AGP Executive Report

Disaster Update (Philippines): A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao, with deaths rising to 68 and 33 still missing; authorities report damage to infrastructure (P1.07B) and agricultural losses (P29.8M), affecting about 338,000 families. Climate Risk & Planning (India): India is stepping up Kharif 2026 preparations as El Niño risk grows, urging district-level contingency plans and crop shifts for uneven rainfall. Farm Finance (India): Tamil Nadu expanded its cooperative crop loan waiver, raising full relief from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for eligible farmers, benefiting 14.43 lakh cultivators. Market Signals (Ireland): Ireland’s CSO says milk prices fell 23.1% year-on-year to April, while input costs rose, worsening terms of trade. Livestock Health (US): USDA confirmed new New World screwworm detections in Texas (12 cases so far), triggering quarantines and emergency containment using sterile male flies. Urban Food Access (US): Maryland launched a grant program to boost urban farms and community gardens, funding storage, sustainable practices, and education. Agribusiness & Trade (China): Ningxia’s goji berry harvest for 2026 has begun, with the region’s “superfood” crop marketed across 50+ countries. Water & Rural Development (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe says 106 dams are being positioned to drive irrigation-led production, jobs, and rural industrialisation.

Irrigation + credit push: The Philippines’ Landbank and the National Irrigation Administration teamed up to expand affordable financing and support services for farmers in irrigated areas, linking irrigation delivery with Landbank’s Agrisenso Plus Lending Program. Commodity safety net update: In the U.S., USDA’s Farm Service Agency opened a window for eligible landowners to review and consider base acre increases for ARC/PLC safety-net programs ahead of 2026 enrollment. Animal health alarm: USDA confirmed 12 New World screwworm cases in the U.S., with infested zones concentrated in parts of Texas and one case in New Mexico, prompting calls for rapid reporting and containment. Crop price pressure: India’s Lasalgaon onion market crossed ₹2,000 per quintal for top-quality onions as arrivals fell and farmers held stocks. Soil health research: Kansas State University research found regenerative soil practices can improve profitability, but payoffs depend on matching practices to local conditions. Water stress in farming regions: Argentina’s San Juan province faces historic river low flows and rationing that are shrinking the area farmers can actually cultivate. Aquaculture investment: Armenia is building a medium crayfish farming complex in Echmiadzin with 12 tons/year capacity, backed by a state co-financing program.

El Niño readiness: The Philippines’ PAGASA says El Niño conditions are already present and could strengthen to “strong to very strong” by June–August, with below-normal rainfall and water shortages likely to hit agriculture and other sectors—so agencies are urged to prepare now. Water stress in farming: Maharashtra ordered dam releases for irrigation to stop until Aug. 31, reserving water for drinking as rainfall stays below normal. Drought relief in Colorado: Colorado’s Yampa Valley irrigators can apply for supplemental water from Elkhead Reservoir via a lottery, offering up to 420 acre-feet total. Rural security and farm access: Bandits in Sokoto imposed new levies on dozens of communities and threatened to kill or kidnap anyone farming during a three-day ban. Education tied to rural development: Ghana’s Tontokrom (Offinso North) began a six-unit classroom block to improve local schooling, with the project framed as part of broader district “resetting” priorities. Aquaculture boost: Alabama’s Dauphin Island Sea Lab harvested its first fish from a Gulf of America aquaculture feasibility project, aiming to add local protein using smaller-scale, native species. Livestock disease watch: Texas and New Mexico confirmed new New World screwworm cases, prompting continued containment and public guidance for pet owners. Climate-smart land use: North Dakota soil experts warn that wind erosion is stripping topsoil and say no-till can help stabilize fields for the long term. Policy and markets: Reuters reports Brazil farm auctions are surging as rural debt nears a fifth of loans, driven by high interest rates, input costs, and worsening weather.

