AGP Executive Report

Land Rights Update (Philippines): Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III says the World Bank-backed SPLIT project is “moving full speed ahead” to break up collective land titles, with about 750,000 CCLOAs still pending and a push to finish most by 2028. Water Stress (Philippines): In Bukidnon, below-normal rainfall is stressing about 80% of rainfed rice areas, forcing scheduled irrigation deliveries. Agri Trade & Prices (Malaysia): At MAHA 2026, Negeri Sembilan targets RM300,000 in pavilion sales and 150,000 visitors, while FAMA’s Agro MADANI Sales Programme offers key foods 10–30% below market rates. Seed Security (Malaysia): Malaysia’s agriculture ministry is accelerating local crop seed development to cut heavy import dependence and draft a Plant Seed Quality Bill. Tech for Farming (Malaysia): Kemubu’s SPARK water-management system shifts rice irrigation from estimates to real-time, evidence-based control. Regional Food Security (GCC/Qatar): Qatar highlights GCC work on strategic food storage and early-warning systems at the 38th agricultural cooperation meeting. Climate Pressure (UK/Ireland): Northern Ireland’s DAERA minister warns there can be “no rolling back” on climate action after record-hot summer conditions. Market Shock (U.S./Canada): New U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods raise concerns for farm demand, with Canada set to retaliate from Sept. 8. EU Beef Ban (Brazil): The EU blocks Brazilian animal product imports over antimicrobial-use concerns, prompting Brazil’s farm lobby to seek trade compensation. Deforestation Risk (Bolivia/Brazil): A planned highway linking Bolivia’s Chiquitania to Brazil could accelerate forest loss tied to cattle and soy expansion.

Trade & Market Pressure: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear urged President Trump to rescind tariff and trade policies, saying they’re driving up grocery, gas and power costs and hitting agriculture among other sectors. Animal Health & Compliance: Ireland’s agriculture department suspended 60 vets for improper TB herd testing since 2022, with potentially invalid results for affected farmers. Nutrient Rules for Dairy: Ireland also told dairy farmers to declare organic nutrient movements to outblock farms via MyAgfood.ie (deadline Dec. 31, 2026), tightening monitoring under the nitrates plan. Fertilizer Supply Claims: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister said there’s no fertilizer shortage, citing 1.3 million tonnes in stock and alleging an “artificial crisis” attempt. Water Governance: In Pakistan’s Sindh, farmers’ groups accused IRSA of violating the 1991 water accord and depriving tail-end growers, while also alleging price pressure by mill owners. Agri-Tech & Climate: Philippines DA and PAGASA signed up to build a localized synoptic and agrometeorological station to improve crop planning, irrigation scheduling and early warnings. Agri-Industry Research: Australia’s Fulbright-backed research will test “solar grazing,” using sheep under solar arrays to manage vegetation and support farmers’ income. Latin America Trend: Peru’s “aura farming” craze is turning online dance battles into real-world competitions.

Debt Relief for Farmers: The Philippines House approved on final reading a bill to condone and restructure unpaid interests, penalties and surcharges on agricultural loans for farmers, fisherfolk and agrarian reform beneficiaries. Aquaculture Standards: Malaysia launched new Good Aquaculture Practice codes for giant freshwater prawn ponds, marine-fish ponds and freshwater-fish cages, plus an antimicrobial resistance awareness kit. Wheat Self-Sufficiency Watch: Ethiopia says its National Wheat Flagship Program has replaced about 2.6 million quintals of imports with domestic wheat, though millers still complain about high local prices. Fertiliser Assurance: Bangladesh’s agriculture minister denied a fertiliser crisis, citing nearly 13 lakh tonnes in stock while lawmakers allege distribution irregularities. Dairy Input Cuts: Kenya reduced certified seed prices by 50% and slashed sexed semen costs from Sh8,000 to Sh1,400 per dose to boost productivity. Market Pressure on Food Prices: A commodity surge and supply-chain lags could push higher input costs into grocery prices by 2027. Agri-Policy in Motion: India’s NITI Aayog talks with Karnataka focused on funding support, including the “second Bengaluru” idea.

