AGP Executive Report

Storm Damage Watch (Philippines): The Philippines’ agriculture ministry says Tropical Storms Luis and Maymay plus the habagat have damaged about ₱689.66M in the farm sector, hitting 21,115 farmers across 19,634 hectares; rice accounts for 65% of losses. Local Losses (Mindoro): Occidental Mindoro alone reports ₱21.86M in losses affecting 576 farmers and fishermen over 778 hectares, with rice the hardest hit. Food-Price Crackdown (Philippines): Police will coordinate with agriculture and trade agencies to stop profiteering, hoarding, and overpricing as communities recover from the storms. Import Rules (Zimbabwe): Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026 tightens import/export licensing—urging traders to check compliance before paying for goods. Livestock Care (Lesotho): Hybrid ram and buck recipients under WaMCoOP ask for training after monitoring found issues like diarrhoea and mites. Drought Response (Kenya): Agriculture chief Mutahi Kagwe says Kenya will stay food secure despite drought-driven maize declines, using COMESA imports to bridge gaps. Trade/Branding (Pakistan-Australia): Pakistan wins its basmati trademark fight in Australia, protecting growers’ use of the name. Agtech Push (UK): Defra opens a £20M robotics and automation funding bid to ease labour shortages. Biosecurity & Data (Nebraska, US): Nebraska passes LB525 on agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety, alongside new biosecurity/critical infrastructure limits in related measures. Aquaculture Probe (Malaysia): Malaysia’s anti-corruption body says it has found no wrongdoing yet in KWAP’s RM163.4M eFishery investment, with overseas document requests ongoing. Agri-Exports (Armenia-Iran): Armenia and Iran discuss expanding crop, livestock, processing, and irrigation know-how under EAEU talks. Oil Spill Checks (Oman): Oman tests fish products after an oil spill, with market sampling to confirm safety. Wildfire Risk (Louisiana, US): Washington Parish stays under a burn ban as fire danger climbs to “very high.”

Monsoon Fallout in the Philippines: Police and agriculture officials are tracking reports of overpricing and profiteering as storms and habagat damage hit farms across multiple regions, with hundreds of farmers and thousands of hectares affected. Farm Safety: A truck carrying plantation workers crashed into a pineapple field in Bukidnon, killing two and injuring 14—another reminder that rural transport risks stay high. Food Safety Alert (US): Whole Foods recalled select prepared foods and produce items containing jalapeños tied to a salmonella concern, with products sold across a dozen states. Antibiotic Resistance Research: A Bristol-led study found a gut-derived molecule (sodium butyrate) can “train” chicken immune cells to better kill multiple bacteria, pointing to lower-antibiotic farming options. Climate & Water Pressure: South Africa’s El Niño risk is raising alarms for drought, heatwaves, and water and food security planning. Africa’s Ag Push (Nigeria): Nigeria unveiled a mechanisation policy aiming for a commercially viable ecosystem and targets thousands of tractors annually. Regional Climate Finance: ECOWAS is moving to unlock a regional carbon market to close a massive climate-finance gap. Agriculture Meets Policy: Washington State opened a climate-smart equipment grant program with $4.3m for emissions cuts and soil-health upgrades. Conflict Hitting Farms: Syria reported Israeli artillery shelling targeting agricultural land, while Sudan’s Blue Nile saw fighting affecting harvest-season livelihoods.

Trade & Export Push: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 plans to match about 2,000 local agrofood exhibitors with 40 international buyers under a Hosted Buyer programme (Sept 1–3), plus an “One Stop Centre for Export” to help firms meet standards and certifications. Food Security & Inputs: Bangladesh approved imports of 110,000 tonnes of fertilizer—40,000 tonnes of urea from Saudi Arabia and 70,000 tonnes of DAP/TSP from Morocco—through government procurement. Policy & Regulation: Malaysia says a proposed Perak GM rice trial (MR219) is only a controlled test plot, not approval for commercial GMO use, after concerns over safety and herbicide use. Climate Pressure: Germany warns persistent drought is already bottlenecking feed supply and could trigger relief measures and insurance support as damage assessment continues. Livestock & Water Stress: Czech drought-linked feed shortages are forcing livestock farmers to sell cattle, while Ghana’s World Bank-funded irrigation projects in Bolgatanga failed to deliver enough water for dry-season farming. Trade Dispute: Australia’s court rejected India’s bid to register “Basmati” as an exclusive certification trademark, backing Pakistan’s geographical indication claim. Ag Tech Training: Researchers describe Agrilo VR, a virtual reality training platform to standardize smartphone-based soil testing so farmers can use results consistently. US Farm Bill Update: A US Senate agriculture bill failed on a narrow party-line split, with SNAP disagreement cited as the key sticking point.