US Policy & Processing Capacity: USDA rolled out its Small Processors Action Plan and opened another round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, aiming to cut red tape for small plants while keeping food safety protections. EU Fertiliser Relief: The European Commission proposed €540m in short-term farm support plus CAP tweaks to help member states deliver faster, more flexible help as fertiliser costs bite. USDA Specialty Crops Support: USDA set enrollment and payment rates for the $1.625bn Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program, with a tiered per-acre structure and an Aug. 7 deadline. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm detections climbed to 12 in the US (mostly Texas), prompting renewed calls for faster containment and sterile-fly releases. Trade & Exports: Armenia faces Russian export pressure as the EU prepares €50m+ aid and easier access for agri-food; meanwhile Egypt reported food exports of $2.432bn in Jan–Apr 2026. Horticulture Market Access: Assam flagged off GI-tagged Tezpur litchis to Singapore, building on recent exports to Dubai. Food Security & Weather: Zimbabwe is targeting a wheat harvest above 660,000 tonnes as planting nears its June 15 deadline, despite El Niño drought risk. Conservation: Fiji plans to fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end-2026 as it tackles illegal fishing and declining stocks. Finance for Farmers: Bangladesh banks announced large agricultural loan disbursements to farmers and entrepreneurs, pushing digital access and rural livelihoods.

Bilateral Agri-Cooperation: Malaysia and Uzbekistan agreed to deepen ties in aquaculture, sustainable irrigation tech, and agri-food R&D, with trade hitting RM338.48m in 2025 and both sides eyeing fisheries growth. Farmer Support & Inputs: Assam pushed a drive to register 5–7 lakh more farmers for PM-KISAN and speed ID creation, while stressing timely, quality input delivery. Food Security Risk: A “super El Niño” is forecast to intensify global weather disruption, raising fears of yield hits and higher grocery prices—especially for import-reliant food systems like the US. Pollution & Farm Safety: India’s Tamil Nadu pollution regulator alleges Tata’s iPhone component plant contaminated nearby farm groundwater via overflowing wastewater ponds, warning of possible shutdown unless Tata explains. Trade Market Stability: Taiwan warned that China’s procurement pledges aren’t a reliable export market, citing past import suspensions and demands for scientific consultations. Dairy Supply Watch: UK milk deliveries fell 0.9% year-on-year, with heat stress and volume management cited as factors. Pest & Land Use: Cyprus faces ongoing spread of invasive prickly pear cochineal, while Cyprus farmers and planners weigh control effectiveness. Community Farming: Hawaii blessed a new 80-acre Haleiwa farm to expand land access and support sustainable enterprises for immigrants and refugees. Policy & Infrastructure: Bangladesh plans new EPZs in Barishal and Lalmonirhat plus economic zones in three districts to attract investment and jobs.

BRICS Agriculture: Ministers meeting in Indore adopted the “Indore Declaration,” putting food security, farmers’ rights and digital agriculture on the agenda while rejecting unilateral trade barriers. Input Crisis & Markets: In Kushtia, Bangladesh jute farmers say “substandard” BADC seeds are driving losses, while Japan weighs a food tax cut that could reduce small farm incomes by hundreds of billions of yen. Pest & Biosecurity: New World screwworm is back in Texas (10 cases) with expanded quarantine zones and faster inspector training; Georgia and the FDA also move to protect livestock and pets. Food Security Infrastructure: Guyana’s Regional Food Hub is about halfway built, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and add cold storage for exports. Climate Adaptation Research: Japanese scientists report bears may help cherry trees survive warming by spreading seeds to cooler high-altitude areas. Land & Water Risks: Goa villagers fight to protect Comunidade lands from encroachment, and Ghana’s Abotareye faces groundwater contamination concerns after home burials block a borehole project. Trade & Rules: Nepal says there’s no ban on Indian mango imports—only tighter phytosanitary rules. Farm Safety & Violence: Northwest Nigeria saw at least 17 farmers killed in an attack on agricultural workers.

