AGP Executive Report

Sugar Sector Under Threat: Philippines labor group GAWA is urging the Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration to act fast against red-striped soft-scale insects, warning the infestation is already spreading across major sugar regions and could paralyze livelihoods tied to sugar, ethanol, and food manufacturing. Heat Stress on Dairy: A dairy nutritionist warns extreme summer heat can leave long-term impacts on herd health, including reproductive efficiency and hoof issues, with oxidative stress from hot feed affecting rumen health. Farm Policy Uncertainty: Minnesota Farm Bureau vice president Carolyn Olson says a delay in the U.S. farm bill would prolong planning stress for farmers, even as a Senate draft is released. Senate Farm Bill Draft: Lawmakers are debating differences in the Senate’s Agricultural Act of 2026 draft, including how it handles California’s Proposition 12 animal housing rules and fuel provisions. Fishing Under Drought Pressure: Utah is raising fishing limits at multiple waterbodies as drought and construction lower reservoir levels, while Alaska and other states adjust salmon and king-salmon rules to match run strength. Farm Labor Enforcement: Washington fined a farm labor contractor $692,750 for H-2A-related violations, including lack of liability insurance and failure to inform workers of employment terms. Women Farmers Legal Recognition: Maharashtra’s assembly passed a bill granting women legal recognition as independent farmers, aiming to unlock equal access to welfare schemes. Local Poultry Risk: A poultry farm in Cagayan was destroyed by fire, with authorities citing faulty electrical wiring as an initial cause. Conservation Funding: North Carolina opened applications for agricultural cost-share programs to help farmers fund water-quality and water-availability improvements.

Fertilizer Relief: President Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, aiming to cut prices by about 22% and save U.S. farmers an estimated $1.82B annually. Farm Finance: Kenya’s AFC and DanChurchAid will fund cold-storage investments for smallholder cooperatives in Nakuru and Nyandarua to reduce post-harvest losses and boost incomes. EU Accession Watch: Moldova’s agriculture minister briefed Brussels on agri-food reforms tied to EU accession, including agriculture/rural development, food safety, and fisheries chapters. Climate-Smart Seeds: Seed Co expanded climate-smart maize and wheat varieties ahead of a likely El Niño-affected 2026/27 season, after weaker demand hit results. Organic Oversight: U.S. lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to shift organic inspections toward a risk-based model to reduce red tape for small producers. Animal Health Policy: South Africa revised its bird flu defense strategy to allow vaccination, moving away from flock destruction as the default response. Pest & Water Stress (Philippines): Rice farmers in Western Visayas got a Q3 pest advisory, while Bulacan and Pampanga face delayed irrigation as Angat Dam levels dip below critical thresholds. Livestock & Security: Kazakhstan reported growth in agricultural cooperatives and output, while Nigeria’s Katsina police said they recovered 117 animals after a cattle rustling clash.

Farm Profitability Survey (Georgia): The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, Georgia Farm Bureau and the University of Georgia launched a statewide Georgia Farm Profitability Survey to pinpoint what’s squeezing farm incomes and guide policy and outreach. Farm Labor Reform (U.S.): A major House push for the “Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act” would expand dairy access to H-2A and streamline hiring to reduce disruption for farms. Pesticide Safety (Illinois): An Illinois farmer was fined $250,000 after pesticide drift reached a school during an outdoor event, with lawmakers debating stricter advance-notice rules for spraying near schools and parks. Animal Health (South Africa): New Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp vowed swift action to tackle the foot-and-mouth crisis and work with farmers on response. Women in Farming (India): Maharashtra introduced a bill to recognize women farmers and issue certificates to improve access to welfare schemes and credit. Illegal Fishing (South America): A monitoring report says nearly 400 Chinese vessels are operating illegally off Peru, raising alarms over ecosystem damage and pollution. Farm Safety & Biosecurity (U.S.): Wisconsin Farm Technology Days will add “FRESH” hands-on farm safety and health programming for families. Farm Succession (U.S.): A new focus on early, ongoing communication is highlighted as families plan generational transitions to keep farms intact.