Farm-to-market roads: Philippines’ Sultan Kudarat is set to get nearly ₱2.4B for 17 farm-to-market road projects, aiming to cut travel time and help coffee and other crops reach markets. Heat and drought pressure: UK farmers warn prolonged hot, dry weather is already killing grass and forcing livestock to burn through winter feed, raising fears of wider food shortages. Harvest protection in extreme weather: China’s farmers and local authorities are using tactics like draining rice paddies ahead of typhoons and targeted irrigation during heat alerts to safeguard the autumn grain crop. Storm damage tally: The Philippines’ agriculture department estimates Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus monsoon impacts at P197.2M in losses for 7,989 farmers, with rice hit hardest. Food safety and trade: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the U.S. recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef that entered commerce without required reinspection. Legal and policy friction: Australia’s NSW Farmers says a new federal EPBC Landholder Guide is too unclear for routine farm management, warning it could add delays and costs. Land tenure push: Côte d’Ivoire is launching Abidjan Land Tenure Days to speed reforms, digitalization, and land title conversions to boost investment and jobs. Agriculture tech: A cotton-field robot in Xinjiang is being showcased for automated seeding, weeding and spraying.

Storm Damage Accounting: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the enhanced southwest monsoon caused about P197.2M in agricultural damage, hitting 7,989 farmers across six regions, with rice the biggest loss at 4,573 metric tons. Flood-and-Landslide Risk: In Benguet’s Atok, landslides after days of heavy rain killed three people and left one teen survivor in stable condition, underscoring how saturated slopes keep turning into farm-area disasters. Drought Pressure on Food Prices: England is seeing nearly three-quarters of the country in drought, raising concerns that heat and water stress will feed into higher supermarket prices for summer staples like fruit, vegetables, bread and cereals. EU Trade Rules: An EU study warns pesticide import curbs could reduce exports and lift consumer prices, adding friction to ongoing trade disputes over food and feed safety. Farm Support & Markets: Minnesota opened new Farm to Kids funding (about $1.47M) to reimburse purchases of locally grown foods for schools and early care. Livestock & Community: Wisconsin’s State Fair livestock auction spotlighted show-ring grooming and judging traditions, while Minnesota’s Heartland Blooms-n-Berry Farm earned Houston County Farm Family of the Year recognition. Food Safety: USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of raw Argentine beef in Florida and Texas after missed import inspection. Agrifood Policy Events: Hawaiʻi Island will host a free 2026 Agrifood Summit to share progress on a more resilient local food system.

Climate & Water Stress: England is facing a worsening drought, with nearly three-quarters of the country now in drought conditions and water restrictions affecting millions—raising alarms for farmers, wildlife, and food supplies. Policy & Farm Finance: In the U.S., the Senate farm bill stays stalled as lawmakers disagree over SNAP-related requirements, leaving farmers waiting as the August recess approaches. Livestock & Biosecurity: Australia is rolling out H5 bird flu vaccines for endangered native birds in captivity, prioritizing the most at-risk species as mass mortalities continue. Food Security Planning: The Philippines says it will keep rice imports flowing despite a record palay harvest, aiming to build buffer stocks ahead of El Niño risks. Agriculture & Trade: Vietnam is seeking international support to scale its One Million Hectares low-emission rice program, citing funding and resource bottlenecks. Rural Development & Training: India’s PM-KISAN is credited by farmers in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, with helping them buy seeds, fertiliser and irrigation inputs and lift yields. Land Use & Conflict: A town in Surigao del Sur, Philippines, rejected mining plans to protect watersheds and farming livelihoods, arguing agriculture depends on clean water. Pastoral Livelihoods: Mongolia hosts a global pastoralists gathering with delegates visiting rangelands to discuss climate, market access, and support for herders.

