AGP Executive Report

Rice Price Control: The Philippines’ agriculture chief asked President Marcos to extend a P50/kg ceiling on imported rice for 60 more days, saying the country has no harvest yet and lifting the cap could push prices up again. Seed Support: Cameroon’s IRAD donated improved maize, sorghum, rice and soybean seeds to farmers in Bibémi and Rey-Bouba, targeting 1,400 hectares and aiming to boost certified seed output while helping producers handle floods, drought and crop pests. Frozen Funds for Food: Iran says it could use frozen funds to buy U.S. corn, wheat and soybeans if pricing is competitive, after a U.S.-Iran deal tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Women Farmers’ Rights: Maharashtra introduced a Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill to formally recognize women working in farming and allied activities, create a women farmers’ database and fund, and expand access to schemes and credit. Research Cooperation: ICAR and Seychelles signed an MoU to strengthen agricultural research, training and technology transfer, with a 2026–2031 work plan focused on climate-smart farming and food security. Shrimp Disease Pressure: Thailand’s shrimp industry urged urgent government action to tackle disease and restore confidence, calling for adoption of a 2026–2030 marine shrimp action plan. Fertilizer Cost Relief: Oklahoma farmers could benefit from a temporary duty-free period for phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco to lower input costs. SNAP Employment: Oregon reported strong results from its SNAP Employment and Training program, with 57% of participants finding jobs soon after completion. Ag Labor Policy: U.S. lawmakers and ag groups continue pushing workforce reforms, including the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, as rural producers face hiring pressure.

Aquaculture & Inputs: Zimbabwean fish farmers are set for better growth cycles after FinFish Suppliers introduced specialised feed technology via Aller Aqua, targeting feed quality as a key bottleneck. Seed & Food Security: Seed Co says new white wheat varieties in Zimbabwe aim to boost productivity and cut wheat import dependence, while Human Appeal launched a wheat supply chain project in northwest Syria to support returning farmers with harvesting support plus seeds and fertiliser. Climate & Weather Risk: India’s IMD warns July rainfall will likely be below normal as El Niño strengthens, raising pressure for Kharif crops and water supplies. Trade & Value Chains: South Africa’s table grape exporters face major losses after Cape Town’s container terminal underperformed, forcing diversions to Eastern Cape ports; separate reporting highlights Ghana’s push to turn avocado into a major value-added export engine. Policy & Infrastructure: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet outlined price-stabilisation and irrigation support to help farmers keep more income after harvest. Regional Ag Development: Malaysia’s MARDI is working to grow local onion seed varieties to reduce import reliance, and PTSS in Malaysia is training communities through commercial catfish aquaculture projects. Agri-tech & Industry: Syngenta, McDonald’s China and McCain China signed a partnership to modernize potato supply chains using precision farming and digital monitoring. Farming Operations: Nebraska’s North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed Improvement Plan got approval, paving the way for flood-reduction works across 226,000 acres.

USDA Disaster Response: USDA issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Virginia counties hit by late spring frost and freeze, unlocking federal help for damaged farms and forestry. Food Safety: Maryland reported one death and multiple illnesses tied to recalled Clover Hill Dairy cheese products after possible Listeria contamination. Livestock Risk Management: CME Group plans to launch lean beef trim futures and options (90% and 50%) starting July 20 to help hedge volatile ground-beef input costs. Pesticide Concerns: A Ghana study found high pesticide residue levels in cabbage and okra, with most samples exceeding acceptable limits, pushing calls for agro-ecological practices. Climate Planning: The Philippines’ agriculture department is moving to data-driven planning for an El Niño peak later this year, including faster irrigation and cold-chain investments. Agrivoltaics Momentum: A Center for Rural Affairs webinar series highlights how dual-use solar can coexist with crops and grazing. Trade & Investment: Georgia signed a 2026–2030 FAO country programming framework to support a more competitive, inclusive, climate-resilient agri-food sector. Livestock Biosecurity: Arizona received a $3.74M USDA grant to strengthen early detection and response to the New World screwworm threat.