Fertiliser Support in the Azores: Portugal’s agriculture minister agreed to extend diesel and fertiliser cost support to farmers in the Azores and Madeira after the Azores Agricultural Federation complained they were excluded from a mainland-focused resolution. Budget Push for Export-Led Growth: Pakistan’s finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb defended Budget 2026-27 as a shift from stabilisation to growth, highlighting export incentives, reduced taxes for exporters, and Rs70bn in subsidies to help exporters access financing. Agri-Trade Momentum in Spain: Andalusia’s agri-food exports rose nearly 4% in Q1 2026, reaching almost 2m tons and €4.926bn, with Almería leading. Aquaculture Watch: Malaysia reported strong shrimp output (14,308 tonnes by May) and tightened biosecurity at entry points to protect supply. Regenerative Agriculture Exchange: A European delegation visited a North Dakota regenerative farm to learn soil-focused practices. Food Security Inputs in Nigeria: Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme is distributing free fertiliser to 20,160 smallholders in the south-west ahead of the wet season. Market Access Win: Tanzania secured South Africa’s phytosanitary approval to export fresh bananas, opening a new route for farmers and traders. Invasive Pest Alert (Hawaii): Maui agriculture officials confirmed dead coconut rhinoceros beetles in Waikapu traps and are expanding surveys for breeding damage. Research for Higher-Value Crops (Philippines): UPLB researchers are breeding improved purple yam (“ube”) varieties to boost yields and nutrition while tackling planting-material shortages. Post-Harvest Tech Drive (Kenya): KALRO urged farmers to adopt storage, drying, grading and other post-harvest technologies to cut losses and raise profits.

New World screwworm response: Texas and neighboring states are stepping up surveillance and interstate animal-movement rules after new detections, with USDA and state partners using sterile-fly approaches; Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is pushing USDA to use “every tool in the toolbox,” while Oklahoma officials outline a plan focused on tracking and rancher education. Animal health & biosecurity: Oregon communities say fears are easing after Mormon cricket swarms near Adel, and a metro Atlanta bird store reports enhanced protocols after birds tested positive for a contagious avian disease. Farm performance & weather data: University of Missouri wheat trials show early triple-digit yields in parts of southeastern Missouri, while Minnesota expands its Ag Weather Network with new stations to give farmers more localized real-time weather and soil info. Disaster aid: Vermont unlocks $31.7M in USDA disaster assistance for farmers and timber operators hit by 2023–2024 storms. Trade & policy: Egypt reports agricultural exports topping 5 million tons and opening 21 new markets; Ireland’s farm groups press for faster, low-burden support amid fertilizer and CBAM nitrogen-import concerns. Industry & research: FAO launches a Global Conference on Smart Farming in Rome (July 1–3) focused on scaling data-driven, sustainable agrifood systems. Cocoa governance: Venezuela’s cocoa law aims to create a one-stop “agricultural box office” for producers and exports.

Women’s Land & GBV Training in Zimbabwe: ZIMSOFF’s Popular and Peasant Feminism programme in Goromonzi and other districts trained women farmers to challenge discrimination, report gender-based violence, and push for land rights, with support from Zimbabwe Republic Police victim-friendly units. Agri Tech Commercialisation in India: Nasscom convened Deeptech Confluence 2026 to help agri and water startups move from pilots to scaled deployment, focusing on market access, pilots-to-scale and investment readiness. Farmers Market Funding in Arkansas: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is taking applications for its Farmers Market Promotion Program (plus reduced-cost bag orders), backed by Farm Credit, to expand local market reach. Hemp Policy Stability Debate (Kentucky): A Kentucky-focused op-ed argues hemp can drive rural income but warns federal restrictions and cannabinoid uncertainty threaten progress, calling for a clearer state-led regulatory model. Aquaculture Milestones & Exports: Norway’s Ode says it has stocked juvenile cod into its largest submersible pens; Nepal received Chinese aquaculture aquaponics tech; and Cambodia signed a protocol enabling dried longan exports to China. Water Reuse Rules in Texas: Texas regulators are drafting rules to allow treated oilfield wastewater on farmland, with supporters citing drought relief and critics warning about contamination risks. Food Industry Water Footprints in Egypt: Egypt formed a joint committee to set water-footprint standards and water-efficient production rules for food projects. Farm Safety & Community Events: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections reported mostly clean results; and Guam’s Kids Fishing Derby (June 27) adds a pre-derby clinic and conservation education.