River & water quality pressure: A UK council probe into river health is widening beyond sewage to include road and agricultural run-off, aiming to improve public safety and ecology across several waterways. Farm runoff & flood risk: In the Philippines, flooding across Central Luzon exposed how fragmented flood control can fail when monsoon rains, dam releases, high tides, reclamation and land subsidence stack up—pushing calls for basin-wide planning. Fertiliser squeeze: Nepal’s rice farmers say late planting is done but yields may drop because fertiliser is unavailable when tillering starts; similar worries are echoed elsewhere. Market snapshot: Nepal’s Kalimati wholesale committee set today’s max prices for key fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, onions and leafy greens. Cocoa sector momentum: Cote d’Ivoire opened its 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days, spotlighting youth, processing and sustainable cocoa. Jobs & food manufacturing: Chobani plans a $1.2B expansion in Pennsylvania, targeting 900+ jobs and more production capacity. Invasive species threat: Montana reports spread of the Eastern Heath Snail, which can damage crops and contaminate grain. Climate reality check: A UN report says warming beyond 1.5°C is now inevitable, with “overshoot” limits and carbon removal needed to reduce peak impacts.

Philippines Budget Push for El Niño Response: The Department of Agriculture and National Irrigation Administration asked lawmakers for higher 2027 funding, citing El Niño risks; officials said fertilizer aid and support for farmers and fisherfolk may run out without added money. Farm Roads Funding Gap: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. warned a proposed P16B farm-to-market road budget is too small for the system’s needs, leaving thousands of kilometers uncovered. Land Impact Watch—Pax Silica: The DA is still assessing how the proposed Pax Silica project in Capas, Tarlac could affect farmers, with early signals suggesting fewer direct impacts than feared. Aquaculture Digital Tools: Malaysia’s fisheries department launched eSPeKS and AquaTrack to streamline aquaculture assistance applications and help farmers run digital farm records. US Beef Policy Shift: USDA’s “Ranchers First Initiative” aims to help rebuild the cattle herd and expand regional beef processing, responding to backlash over tariff-free ground beef plans. Belize River Fish Kill Scrutiny: A probe into a mass fish kill is focusing on possible agricultural runoff and wastewater pathways in the watershed. Food Security Pressure in Kenya: Kenya’s food import bill jumped as drought-hit crops raise the likelihood of renewed maize imports. Agriculture Tech & Research: India’s AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI signed an MoU to study using iron ore tailings in agriculture, supporting circular-economy soil inputs. Local Market Linkages: Davao’s “Kadiwa on Wheels” is bringing regional fruits to Metro Manila and beyond to expand farmer sales. Wendell Berry Dies: The agrarian writer and environmental activist, 92, was widely credited with shaping modern debates on farming, land, and community.

Fertilizer Security Push: Major development banks and IFIs are coordinating a roadmap to boost fertilizer production, storage, and transport, aiming to reduce future supply shocks that hit smallholders hardest. Sahel Pineapple Breakthrough: A Burkina Faso farmer is proving pineapples can thrive in the Sahel, expanding a 50-hectare operation after border disruptions made imports less reliable. US Beef Herd Plan: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins rolled out “Ranches First” measures to help rebuild U.S. cattle herds, with ranchers and Midwestern farm leaders weighing how policy shifts could ripple into grocery prices. Grain Logistics Watch: CN Rail reports strong Western Canada grain movement into harvest, supported by above-average carry-in stocks and steady weekly shipment volumes. Fertilizer Imports in Pakistan: Pakistan’s agriculture and chemical imports rose 11.15% in July-to-August, with fertilizer and pesticide import volumes also shifting year-on-year. Farm-to-School Volunteers: Virginia’s GATE Center is seeking volunteers for a Farm to School program that targets locally sourced produce for school cafeterias and classroom learning. Solar on Best-Value Farmland: A UK council approved solar panels on a “best value” agricultural field, limiting the footprint and requiring removal if no longer needed. South Africa Wheat Timing: Global wheat prices surged on Black Sea tensions and El Niño, but South African planting is already too late to benefit. India Smallholder Resilience: India’s agriculture leadership is urging faster research-to-farm delivery, integrated farming, better seeds, and balanced fertilizer use to raise farmer incomes.

Land-Use vs Energy: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is proposing geofencing to protect up to 3 million hectares of flat farmland—especially rice areas—as solar projects expand, aiming to avoid overlaps with energy sites. Food Security & Water: Israel warned of possible water disruptions after severe seawater turbidity forced five of six desalination plants offline, with officials linking the issue to storm conditions and possible algae drift. Crops, Climate, and Losses: In Ghana, tomato farmers in Ada East/West are asking for an investigation into dying seedlings after transplanting, while in the Philippines’ Zambales, heavy rains and floods have caused P37.55m in agriculture losses, led by rice. Policy and Markets: The U.S. is seeking public comment to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, and USDA unveiled a “Ranchers First” push to rebuild the cattle herd and expand processing support. Trade & Logistics: The Port of Churchill loaded the first grain export since 2020—30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat bound for Europe—signaling renewed shipping momentum. Africa’s Farm Reality: AGRA reports that Africa’s production gains haven’t translated into reliable farmer incomes, urging the next phase to focus on value, resilience, and shock-proof livelihoods. Tech for Farmers: Uganda’s digital extension services are expanding, but access is limited by connectivity, affordability, and fragmented delivery.