Agriculture Financing & Policy: Botswana is validating a draft Agriculture Financing Strategy with FAO support, aiming to build a financing ecosystem that unlocks private investment, reduces risk, and strengthens value chains as the country pushes agricultural transformation and food security. Food Security Announcements: Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary Leslie Church will highlight Toronto’s National Food Security Strategy launch, focused on strengthening food systems. Price Pressure & Processing: Malaysia’s Terengganu FAMA is processing durians into pulp daily to tackle oversupply after farm-gate prices fell below RM3.50/kg, with plans to process about 10 tonnes a month. Farmer Income & Fairness: A global Voice of the Farmer 2026 survey finds most farmers feel underpaid and report worsening incomes, with climate and pests driving widespread crop losses. Biosecurity & Invasive Species: Guam’s invasive species inspection fee bill cleared a public hearing, shifting costs to importers and carriers to fund border biosecurity. Animal Health: Nepal reports rising bird flu cases, culling over 596,000 poultry and shutting its only zoo as the outbreak spreads across districts. Tech for Crop Monitoring: Malaysia’s ProLadang is using AI and satellite imagery to spot pests and diseases early for precision, spot-spraying in rice paddies. Extension Services Reform: Ghana’s MoFA is advancing a legal framework to regulate and strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services nationwide. Regional Ag Support: Ghana’s MoFA is advancing a legal framework to regulate and strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services nationwide.

EU Animal Welfare: Activists mark five years since the European Commission promised cage bans, pressing for promised 2026 legislative proposals in Brussels. Agricultural Finance & Policy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif orders a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy, an Agriculture Apex Forum, and a nationwide push for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme; Italy also signs a €20m concessional agri skills loan with Pakistan. USDA & SNAP Data Fight: The DOJ sues Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania over alleged refusal to share SNAP applicant data with USDA, seeking an injunction. Regenerative Farming Incentives: USDA finalizes a Regenerative Feedstock Rule letting farmers quantify carbon intensity for corn/soy grown with practices like cover crops and reduced tillage. Climate Risk: FAO/OECD projects global agricultural income per worker rising 9% by 2035, but warns shocks could still push incomes lower. Food Security & Weather: Aid agencies brace for El Niño impacts after a joint FAO/WFP appeal for $200m to protect millions. Tech & Skills: Nigeria’s TracTrac launches Young People in Mechanisation to tackle mechanization skills shortages. Local Livestock & Safety: Michigan urges pet owners to plan for fireworks stress and warns residents to watch for spotted lanternfly.

Farmland & Taxes: Greene County’s latest revaluation shows agricultural land values jumping 156.5%, far faster than residential and commercial, driven by farmland being broken into smaller residential lots—though many working farms stay protected under current-use valuation. Water Pollution Rules: Northern Ireland’s draft Nutrient Action Programme 2027–2030 is out for consultation, with farmers pushing for more practical, farm-level measures and fewer inspections. Rural Crime: UK police and Crimestoppers are offering a £3,500 reward for information on thefts of farm equipment and tools, aiming to protect rural livelihoods. Food Security Policy: USDA says South Dakota’s SNAP payment error rate is the lowest in the US (4.47%), while Arkansas warns SNAP changes could cost it about $70m a year. Regenerative Agriculture Credibility: A FAIRR report says big food firms’ regenerative pledges are losing credibility, with few measurable targets and no company setting pesticide-reduction goals. Climate & Risk: Indonesia urges regions to prepare for El Niño (July–October 2026), warning of drought, water shortages, and fire risks that can hit agriculture. Rice Push in South Asia: Nepal marks National Paddy Day with drone fertilizer spreading and machine planting, while lawmakers urge policies for rice self-reliance. Farm Inputs & Drought: India faces a monsoon deficit—June rainfall is down 43%—raising alarms for kharif sowing and food prices. Market & Trade: Georgia juice exports rose 22% to $14.2m (Jan–May 2026), and Pakistan seeks to expand agricultural trade with Bangladesh, including rice, lentils, chickpeas, fertilizer and edible oil.