Water Stress in the Philippines: Angat Dam in Bulacan fell to 159.97 masl, slipping below the 160-masl critical level and raising fears of weak irrigation just as the wet planting season begins. Input Cost Squeeze in the US Midwest: Wisconsin farmers say soaring fuel and fertilizer costs are crushing margins while grocery prices rise, with lawmakers pushing for stronger rural support. Monsoon Shock in India: Kharif sowing fell about 23% as a delayed, sluggish southwest monsoon and El Niño conditions cut acreage across rice, pulses, oilseeds, coarse cereals and cotton. Kenya Rain Relief + Regenerative Gains: Kenya Meteorological forecasts light rains returning to key farming counties, while Mt Kenya Sustainable Landscape reports higher coffee and tea yields from regenerative, climate-smart practices. Aquaculture Under Scrutiny: A Maine public hearing is set for Pleasant Cove Oyster Farm’s 2.78-acre lease proposal, as regulators weigh expansion of shellfish culture. Post-Harvest Push in Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe begins distributing US$2.1m in silos and mechanisation to 35,000 farmers to cut storage losses ahead of El Niño-linked cropping risk. Trade and Policy Crosscurrents: Russia’s record frozen fish imports from Georgia highlight shifting seafood trade flows, while the UK unveils a long-term farming roadmap aimed at contract fairness and supply-chain protections.

Fertilizer Relief in the US: Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate imports, with USDA estimating ~22% lower prices and about $1.82B in annual savings for farmers. Trade Fight Over Inputs: Bayer-Monsanto asked US trade officials to investigate Chinese glyphosate imports and impose antidumping/countervailing duties, drawing pushback from corn, soybean, and wheat groups worried about higher costs and reduced access. Crop Health Watch: Corn growers are being urged to scout for tar spot as confirmations expand to more states, with fungicide timing flagged as critical. US Farm Operations & Paperwork: USDA’s Farm Service Agency is rolling out an acreage reporting modernization pilot to move producers away from paper maps toward a simpler electronic process. Farm-to-School Expansion: Connecticut’s Yellow Farmhouse Education Center won a 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School grant to expand hands-on food, agriculture, and career programming. Aquaculture Livelihood Support: In Pangasinan, 186 fisherfolk groups are set to receive $3.732M in livelihood grants under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, including aquaculture and farm supply businesses. Fishing Rules Tighten: India’s Kadapa district will enforce a 62-day fishing ban in select reservoirs to protect breeding seasons. EU Livestock Trend: Eurostat reports EU livestock numbers continued falling in 2025, with pigs, bovines, sheep, and goats all down year-on-year.

Farmer Support & Inputs: India’s Punjab says it will lay 7,000 km of pipelines to deliver canal water to every farm, while Ghana’s Tano South and Bogyampa roll out fertilizer and start-up support to boost yields and diversify livelihoods. Climate Risk & Resilience Finance: WFP highlights climate insurance as a lifeline for farmers in Senegal and Syria as extreme weather hits harvests. Regenerative Agriculture at Scale: SAI Platform launches its Regenerating Together Programme with third-party verification to help companies implement regenerative claims across crops, beef and dairy. Food Security & Fisheries Pressure: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging demand, and New Zealand boosts Pacific fisheries funding to fight illegal fishing and raise tuna value. Land & Governance: China intensifies farmland protection and soil pollution controls; Namibia launches a revised resettlement policy focused on productivity and rural jobs. Market/Policy Tensions: Kazakhstan temporarily bans non-EAEU fresh tomato imports to protect domestic growers. Safety & Disasters: India’s Coast Guard rescues six fishermen off Mangaluru; a tractor accident in Ohio kills a farmer after an anhydrous ammonia leak. Health & Food Science: A trial finds fish oil supplements offer no cognitive benefit for Alzheimer’s risk reduction.