Climate & Water Stress: The Caribbean is bracing for a potentially severe drought and heat stretch into 2027 as strengthening El Niño drives below-normal rainfall and more hot-spell days, raising pressure on water supplies, farming, and public health. Disaster Impacts on Farming: In the Philippines’ Zambales, heavy rains and floods have caused about P37.55 million in agriculture losses, led by rice damage across more than 1,000 hectares and hundreds of farmers, with high-value crops and irrigation systems also hit. Drought-Adaptation for Growers: Papua New Guinea’s Samarai Island is launching a long-term restoration push that includes agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and fisheries management to revive livelihoods. Pest & Biosecurity Tools: Australia’s CSIRO is rolling out a new pest management digital toolkit (Pest READI) to help regional growers benchmark integrated pest management and get tailored advice. Pollination Threat: Australia’s bee industry is on edge after Varroa mite incursions, with experts warning pollination and food security could face major losses without effective control. Trade & Export Push: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are aligning to boost agricultural and food exports to $3 billion in two years, with priority focus on rice, red meat, fruit concentrates, and green fodder. Water-Smart Farming Support: An NGO in India’s Nilgiris built a check dam that stored millions of litres and helped irrigate dozens of acres for tribal farmers during monsoon failure. Food System Disruption: A grounded tanker oil slick is threatening Oman’s coastline, with officials now projecting contamination across up to 25 miles—raising risks for coastal communities and marine habitats.

US Food Safety & Research Funding: Reuters/Politico report the Trump administration is shutting two of three USDA cyclospora research projects; scientists reportedly won’t relocate for the remaining work, raising concerns as thousands fall sick. Climate & Disasters: Pangasinan (Philippines) placed Bayambang under a state of calamity after Tropical Storms “Luis” and “Maymay” and habagat rains caused over P31M in farm losses, hitting 577 farmers across 615.79 hectares. Agri Trade Deals: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan agreed to lift Pakistan’s food and agricultural exports to $3B over two years, prioritizing rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder and water-saving tech. Digital Farming Push: Pakistan’s Punjab is seeking Chinese partners for AI-powered farming tools to improve weather, crop monitoring and pest identification for smallholders. Aquaculture Tech: Malaysia’s NEKMAT plans AI monitoring for white shrimp ponds, using sensors and apps to track water/oxygen and optimize feeding as it expands pond capacity. Water & Land Pressure: Tamil Nadu faces illegal deep alluvial soil extraction in waterbodies, with farmers warning it’s ruining lakes and wells. Policy & Rural Services: Odisha will launch the “Sambandha” cooperative membership campaign Sept 1, adding mobile registration and new milk collection centres.

Crop Shifts & Trade: Vietnam’s Central Highlands is cashing in on surging Chinese durian demand as farmers switch from coffee, with durian acreage soaring and Dak Lak growers shipping frozen fruit north. Disaster Response Under Strain: Nepal’s glacial-flood catastrophe is overwhelming local governments in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, leaving missing families and rescue/relief data collection in disarray. Flood Damage to Farms: In the Philippines, Bayambang (Pangasinan) declared a state of calamity after Tropical Storms “Luis” and “Maymay” and monsoon rains hit rice and other crops, with losses topping P31 million. Food Security Watch: USDA says the Philippines could see the highest food-insecurity rate in Southeast Asia this year, even as longer-term forecasts improve. Livestock & Policy Pressure: Kansas ranchers warn record beef prices are tied to the lowest cattle herd in 75 years, arguing tariff moves could worsen uncertainty for producers. Climate Risk for Farmers: Pakistan is using an AI forecasting platform (MAZU) to improve early warnings as extreme weather increasingly threatens agriculture livelihoods. Agri-Tech & Investment: Vietnam’s C.P. Vietnam shipped processed chicken to South Korea, marking a milestone for livestock exports. Market Access Headline: Malaysia’s Terengganu FAMA denies viral claims about non-Malaysians trading at its supervised farmers’ markets. Research & Breeding: A new study compares chloroplast genomes across 75 asparagus species, highlighting conserved structure but conflicts with nuclear family trees. Local Ag Economy: Kansas dairy growth is being propped up by immigrant labor in rural western communities.