Pesticide Reality Check: A new explainer challenges the idea that “organic” means pesticide-free, noting organic farms can use pesticides but under different rules and conditions. Food Security Strategy: Canada’s PM Carney unveiled a National Food Security Strategy aimed at a more affordable, resilient food system amid trade and climate pressures. Organic Community Building: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture opened proposals for the 2027 Minnesota Organic Conference (Jan 7-8, St. Cloud), seeking speakers and session ideas. Wheat Watch: USDA cut its U.S. winter wheat outlook after Plains drought hit hard red winter wheat, with lower production and ending stocks. Trade Uncertainty: A Produce Coalition formed to push for continued USMCA renewal, warning that tariff-free access matters for fresh produce and grocery prices. New World Screwworm Response: Texas counties and states are tightening animal movement and disaster planning as screwworm cases spread, with USDA and local agencies coordinating containment. Pest Threat to Wine: California found a glassy-winged sharpshooter on grapevines sold at Costco, raising risks of Pierce’s disease for the state’s wine industry. Drought-Resilient Farming: Namibia launched a drought-preparedness program with inputs, training, and water-efficient tech like solar irrigation and hydroponics.

El Niño Watch: Sri Lanka’s President chaired an El Niño preparedness meeting focused on food security, reservoir levels, water distribution, and power generation, with officials warning impacts could resemble 2016–2017. Fertilizer Pressure: Malaysia’s growers are shifting from buying fertilizer by volume to chasing nutrient efficiency as costs and supply-chain uncertainty bite. Screwworm Controls: West Virginia and Idaho tightened animal movement and entry rules after New World screwworm detections, aiming to keep states free while allowing trade with permits and health checks. Irrigation Cost Shock: Wyoming ag irrigators face steep utility rate hikes that could sharply raise electricity bills during pumping-heavy seasons. Trade & Market Access: Bangladesh and China signed a deal for a new Friendship Bridge in Patuakhali to speed transport of farm and fishery goods; Nepal also clarified there’s no ban on Indian mango imports. Aquaculture Push: Ivory Coast launched a project to expand farmed fish output and cut import dependence. Policy Support: Ireland’s DAFM opened a no-penalty correction window for 2026 BISS and AMS checks via MyAgFood. Food Security Risk: The World Bank warned tens of millions across West and Central Africa could face severe food insecurity as fuel and fertilizer prices rise.

Screwworm Alert: The USDA confirmed a New World screwworm comeback with six cases in the U.S., including Texas and New Mexico, prompting expanded surveillance, sterile fly releases, and new state import rules as cattle producers brace for losses. Policy & Retail Food: The House passed an agriculture appropriations bill that would cut WIC fruit-and-veg benefits, while separate market checks in the Philippines targeted compliance with a rice price ceiling to keep staples affordable. Hemp Regulation: A federal agriculture spending bill could reshape retail rules for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, with lawmakers weighing how THC limits are defined. Aquaculture Investment: Namibia’s African Aquaculture Company secured N$40 million in local investment for offshore salmon farming, while a separate note highlights how little of Namibia’s marine area is protected. Climate-Smart Tech & Training: New Zealand and U.S. initiatives spotlight faster adoption of farm tools, including spray drones for universities and precision tech for weed control. Fertilizer Supply Woes: Nepal plans India-supplied chemical fertilizer, but some local units in Sudurpashchim Province failed to collect allocated stocks. Community & Education: Tree planting at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and a Wyoming grant for an agriculture-focused youth program show growing momentum for farm outreach.