Food Safety: The U.S. FSIS issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, warning more downstream products could be added as the recall unfolds. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Philippines’ DA-Davao said there’s no confirmed African Swine Fever outbreak in Davao de Oro after local officials issued a precautionary alert. Weather & Losses: The Philippines’ DA put agriculture damage from Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon at P135.3 million, affecting 6,010 farmers and 4,516 hectares, with rice, corn, high-value crops and livestock hit. Policy & Support: Wales opened targeted schemes and temporary flexibility for farmers facing prolonged dry weather, including grants for water and climate adaptation. Markets: Missouri hay prices stayed steady on strong demand, especially for high-quality alfalfa and brome. Aquaculture & Industry: Perak, Malaysia broke ground on Sheng Long’s aquaculture feed factory, aiming to produce 150,000 tonnes a year and create 100+ jobs. Water & Rural Life: Minnesota’s Farmfest clinic tested 125+ private wells for nitrate; several samples were above health standards, underscoring the need for regular testing. Trade & Cooperation: Ukraine offered to share modern agriculture experience with Cameroon as both seek deeper cooperation on financing and resilience.

Drought Pressure on Food Systems: South Korea’s Busan and parts of South Gyeongsang and Ulsan are in severe drought, with agricultural water reserves down to 53% and officials pushing emergency supply via canals and vehicles. Water Governance Failures: In Pakistan’s Sindh, farmers say about 18 million acres remain uncultivated due to water scarcity, with rice canal shortages driving protests; in Uganda, research warns Uganda’s oil buildout is degrading Lake Victoria wetlands that filter water across borders. El Niño Risk to Prices: S&P Global Ratings flags El Niño-driven weather shocks across Asia-Pacific, pointing to weaker rainfall, higher food inflation, and hydropower impacts—while noting buffers and irrigation investment can soften the blow. Aquaculture Moves: New Zealand fast-tracked the Hananui salmon aquaculture project, projecting 14,400 tonnes a year and hundreds of jobs; in Canada, “silent” infectious bursal disease is stressing broiler health through immunosuppression. Policy & Credit for Farmers: Nigeria’s agri stakeholders demand higher 2027 budget funding and faster implementation; Cameroon is expanding rural credit access by partnering with microfinance FIGEC. Research & Livelihoods: Kashmir scientists standardized captive breeding for vulnerable Himalayan snow trout; Bangladesh youth in Dinajpur are turning exotic wood lychee (“kathlichu”) into profitable orchard income.

Food security under attack: Russia’s strikes damaged Ukraine’s Odesa seaport, risking a key route for grain and other exports, while Ukraine warned the attacks target global food security. War and farming infrastructure: In southern Lebanon, Israeli warplanes hit a culvert on the Qasmiyeh-Ras al-Ain irrigation system serving thousands of hectares of orchards, with damage assessments underway. Pest pressure on pollinators: North Carolina confirmed the invasive yellow-legged hornet, raising alarms for beekeepers as the pest spreads and bee populations already struggle. Livestock and biosecurity: The Philippines temporarily suspended imports of live animals and certain animal products from seven FMD-hit economies to protect livestock and farmers’ livelihoods. Water management and farming resilience: Bangladesh’s Barind region leaders stressed planned, efficient irrigation to avoid over-reliance on groundwater; in Sharjah, water authority supplies supported wheat, dairy and poultry farms. Farm inputs and compliance: A Bangladesh minister urged proper chemical fertiliser use during Aman paddy cultivation, while Oregon fined a dairy for spraying liquid manure in unsafe conditions. Research and extension: Kansas State University invites producers to Western Kansas field days to see long-running drought- and water-tested research in action. Policy and markets: Odisha pushed back on paddy procurement registration concerns, saying Agristack ID isn’t mandatory for farmers to get tokens.