Rice Trade Safeguards: The Philippines’ agriculture department says rising rice imports are harming local farmers and will send the case to the Tariff Commission, potentially triggering safeguard measures like tariffs or quotas. Rural Veterinary Shortage: Montana lawmakers are revising a bill to address critical rural veterinarian shortages, where ranchers can face long drives for care. Dairy Modernization: New York’s Dairy Modernization Grants are largely on track, funding equipment and packaging upgrades to strengthen local milk processing and regional dairy products. Farm Finance Stress: Bangladesh Bank data show defaulted agricultural loans jumped to Tk 20,130.18 crore by end-May 2026, with overdue loans rising sharply and repayment risk growing. Mechanization for Self-Sufficiency: Papua New Guinea’s rice push got eight modern tractors via KOICA and government support, aiming to cut labor costs and boost output. Cocoa Support on the Ground: Central Province in Papua New Guinea is deploying agriculture volunteers after a pre-service orientation focused on expanding cocoa production. Livestock Border Policy: Namibia’s agriculture ministry denies it’s abandoning the Veterinary Cordon Fence “Red Line,” saying removal must be gradual and disease-control systems must be strengthened first. Mango Festival Boost: UAE’s Khorfakkan Mango Festival wrapped with record crowds and expanded exhibition space, highlighting mango innovation and value-added products.

Climate Risk & Planning: India’s farmers in Punjab are watching a potentially very strong El Niño as monsoon rainfall could stay below normal, raising irrigation costs and stressing groundwater; India’s agriculture ministry is drawing up contingency plans for vulnerable regions. Pollinators Under Pressure: A study funded by the USDA finds the common pesticide sulfoxaflor can change bumblebee gene activity and reproduction at low doses, adding to concerns about future pollination. Food Prices & Affordability: Nigeria’s NBS says Adamawa is the most affordable state for food items, though affordability remains uneven and protein/fresh produce are still under pressure. Market Support for Fruit: Malaysia’s Penang ramps up its 2026 durian plan, using forward purchases and a floor-price trigger to manage oversupply while premium varieties hold steady. Agricultural Policy & Inputs: West Bengal eases diesel-in-container limits for agriculture, healthcare, food supply and tea gardens after curbs disrupted operations. Animal Health Security: Florida issues emergency screwworm import rules, tightening certification and inspections to protect cattle herds. Rural Livelihoods & Violence: Gunmen in Nigeria’s Zamfara attacked a farming community, killing at least 15. Forestry Leadership: Tennessee appoints Heather Slayton as state forester, overseeing forests, fire prevention and support for landowners.

Trade & Markets: A recently announced Idaho–Taiwan wheat deal keeps buyers steady for Idaho growers, offering some relief amid broader tariff-driven uncertainty. Food Security & Climate Risk: Zimbabwe says it will soon allow food imports using foreign currency to protect supplies ahead of an El Niño-linked drought, while also pushing climate-proofing funding. Agribusiness & Policy: Pakistan approved a National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, aiming to modernize farming and tackle misinformation roadblocks around GM maize—implementation is now the big test. Farm Support & Accountability: Fiji’s agriculture budget boosts research, extension, mechanization, roads, and non-sugar crops, while its minister vows tighter monitoring of government-funded farm programs. Animal Health: Northern Ireland will introduce mandatory interferon-gamma blood testing for some cattle herds to strengthen bovine TB control. Biosecurity & Trade Controls: Missouri updated animal movement rules after New World screwworm detections in Texas, tightening entry requirements. Regional Cooperation: Albania and Kosovo signed new agriculture agreements covering advisory services, tech transfer, and trade facilitation for agri-food products. Food Safety: Minnesota issued an advisory after metal/plastic was possibly found in Bebe Zito’s ice cream products, with affected items pulled. Agri-violence & Rural Safety: Nigeria reports deadly attacks on farming communities, underscoring security risks for rural livelihoods.

Kenya–Germany Deal: Germany pledged about Sh7.8bn for Kenya’s growth agenda, including irrigation and climate-smart agriculture, after Berlin talks. Investment Scouting: A French business delegation is mapping Morocco opportunities in agriculture and energy, pointing to smart irrigation, soil health and precision farming. Pest & Biosecurity: Tennessee is tightening livestock movement rules after a confirmed New World screwworm case in Texas, adding surveillance and outreach. Water Politics: A Montana op-ed warns a “split vote” approach could weaken senior water protections by loosening exempt well rules. Dairy Modernization: New York’s Dairy Modernization Grant Program shows strong on-farm progress during Dairy Month. Climate & Pesticides Debate: A Europe-wide heat wave is intensifying arguments over pesticide use and the push for more resilient farming. Tech for Resilience: China and Central Asian partners plan a satellite constellation to share remote-sensing data for disasters and agricultural threats. Food Exports: India’s APEDA enabled the first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes to the UAE. Education & Outreach: Northern Ireland’s “Farm In A Box” brings farm-to-fork learning to primary schools. Livestock Health Costs: Cyprus sheep and goat groups ask for emergency aid after foot-and-mouth restrictions hit finances.