Monsoon Lag Hits India’s Summer Planting: India’s delayed monsoon has pushed summer crops planting down sharply—rice, soybeans, corn and cotton all behind last year as rainfall runs far below normal, though high government rice stocks may cushion prices. Weather Whiplash in the US Midwest: Late June storms are bringing beneficial rain for some Illinois corn-and-soy growers, while other pockets remain too wet and see storm damage. Livestock Transport Scrutiny: A new NGO report says conversions to livestock carriers are accelerating, but the fleet remains dominated by aging, deteriorated ships—renewing pressure to curb live export. US Pork Insurance Rules Update: USDA’s Risk Management Agency revises Livestock Gross Margin and Livestock Risk Protection terms taking effect July 1, including contract clarifications and policy cancellation rules. Farm Support Debate: Agriculture groups warn rural economies face a “ripple effect” and urge more farm aid, citing input-cost pressure and fertilizer supply risks. Women in Agriculture Survey: A US Farm Bureau survey highlights women’s growing leadership in farming while flagging gaps in resources, time/caregiving, skills, and financial security. Local Farm Resilience Moves: Oregon’s soil and water district is expanding a demonstration farm to teach conservation practices on-site. Qatar Dates Season Watch: Early signs of Qatar’s rutab date season are emerging, with growers optimistic about harvest timing across Gulf farms.

U.S. Farm Bill Politics: The Senate Agriculture Committee released its long-awaited farm bill draft, with Iowa lawmakers urged to keep out “Save Our Bacon” provisions as negotiations begin. Farm Finance & Lobbying: Minnesota Farm Bureau leaders say the draft is a solid starting point, while still pushing for changes around farm loans and E15 sales. Climate & Water Risk: A new study warns modern rice farming is pushing environmental limits for climate, freshwater and nutrient cycles—raising questions about how the staple can be grown sustainably. Food Safety Regulation: Australia’s Victoria is consolidating food safety regulators into the new Safe Food Victoria agency, with a CEO appointed to start July 1. Dairy Market Outlook: CRISIL Ratings expects organized dairy revenue to grow 13–15% this fiscal on demand, volumes and phased price increases, even as El Niño strains milk supply. Dairy Recall: Maryland’s Clover Hill Dairy expanded an FDA-linked recall of cheeses over possible listeria contamination, affecting multiple brands and states. Livestock & Environment: Minnesota regulators cleared a West River Dairy expansion after an environmental review, while Wisconsin towns face renewed legal pressure over local CAFO rules. Weather Watch: Flood alerts are in place for parts of Victoria’s Goulburn Valley as cold fronts bring moderate to isolated major flooding risk. Aquaculture & Inputs: In Papua New Guinea, a prolonged dry spell is forcing fish pond operators to drain and redistribute stock, highlighting water stress in smallholder aquaculture. Seaweed & Coastal Conditions: Thoothukudi fishermen report seasonal seaweed wash-ups, with meteorological warnings for rougher seas.

Biofuels & Farm Income: The American Soybean Association backed USDA’s Regenerative Feedstock Rule, saying it can raise the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit value for soy grown with voluntary conservation practices, creating a premium domestic market. Food Security Policy: Saskatchewan’s rural development minister will spotlight a National Food Security Strategy launch, with a media tour of a local food hub. Ag Finance: Bangladesh Bank revised guidelines for its Tk 10,000cr agricultural refinance scheme to keep funding mechanisms clear and support rural lending. Fertilizer Rollout: Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture began distributing fertiliser, maize seeds and crop protection to about 500,000 smallholders across 20+ states. Water & Fisheries: Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin Authority released a basin report reflecting thousands of submissions, with major focus on environmental water, water quality, native fish and climate risk; in Florida, authorities responded to an alligator bite at Nelson’s Fish Camp. Trade & Tech: Chinese firms showcased farm machinery, seeds and water-saving irrigation for Pakistan at a supply chain expo. Rural Development & Crops: Melaka’s pineapple cultivated area jumped 142% since 2021, while Kashmir farmers are expanding lavender as a lower-water cash crop. Security & Rural Life: Protests in Goa oppose a permanent IIT campus at Farmagudi, with claims it would damage a mango grove and shrine area.