Food Safety: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert and expanded recall lists for jalapeño-linked Salmonella risk, tied to a multistate outbreak affecting at least 27 states, with officials warning more downstream products may surface. Food Safety: City Foods, Inc. recalled about 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef over possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses confirmed. Climate & Prices: South Korea’s severe heat wave is driving sharp jumps in produce prices (spinach, cucumbers, lettuce) and killing large numbers of livestock and fish, pushing seafood costs higher. Water Scarcity: Lake Mead hit a record low, underscoring looming pressure on drinking water and irrigation across the U.S. Southwest. Animal Health: Vermont began aerial wildlife rabies vaccination along the northern border as cases rise, targeting raccoon spread. Land Use & Farming Futures: UTIA and Tennessee Farm Bureau will host a Southeast Farm and Forest Land Summit to tackle rapid farm/forest land loss and improve access for young and beginning farmers. Agricultural Trade: Pakistan imported over 1m tonnes of U.S. soybeans annually, signaling growing bilateral ag trade momentum. Agricultural Innovation: Kazakhstan and Japan researchers collected diverse wild plant genetic resources for a genetic bank to support disease- and climate-resilient crop breeding. Conservation Grazing: Highland cattle returned to Norsey Meadow in Essex as part of a conservation grazing program, with councils urging residents to stay out of fenced areas.

MAHA 2026 Push for Value Creation: Malaysia’s Agriculture ministry says the MAHA 2026 expo (Aug 28–Sept 6) will connect innovative farmers with aid agencies and buyers to speed up commercialization, with a focus on “Value Creation for Food Security.” Trade & Biosecurity: Malaysia’s agriculture minister says talks over shrimp imports from Thailand are in the final stage, with a decision expected by mid-August after a June 1 temporary suspension of five shrimp species. Rice Protection Fight: Spain’s Valencian rice sector is in a standoff after officials accused the government of vetoing aerial treatment against rice blast, arguing it leaves farmers “defenseless” in hard-to-access fields. Farmer Talent Awards: Spain’s Chaleco Agricultor Awards (the “Michelin Stars of Agriculture”) have reopened applications in Asturias, seeking innovators in crops, inputs, sustainability, and tech use. Aquaculture & Land Use: Bangladesh plans to expand fish sanctuaries in haor and wetland areas, replacing conventional leasing with a new framework to protect breeding grounds. Export Win for Bihar: APEDA backed the first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila makhana from Bihar to Australia, aiming to lift farmer returns. Heat Stress in France: A farmers’ union warns extreme heat, wildfires, and drought could require billions of euros in aid, saying insurance won’t cover losses at that scale. Farm Economy Signal (US): Purdue’s Ag Economy Barometer rebounded in July, but farmers still flag commodity prices as the biggest long-run challenge.

Livestock Relief: Philippines’ DA-BAI released P4.9m in cash indemnification to 116 hog raisers in Silago, Southern Leyte, to help rebuild after African Swine Fever culls. Climate-Smart Farming: Kenya’s Ministry of Environment launched training for farmers in key food regions to use anticipated El Niño rains, push short-season crops, and reduce drought-hit maize losses. Food Processing Push: India’s Odisha unveiled a plan to turn the state into a food-processing hub, signing major investment MoUs aimed at jobs and farmer-linked rural growth. Trade & Post-Harvest: India plans to help Nigeria cut post-harvest losses (near 50%), modernize livestock, and strengthen processing and logistics through tech transfer and capacity building. Policy Gridlock (US): The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance Farm Bill 2.0 over SNAP cost-sharing and ethanol provisions, sending the fight into recess. Ag Tech & Logistics (Asia): China-Laos Railway moved 100,000+ tons of cold-chain vegetables, boosting exports via faster, mixed logistics shipments. Research & Risk (Hemp): South African researchers report measurable water-use impacts of hemp using drones and sensors, informing policy for water-scarce regions. Animal Welfare Scrutiny (US): PETA asked USDA to investigate alleged monkey welfare violations at UW-Madison.

Livestock Policy Shock in Cyprus: Outgoing Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou used a handover ceremony to defend 30 months of work, but the term is still shadowed by the 2025 Limassol wildfire. Cattle Cull Fallout: Her successor, Christos Senekis, steps in as livestock farmers demand unpaid compensation after a foot-and-mouth-linked cull of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown, with protests and arrests adding pressure on the new minister. Food Prices: The FAO reports global food prices rose 0.6% in July to the highest level in over three years, driven by higher cereals, vegetable oils and sugar amid heat, energy moves, and geopolitical risks. Farm Bill Politics (US): The Senate Agriculture Committee marked up Farm Bill 2.0, but it failed to gain bipartisan support, with SNAP cuts a key sticking point. Trade Disruption (Mexico): Mexico deployed 1,500+ troops to protect avocado operations in Michoacán after the US suspended export inspections, threatening shipments and jobs. Regenerative Push: More products are being marketed as regenerative, as big brands and retailers expand commitments while regulation remains looser than for organic. Local Conservation (US): Carroll County approved a USDA ACEP conservation easement for 60+ acres, aiming to protect working farms and wetlands.