MAHA 2026 Spotlight (Malaysia): Malaysia’s fisheries push value-creation with 779 myAgropreneur Fisheries registrations and 34% already moving into SME levels, alongside the launch of the myAP/myKP national carnival at MAHA. Food Security & Rice Supply (Malaysia): BERNAS uses MAHA’s pavilion to explain its role in keeping national rice supply steady, including reserve stretching during crises, while adding AI-led digital storytelling. New Crop Variety (Malaysia): Sarawak Gold (SG1) pineapple is showcased at MAHA, with early shipments to Singapore and plans to expand cultivation to Peninsular Malaysia. Agri Finance & Storage (Malaysia): Selangor and Agrobank sign a RM200m trade facility to fund warehouses, R&D, and a Selangor Halal Food Warehouse buffer stock. Aquaculture Project (Namibia): Namibia’s N$4bn Luderitz salmon project moves forward, with plans to import eggs for smolt production and create thousands of jobs. Farm Inputs & Research (India): Fertilizer Innovation Centre India discusses setting up an Odisha unit and a Fertilizer Academy to cut chemical reliance and improve nutrient management. Water & Irrigation (Texas/US-Mexico): NADBank backs nearly $164m in Lower Rio Grande Valley water-efficiency upgrades aimed at saving about 44,000 acre-feet annually. Climate-Smart Farming (California/US): UC Merced research tests whether agave roots can improve soil and help farmers adapt to heat and drought. Policy Pressure (Punjab/India): Punjab’s kharif data shows rice now covers over 92% of cultivation, deepening dependence on water-intensive paddy. Livestock & Biosecurity (UK/US): AHDB analysis links falling cattle carcass prices to possible retail beef price drops, but warns it can take time through the supply chain. Bioeconomy (India): Researchers report a heat-loving fungus turning rice straw into industrial enzymes and bioactive compounds via fermentation.

School Meals & Local Farms: USDA and HHS launched the “Harvest to Hallways” push to connect more American farmers with schools, backed by kitchen and equipment investments to boost healthier, more nutrient-dense meals. Disaster Relief for Producers: Skagit County small businesses, nonprofits, and small ag co-ops hit by freeze/frost or drought can apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, with deadlines set for March 31 and April 13. Trade & Beef Tensions: Trump’s plan to expand tariff-free foreign beef imports to lower prices is drawing sharp backlash from U.S. ranchers over price pressure, labeling, and safety concerns; the imports are set to begin Sept. 1. Food Security & Nutrition Tech: China approved a revised Agriculture Law to strengthen grain supply and modernize farming, while Lagos trained rice millers and regulators on biofortification to raise nutritional value. Water, Inputs, and Policy: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan agreed to deepen agriculture and water-management cooperation; Odisha signed six MoUs to scale digital agriculture and farmer services. Aquaculture Under Tariff Uncertainty: A $300M salmon farm project in Maine was paused because Canada-related tariff uncertainty makes costs unpredictable. Climate Stress on Food: Research warns warming oceans could cut omega-3 levels in seafood by up to 50%, and drought/heat is already forcing earlier harvests in parts of the UK.

Livestock Data Push (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture is soft-launching the Animal Management Information System and Livestock Registry System to consolidate data from key livestock agencies, aiming for faster disease response, stronger food safety, and better policy decisions ahead of a wider 2027 rollout. Farm Prices Slide (Philippines): The PSA reports agriculture producer prices fell 11.7% in Q2 2026, with livestock and poultry down sharply as the Middle East crisis and a stronger US dollar lifted input costs. Home-Grown Resilience (Malaysia): Malaysia’s agriculture ministry launched KENDIRI, encouraging households to grow part of their own vegetables and herbs as a resilient, pesticide-conscious supplement to national food supply. Market Matching (Malaysia): FAMA’s AgriMatch program is reshaping what farmers grow by aligning production with changing consumer demand, including smaller, convenience-focused fruit. Trade & Biosecurity (UK/EU/Brazil): UK farming groups are urging an urgent ban on Brazilian meat imports over antibiotic and public-health concerns, as the EU moves to restrict Brazilian beef and chicken. Pest Alert (Georgia, US): Georgia confirmed a first-ever detection of pasture mealybug, warning grass producers to stay vigilant and contact local extension if suspected. Water & Drainage (US): Minnesota is promoting “precision drainage” ideas, while a Tri-State Drainage Research Forum (Oct. 1) will bring farmers and researchers together on drainage, nutrient management, and downstream water quality. Flood Risk Lesson (Bulgaria): In Strumyani, Bulgaria, officials linked last year’s wildfire damage to current flood devastation, saying burned forests left “nothing to hold back the water.” Agriculture Tech (Kansas, US): Thales and Kelly Hills will deploy a BVLOS drone network for Kansas agriculture, targeting crop spraying, scouting, fertilizing, and seeding.