Animal Health Alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a dog in New Mexico and added three more Texas detections (a goat and two calves), warning livestock owners and communities to stay vigilant as the fly spreads farther inland. Policy & Trade: The World Bank and Egypt’s agriculture minister discussed cooperation on food and water security, climate-smart farming, irrigation upgrades, and market access for smallholders under the AgriConnect push. Funding & Inputs: Kazakhstan reported 2025 agricultural sector funding rising to 1.1 trillion tenge, alongside expanded irrigation work and higher sunflower output. Horticulture Upgrade: Nagaland (India) partnered with New Zealand to set up India’s first kiwifruit Centre of Excellence in Pfütsero to boost research and farmer capacity. Livestock Genetics: Zimbabwe sent officials to Rwanda for rabbit artificial insemination training to accelerate genetic gains; the country has 5,000+ rabbit farmers. Food Safety/Labeling: Spain’s Valencian Generalitat was urged to tighten rice labeling controls after complaints about misleading origin claims. Market Signals: UK barley planted area is set for its lowest level since the 1960s as growers respond to weaker prices and rotation pressure. Youth & Community Farming: Wisconsin’s Food + Farm Exploration Center opened summer programs, while Pennsylvania launched its 2026 Scooped Ice Cream Trail featuring local creameries.

Renewables & Water: Sri Lanka’s ocean power push explains Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a steady, weather-proof way to generate electricity using warm surface and cold deep seawater, with added benefits like freshwater production. Potato Industry: Kenya is gearing up for the 13th World Potato Congress (Oct 26–30, 2026) with a June 18 webinar previewing speakers, field days, tours, and new international working groups. Plant Health: Idaho’s potato seed certification system is spotlighted for virus testing work that helps protect yields and industry quality. Biosecurity Shock: New World screwworm is spreading in the U.S., with Texas confirming more cases and Iowa issuing guidance for livestock and pet owners to inspect wounds and report suspected maggots. Climate & Water Stress: Montana’s snowpack melted rapidly in May, leaving much of the state at or below 50% of median by June 1—an early warning for agriculture and water planning. Ag Innovation in the Caribbean: Guyana launches a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI hub with Brazil’s EMBRAPA and IICA to scale tropical ag research and tech. Local Farming Support: Ghana expands mechanisation and services via Farmer Service Centres, including a Belarus equipment supply deal for the Feed Ghana programme. Research Funding Politics: Canadian municipalities rally to protect federal agricultural research centres, pushing back on proposed closures.

Food Security Policy: Malaysia is pushing a National Food Security Act for early warnings, automatic preparedness, and faster delivery of aid and inputs as El Niño and climate change raise drought risks. BRICS Agriculture Diplomacy: A five-day BRICS agriculture conference in Indore is focusing on food security, climate-resilient farming, trade, and farmer welfare, with agriculture ministers meeting June 12-13. Farm Workforce Upskilling: California will invest $5 million to help farmworkers build in-demand skills via the Farmworkers Advancement Program, including English, math, and digital literacy. Seed Systems Upgrade: Tanzania launched a seed sector development strategy and investment plan to improve seed availability, quality assurance, and private-sector participation through 2030. Market Signals: Zimbabwe’s grain market stayed firm in the week to June 6, with white maize slightly down while soya beans rose on tight supply and steady demand. Livestock Health Watch: The return of screwworm in U.S. cattle is keeping beef prices elevated and could raise costs if cases expand. Trade & Safety: Canada gained new fish/seafood export access in five countries, supporting diversification for coastal and rural jobs.

New World Screwworm Alert: USDA confirmed more New World screwworm cases in the U.S., including a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County, Texas—pushing the outbreak beyond the original Texas cluster and prompting tighter animal movement and heightened surveillance. Livestock Response: Federal and Texas leaders in Kerrville highlighted sterile insect technology and urged ranchers and pet owners to report suspicious wounds as USDA expands detection and eradication efforts. Texas Rice Research Funding: Rep. Troy Nehls announced $1.5 million for Texas A&M AgriLife Research to study rice delphacid and the hoja blanca virus and develop producer management tools. Invasive Vineyard Pest: California’s CDFA urged shoppers to report grapevines bought at Costco in Northern California after possible exposure to the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a Pierce’s disease risk. Food Prices Watch: FAO reported global food prices mostly flat in May, with cereal and sugar up while vegetable oils fell. Aquaculture Research: NOAA launched a new institute to grow aquaculture research and markets. Water Stress Policy: A U.S. bill, the “WATER for Farmers Act,” targets Mexico water delivery shortfalls affecting South Texas agriculture.