Farm Bill Gridlock (US): The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance a new farm bill after a SNAP cost-sharing fight, with Democrats pushing back on state error-rate rules and Republicans citing a “best and final offer” as the clock ticks toward the current bill’s expiration. USDA Payments Update: USDA APHIS will shift to electronic-only customer payments starting August 2026, moving producers toward faster, online methods. Producer Support (US): Iowa State Extension is running fertilizer-and-finance workshops to help farmers manage high input costs with better nutrient decisions. Animal Health (Australia): South Australia’s Royal Adelaide Show canceled bird and poultry exhibits due to rising H5 bird flu cases. Agriculture Output (Philippines): Philippine agricultural production rebounded in Q2, up 2.9% year-on-year to P452.22B, led by palay, livestock, and especially poultry growth. Local Agriculture & Community (US): Idaho’s Pocatello Potato Festival returns Aug. 22 with family events, vendors, and free fries. Livestock Health (Venezuela): Apure reported top results in the 2026 foot-and-mouth vaccination cycle, with a second cycle planned for November.

Disaster Response: The Philippines’ La Union is tallying about P11M in agriculture damage after monsoon rains and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, with thousands of families affected and flooding incidents reported across multiple towns. Farm Economics & Output: Philippines farm and fisheries output rebounded in Q2, rising 2.9% to ₱452.22B as crops, poultry, livestock and fisheries all grew, with palay output up 5.7%. Market Access for Farmers: Malaysia’s Farmers’ Organisation Authority plans to upgrade 90 farmers’ outlets nationwide for stronger branding and retail competitiveness, starting with 30 already improved. Ag Tech & Power Resilience: Ukraine’s Kernel is installing decentralized solar plants (first seven, 345 kW) to back up schools, a hospital and water pumping in frontline regions. Policy & Inputs: Afghanistan’s wheat season faces a fertilizer squeeze as FAO asks $38M to help 600,000 households access DAP, urea and certified seed. Climate-Smart Investment: Mitti Labs raised $9.5M led by Aramco Ventures to scale AI-powered, water-efficient farming and expand its carbon credit platform across India and Southeast Asia. Trade & Food Security: Syria says it has met domestic wheat needs this season, reporting 2.7M tons received against a 2.55M ton requirement. Nutrition & Production: The Philippines’ agriculture department is pushing to scale enoki mushroom production for export and a growing local market, noting heavy reliance on imports. USDA & Fertilizer Politics: US Senate Agriculture Committee work on the farm bill includes a push for fertilizer price transparency amid concerns about market concentration.

Ag Tech & Inputs: Guthrie launched NEXA NURSERY, a semi-automated oil palm pre-nursery using GenomeSelect to boost seedling quality, cut wastage, and tackle labour and cost pressures. Sustainable Research Partnerships: Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) and KBC inked a pact to promote sustainable agriculture via biofertilisers, field demos, and farmer awareness. Local Economic Planning: Watertown’s new economic development plan leans into farming roots, agritourism, farm stands, and an “enterprise center” to spur jobs and startups. Policy & Prices Watch: Tamil Nadu’s 2026-27 agriculture budget is set to focus on crop loan waivers, higher procurement prices/MSP, climate resilience, irrigation, and farm infrastructure. Farmer Education & Workforce: LCCC rolled out an Emerging Agriculture Technology Program, while New Zealand’s industry-led school subjects aim to build practical farm skills. Climate & Risk Management: South Korea’s Ulsan will subsidize crop and farm income insurance; Jeonnam-Gwangju activated a heatwave/drought response center to protect crops and water. Trade & Disruption: South Africa citrus export forecasts were cut after floods and Middle East conflict pressures. Youth Livestock Spotlight: Cheyenne’s 62nd Kiwanis FFA Livestock Sale of Champions returns Friday. Food Access After Disasters: In NC’s Swannanoa, a nonprofit is running produce markets after Helene destroyed the local grocery store.