Policy & Inputs: West Bengal eased its diesel-in-container ban, exempting healthcare, agriculture, food supply, public services and tea gardens, and relaxed daily limits—aimed at keeping farmers and emergency services running. Health & Farm Safety: A doctor links chronic kidney disease among farmers to pesticide exposure, spotlighting agrochemical risk beyond the field. Agri-Tech & Trade: China’s top ag firms showcased machinery, high-yield seeds and water-saving irrigation for Pakistan at CISCE, citing tractor exports and “Million Acres Green Pakistan” irrigation results. Women & Organic Farming: Meghalaya launched a ₹295-crore expansion of its organic mission, adding certified acreage and small farmers while signing new partnerships focused on women-led organic value chains. Fisheries Investment: Fiji fisheries got a $28.4m budget boost, with communities pushing for better ice and storage to cut post-harvest losses. Land Use & Energy Tension: Quebec dairy farmers in Montérégie are uneasy about wind projects that could reshape farmland. Food Systems & Markets: Meghalaya’s organic push and West Bengal’s diesel relief both point to how policy choices ripple into farm incomes and supply reliability.

Farm Bill backlash: A minister and rabbi criticize the 2026 House Farm Bill as “cruel,” warning it would cut SNAP by $187B over 10 years and push states to tighten eligibility, potentially costing “9 billion meals” a year. Water stress in food regions: Italy’s Po River is running dangerously low in a heatwave, letting seawater surge inland and threatening irrigation and Parmesan-area farms. Water crisis at home: Idaho lawmakers and farmers are urged to tackle the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer’s long decline, with one brief citing a massive groundwater shortfall since 1952. Local market momentum: Community farmers markets keep expanding despite weather and limited resources, from Melba’s weekly market (with Bayer Fund support) to Cedar’s 30th anniversary celebration. Input and extension support: Nigeria’s Jigawa State launched wet-season support for 90,000 farmers, while BUA Cement donated N100m+ in farm inputs to resettled Sokoto communities. Food prices pressure: Saskatchewan leads Canada in produce and dairy price spikes, adding to grocery-store strain for households. Livestock biosecurity: Tennessee’s state veterinarian warns buyers to inspect animals in person and follow health-certificate rules before importing livestock. Agri-trade outreach: B.C. Premier David Eby heads to China to pitch forestry and LNG-linked opportunities, citing tariff pressure on jobs. Rural safety and conflict: Gunmen attacked a farming community in Zamfara, Nigeria, killing at least 15.

Water Stress in Europe: Italy’s Po River is running dangerously low as seawater seeps into the waterway, forcing irrigation cuts and threatening crops tied to Parmesan milk production. Livestock & Corruption Watch: Odisha Vigilance arrested a livestock inspector accused of taking a bribe under a cow-support scheme. Farm Safety on Roads: Minnesota is warning drivers and farm equipment operators about harvest-season crashes, citing hundreds of incidents and urging slower, more cautious passing. Agrivoltaics Practicalities: University of Minnesota Extension is running a webinar on “solar farm” agrivoltaic logistics, focusing on how to design and operate sites that keep farming going. Drought and Heat Impacts Beyond Land: The Philippines reported a massive fish kill in aquaculture reservoirs linked to extreme heat and oxygen depletion. Policy and Markets: Minnesota DNR expanded catch-and-release record options for more species, while farmers’ groups in Nigeria criticized centralized agricultural finance delivery through the Bank of Agriculture. Local Food Economy: Markets and farm stands keep growing, from Maine’s new roadside farm-stand map to fresh seasonal farmer’s market openings.