Storm damage in the Philippines: The Department of Agriculture says combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng have pushed agricultural losses to P2.32 billion, affecting 69,615 farmers and fishers across eight regions, with rice the biggest hit. Biological pest control in sugarcane: In Negros Island, the DA is testing lacewing larvae as a natural control for red-striped soft scale insects, aiming for later-year mass production and rollout. Smart apple sorting in China: In Yunnan’s Zhaotong, early-ripening apples are being graded on a high-tech line that uses cameras and processing steps to detect quality traits and sort at high speed. Farm planning and heritage reuse (UK): Malvern Hills District Council approved converting a fire-damaged barn building into ancillary accommodation, keeping it tied to the main house. Agriculture support for rural livelihoods (Iowa & Solomon Islands): Iowa launched Honor Harvest to connect veterans with fresh local food from Choose Iowa members, while the Solomon Islands’ SIART backs women’s poultry expansion with chicks, housing upgrades and training. Biosecurity and livestock health: South Dakota warns about harmful algal blooms on lakes and urges dairy farmers to report suspected bird flu symptoms. Invasive species research (Fiji): Fiji is running contained trials of two biological control agents against the invasive African tulip tree. Cocoa breeding push (Indonesia): BRIN is developing higher-yield, pest- and disease-resistant cocoa varieties to lift national productivity. Water strategy for farming (Australia): Researchers discussed “water banking” using aquifers to store water for drought periods. Scam watch for farm businesses (Australia): The ACCC reports heavy losses to agriculture-related scams and urges buyers to verify renewals through official channels.

Policy & Value Addition (Philippines): President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Batangas Egg Producers’ cooperative, backing efforts to cut out middlemen by processing excess eggs into pasteurized, frozen and powdered products to reduce waste and stabilize producer income. Disaster Impact (Philippines): The agriculture department reported storm and monsoon damage rising to P2.32B, hitting 69,615 farmers and fishers across eight regions, with rice the biggest share of losses. AI for Food Security (Africa): Google DeepMind will roll out its ALU and AMED AI farming tools to six African countries, using machine learning and remote sensing with $2.5M to help farmers manage climate pressures. Livestock & Trade Tension (U.S.): Farm-state lawmakers and ranchers urged Congress to investigate Trump’s plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free beef trimmings, warning it could hurt U.S. ranchers and retail prices. Plant Health Alert (Tanzania): A banana bunchy top virus outbreak is suspected in Morogoro after journalists trained to spot disease symptoms flagged wilting plants. Youth & Education (U.S.): The New York State Fair opened with a new FFA building to expand agricultural education and career pathways. Fertiliser Oversight (India): Meghalaya stepped up fertiliser sales checks with surprise inspections, pushing traceable sales and a shift toward organic farming.

Farm Finance Pressure: USDA-linked reporting says production costs are expected to rise into 2027, squeezing price-taking farmers already hit by higher seed, chemicals, repairs and labor. Climate Stress & Food Security: Kenya’s North Rift maize belt faces major losses after a dry spell, with officials warning of steep production drops as El Niño risk grows. Drought Hits Traditional Dairy Rules: France will temporarily relax strict grazing rules for Comté, Beaufort and Abondance after drought scorched pastures. Soil Health Alarm: A new UN/FAO report warns over half the world’s soils are in poor condition and that proven soil-improvement measures aren’t being adopted fast enough. Ag Education Returns: Vo-Ag is rebounding in schools, with programs expanding beyond basic crop/livestock lessons into tech, business and animal science. Rural Livelihoods in Motion: World Bank-backed producer groups in Solomon Islands’ Guadalcanal report progress under the SIART project, including cocoa and poultry initiatives. Policy & Land Access: Manitoba proposes extending Crown land forage lease freezes to keep grazing affordable and improve lease certainty.