Conservation & Land Use: Hope’s Edge Farm in Maine is permanently protected via a conservation easement, with a community celebration set for July 9. Workforce & Tech in Ag: Central Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming are pushing Controlled Environment Agriculture as a workforce and innovation hub, aiming for year-round production skills. Local Policy: Box Elder County, Utah will hold a July 7 public hearing on creating an Agricultural Protection Area in the Elwood area. Farm Safety & Operations: A UK report warns pipeline safety breaches are often tied to fencing and farmland work, urging safer practices near underground lines. Water Quality & Public Health: NOAA predicts a moderate harmful algal bloom for western Lake Erie this summer, driven by phosphorus runoff. Agri-education & Community: Kansas opens its annual photo contest (spring-to-winter categories) and Ohio’s Paulding County Extension hosts an agronomy and farm management program. Youth & Food Access: Indiana and Michigan continue summer meal services for children, while North Carolina announces 2026 State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship winners. Regenerative/Precision Trends: Solar agrivoltaics gets a logistics-focused webinar, and a new roof-mounted system offers on-the-go crop input rate adjustments.

Export Push: India held its first-ever premium mango promotion events in Iceland (Reykjavik and Akureyri) to boost horticulture trade. Fertiliser Transition: India unveiled a roadmap for green urea production, tied to procuring 7.24 lakh MT of green ammonia under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Agri-Tech Investment: Oman proposed a Smart Agricultural Cluster in Quriyat (Al Salil) to consolidate farms and grow staple and high-value crops year-round. Food Safety & Fraud: Bulgaria’s agriculture minister urged EU-backed labs and stronger mechanisms to detect counterfeit honey and rose oil. Dairy & Sovereignty: Bulgaria’s PM Radev met dairy leaders on boosting domestic production, tightening raw milk import controls, and improving transparency across pricing. Livestock Health: South Africa approved a new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease framework to replace patchwork rules and give producers clearer pathways. Regenerative Policy: The US signed an executive order expanding regenerative agriculture and directing research on cumulative chemical exposure. Women Farmers: Maharashtra approved a draft Women Farmers Empowerment Bill to grant legal recognition and widen access to welfare and credit. Market Signals: USDA raised its Philippines rice import forecast for 2026-27 as output is expected to be lower.

Biofuels Policy: Philippines’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. orders a halt to importing bioethanol feedstock (molasses, sugar, sugarcane, syrups) to protect the domestic sugar sector and farmers. U.S. Farm Finance & Fuel: Trump signs an agriculture-related Iran war supplemental that includes year-round E15 and $10B in temporary crop aid, aiming to move a broader package. Heat Stress on Livestock: Belgium issues a rare “red alert” as a heatwave cuts milk and meat output, with farmers reporting daily income hits. Pesticide Legal Fallout: U.S. Supreme Court backs Monsanto/Bayer in Monsanto v. Durnell, limiting state “failure to warn” claims tied to Roundup cancer allegations. Global Food Risk: A new UN-linked report warns extreme heat is already damaging major crops and livestock, threatening global food supply. Local Production Snapshot: Santa Barbara County reports $2.24B in agricultural production, led by strawberries. Mechanization Push: Malawi hands over 15 tractors to farmer cooperatives under World Bank funding to boost competitiveness. Credit for Farmers: NABARD runs a state credit seminar to steer more bank lending toward agriculture for FY 2026-27. Climate Prep: Solomon Islands urged to prepare for a 2026–27 “super El Niño,” with impacts expected to intensify late 2026. Food Security Funding: U.S. senators introduce a bill to make USDA resilient food supply-chain programs permanent and expand regional food hubs.

