment from Assam to Dubai, with growers reportedly getting about 10% higher prices. Livestock Biosecurity Alert: The New World screwworm is spreading in the US—USDA confirmed additional cases across Texas and New Mexico, prompting quarantines and sterile-fly responses. Water for Farming: Goa is accelerating Tar River restoration to improve dry-season water flow, expand cultivable land, and curb floods; Nigeria’s Nasarawa plans mini dams for year-round farming. Inputs Under Pressure: Telangana’s fertiliser app is being hailed as a national model to curb diversion and improve dealer stock visibility, while Nigeria’s Plateau farmers’ group warns of fake fertiliser circulating. Trade & Diplomacy: South Africa posted a record Q1 agriculture trade surplus as imports fell; BRICS agriculture talks in Indore focus on food security and farmer welfare. Climate-Smart Innovation: WFP launched a Nepal climate innovation accelerator backing startups for solar irrigation, digital farm tools, and climate-risk solutions.

New World screwworm response: The USDA confirmed more flesh-eating screwworm cases in Texas (calf in La Salle County; dog in Andrews County), bringing detections to four and prompting an “escalated response” by Texas officials plus Canada’s emergency livestock import restrictions from Texas. Food safety and regulation: Georgia’s Animal Feed Program received FDA approval for full implementation of federal animal food regulatory standards, while the EU launched the €13.5m EU4Food Safety project to help Albania align with EU food-safety rules. Fertilizer and input pressure: FAO warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could trigger a fertilizer and production shock, urging countries to keep agricultural input trade open and use fertilizer efficiently. Farm finance and rural jobs: Bangladesh Bank rolled out Tk 16,000 crore in refinancing schemes to support CMSMEs and boost rural agricultural production. Agricultural trade and partnerships: Ghana’s President Mahama pushed deeper Ghana–Belarus ag cooperation via MoUs, and Canada secured new market access for fish and seafood in multiple countries. Local agriculture support: Minnesota awarded $1.3m for farm-to-school grants, and Michigan updated its harmful algal bloom reporting form to protect residents near waterways.

Sunflower Push in Kenya’s Lake Basin: A new programme launched by LBDA and GreenTec Hub will support 3,000 farmers, encouraging a shift from sugarcane and maize to sunflower for faster growth and steadier market returns. Carbon Labels in China’s Gansu: Zhangye is rolling out carbon footprint “green IDs” for farm products, with certified items like potatoes now carrying per-box emissions figures to help greener sales. Meat Supply Long-Run Surge: A new FAO study says global animal-based food supply has risen sharply since 1961, with poultry and eggs driving most of the growth, while food loss and cold-chain gaps widen regional gaps. Budget Fight Hits Ghana’s Farm Spending: Ghana’s Finance and Food and Agriculture ministries are locked in a public dispute over 2026 budget releases, with political rivals pointing to execution gaps. Cotton Outlook in Australia: ANZ flags possible cotton contraction to 3m bales in 2026-27 as growers balance water limits and rising costs. EU-India Northeast Dealmaking: The EU’s “Team Europe” delegation arrives in Assam to deepen cooperation on agri-food processing and other value chains. Philippines Earthquake & Tsunami Alert: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao killed at least five and triggered tsunami warnings for coastal provinces. Farming Tech in Chongqing: Drones are increasingly used on mountain farms for fertilising, spraying and sowing, cutting labour on steep terrain. Food Crisis Warning: UN IFAD warns that Iran-war-linked fertiliser and fuel shocks could lift food prices later this year. Uganda Green Finance: Equity Bank Uganda expands renewable-energy lending for homes, farms and small businesses to ease energy-cost pressure. India Millet Exports to New Zealand: APEDA-backed shipment marks a first sea export of millet functional foods from Karnataka, opening a new value-added market. Haryana Satellite for Water Stress: A satellite-enabled system is helping monitor crops and water stress for millions of farmers, earning international recognition. Turkey Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing: A national action plan upgrades monitoring and enforcement using vessel tracking and port controls to protect marine sustainability. Australia Mouse Plague: Record harvest and summer rain are fuelling major mouse outbreaks in grain areas, threatening crops as sowing continues. Global Supply Chain Risk: A task force warns energy disruptions could spill into fertiliser and food packaging, raising broader agricultural risk.

Precision Irrigation & Jobs: Netafim’s Nefatim unit opened a major precision-ag equipment factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, aiming to supply farmers across North and Central America and create about 200 direct jobs. Farm-to-Market Roads: Zamboanga del Sur (Philippines) secured P345m for 2026 farm-to-market road projects with the Department of Agriculture, targeting lower transport costs and better market access. Digital Farming Services: Bahrain’s agriculture ministry upgraded online security-fee deposits for non-commercial camping, cutting processing to instant payments via the “Khaym” app. Water Stress & Politics: In Pakistan, Indus water overdrawn by Punjab is blamed for acute shortages in Sindh’s Dadu Canal and wider irrigation stress, sparking political friction. Livestock Support in Drought: Australia’s Local Land Services is pushing feed and water testing plus ration planning support for producers during marginal seasons. Weed Killer Scrutiny: Top Australian neurologists say they were ignored in the regulator’s review of paraquat, raising Parkinson’s-linked concerns. Animal Welfare Clash: U.S. Congress weighs rolling back state livestock welfare rules tied to California’s Proposition 12. Biosecurity Alert: Florida tightened warm-blooded animal import rules after New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas. Food Exports: The Philippines shipped MD2 pineapples to the UAE and sent a first commercial mango batch to Canada. EU Trade Push: EU “Team Europe” ambassadors are set to visit Assam to launch a Blue Valley Cluster and explore agri-food processing and value-chain partnerships.

Farm Infrastructure Boost (Philippines): Zamboanga del Sur signed P345m farm-to-market road deals with the Department of Agriculture, aiming to cut transport costs and link farms to markets. Livestock & Biosecurity (US): Utah officials say the new world screwworm found in Texas poses no immediate food-supply risk, but urge vigilance as eradication efforts ramp up. Food Security Strategy (Pakistan): PM Shehbaz Sharif outlined a comprehensive plan to strengthen food security and food safety, citing the global burden of contaminated food. Water Crisis Threat (Pakistan): Reports warn Sukkur Barrage’s Right Bank Canal is short on irrigation water, putting Kharif crops at risk and highlighting governance and distribution problems. Regional Investment Push (Africa): The Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, co-chaired by France and Kenya, spotlighted scaling investment in food security and related sectors. Trade & Agrifood (Morocco-EU): Morocco widened its EU agro-food surplus in early 2026 as EU exports to Morocco fell faster than Moroccan shipments declined. Research Cooperation (China-Pakistan): China and Pakistan agreed to expand tropical agricultural research, including crops, grains, fruits/vegetables and biotech. Agriculture Finance (India): Central Bank of India ran a mega agriculture credit outreach in Karnal, generating Rs 220 crore in leads and sanctioning Rs 45.46 crore in loans. Sustainable Farming (India): Experts urged timely micronutrient use to raise cotton yields by 20–25% and improve disease resistance.