Philippines Policy: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered a halt to importing bioethanol feedstock (molasses, sugar, sugarcane and syrups), tightening rules that previously let some raw inputs in under SRA oversight. Australia Farm Tech: Agriculture Victoria and Meat & Livestock Australia launched a A$6m (US$3.9m) program to help sheep and beef producers use farm data and tech for better decisions, including electronic livestock ID and on-farm trials. U.S. Farm Aid Push: Senate Agriculture leaders said they’ll work on a White House request for $11.1bn in supplemental aid for farmers, aiming to bridge producers until later tax measures. Food Waste Innovation: Researchers developed an edible clay-based coating that can slow spoilage in fruits and vegetables, potentially cutting waste without heavy reliance on refrigeration or synthetic preservatives. Water Stress in the West: A Colorado River stretch in the Grand Valley shows how drought can slash flows as irrigation diversions intensify, raising alarms for farms, cities and wildlife. Northern Ireland Payments: DAERA began first-year Suckler Cow Scheme payments—£13.3m for 133,091 eligible calving events—supporting lower calving intervals and emissions reductions. India Climate Risk: Delayed monsoon rains and a forecast super El Niño threaten India’s $300bn farm economy, with knock-on risks for food prices and water use. Washington Biosecurity: WSDA wrapped an invasive pest survey and is preparing another trapping push, including Japanese beetle and spongy moth monitoring, while continuing efforts to keep northern giant hornets out.

Education & Rural Infrastructure: China’s donation of N$300,000 will upgrade a hostel in Namibia’s Zambezi region, supporting students tied to local schooling. Policy & Producer Recognition: Ohio lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would explicitly recognize maple tree cultivation as “agriculture,” giving producers clearer legal protections. Agricultural Insurance: Azerbaijan says agricultural insurance coverage is expanding, with millions of manat paid out to farmers and farm owners. Aquaculture & Courts: A federal court ruled Washington State’s industrial shellfish aquaculture approvals were unlawful because the Army Corps of Engineers used an improper, streamlined review. Food Prices & Demand: U.S. retail lamb sales rose in dollars despite higher prices, while volume slipped—showing demand resilience under inflation. Climate-Smart Soil Research: Kentucky State University research finds pine sawdust biochar can help soybean fields hold onto higher pH and more soil carbon over time. Disaster Impacts on Crops: Torrential rains have devastated George County’s watermelon crop, threatening a major local produce economy. SNAP Accountability: New USDA data put FY2025 improper SNAP payments at about $10B, with many states still above error-rate thresholds. Global Farm Modernization: China’s Xi Jinping highlighted grain security and smartphone-based grain selling as part of rural modernization.

Livestock Health Alert (US): New World screwworm is moving deeper into Texas, and a Texas Tribune report says USDA says it was prepared after getting $1.3bn in emergency funding—while farm workers remain a weak link due to healthcare access gaps. Climate-Smart Rice (Laos): Laos is studying a carbon-credit project using Alternate Wetting and Drying rice to cut methane, lower costs, and create extra income for farmers. Water & Inputs Tech (Jordan): Jordan Valley Authority opened an automated irrigation and fertilization station, pushing smart systems to boost yields and reduce water and fertilizer use. Ag Finance (Africa): Standard Bank Group says it mobilised R3.45bn for climate-smart agriculture, backing irrigation, renewables and regenerative practices. Conservation Trees (Canada): NVCA marked a milestone with 4.5 million trees planted since 1965 to restore agricultural lands and soil productivity. Aquaculture Spotlight (Canada): Great Lakes Museum opened “Aquaculture: Farming the Waters,” a hands-on exhibit running to Oct. 18. Local Food Security (Moldova): EIB financing talks are set for Livada Moldovei II, a €150m loan to modernize agri-food value chains. Fertilizer Politics (Indonesia): President Prabowo says Australia asked to buy Indonesian fertilizer due to surplus, with “fair price” and no losses for farmers emphasized. Farm Jobs & Processing (US/Letter): A letter warns DFA’s St. Albans milk plant closure will end 80 jobs and hit local farmers who rely on nearby processing. Agri Tech (UK): Suntory is investing £14.5m in a Ledbury blackcurrant processing facility to shorten the harvest-to-processing chain.