Regenerative biofuels push: USDA finalized a Regenerative Feedstock Rule meant to let farmers earn premiums by linking regenerative practices to biofuel supply chains for crops like corn and soybeans, with standards for carbon intensity, traceability, and auditing. Livestock pest research: USDA opened the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory to speed tools against invasive fly and tick threats to cattle. Farm resilience funding: USDA and land-grant partners announced $125M for agricultural research facilities to tackle deferred maintenance and modernize labs. Soil and input costs: A fertilizer-cost-focused message urges soil testing and more precise nutrient use to cut waste and protect soil health. Dairy safety and operations: Idaho health officials investigate a raw-milk illness spike tied to multiple operations, while one Teton Valley dairy operator says it has avoided outbreaks for decades. Fisheries rules and impacts: A legal fight has halted what would have been a record red snapper season, reflecting broader pressure to loosen fishing regulations. Ag education and workforce: Mount Olive University highlights a growing agriculture program spanning crops, livestock, marketing, and tech skills. Community ag and markets: Local farmers markets and farm attractions keep expanding, from a new Emmett agritourism site to ongoing dairy-month farm spotlights. Trade and sanctions: Russia has blacklisted Armenian fish farms and restricted fish imports over certification concerns, squeezing exporters toward new markets. Water pollution warning: Georgia reported a major fish kill tied to oxygen-depleted wastewater overflow after intense storms.

Fish & Water Stress: Fish cage operators at Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela report a massive fish kill after oxygen depletion tied to prolonged hot weather, wiping out about 30 operators’ stocks and forcing emergency sales far below normal prices. Pest Pressure: Negros Occidental is moving toward a province-wide task force to contain red-striped soft-scale insects after the pest spread from sugarcane into corn and vegetables. Aquaculture Costs & Risk: In Andhra Pradesh, shrimp farmers face margin squeeze as shrimp feed prices rise, while in India’s aquaculture belt farmers warn feed costs are now a bigger threat than disease. Livestock Heat Impacts: Belgium issued a rare red alert for extreme heat as livestock suffer heat stress, with farmers reporting meaningful drops in milk and meat output. Women in Ag: Maharashtra’s cabinet cleared a bill to recognize women farmers (including landless workers) via a “women farmer certificate” to unlock welfare, subsidies, and credit. Value-Chain Moves (Cambodia): Cambodia’s agriculture ministry held a cashew sector forum in Kampong Thom to tackle cultivation, collection, processing, and export bottlenecks. Trade & Compliance (Armenia/Russia): Russia expanded restrictions on Armenian fish shipments, suspending certification for additional companies until violations are resolved. Ag Tech on the Farm: A South Carolina farm family says generative AI is cutting paperwork and improving input ordering accuracy. Policy & Markets (US/Iran): At a White House dinner, Trump floated expanding agricultural exports to Iran and urged new farm aid for producers.

Biofuel Policy: Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered a halt to importing bioethanol feedstock (molasses, sugar, sugarcane, syrups), closing loopholes that previously let raw inputs in under SRA rules—while noting the law allows importing bioethanol itself, not the feedstock. Farm Risk & Weather: Saskatchewan Crop Insurance reminded producers that June 25 is the deadline to file Unseeded Acreage claims after excess moisture left some acres unplanted or flooded. Food Safety: Michigan MDHHS released its 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides for 696 water bodies, updating guidance based on lab chemical testing. Livestock Monitoring: Malaysia’s Melaka rolled out a QR Tag system to speed livestock owner identification and improve enforcement, with 2,000 animals tagged so far. Drought Relief: USDA announced disaster assistance options for North Carolina producers, including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for eligible grazing losses. Soil Innovation: A new study links salt-stress resilience to soil bacteria that colonize roots and help crops withstand salinization. Farm Bill Politics: Minnesota dairy farmer James Kanne urged Senate action to strengthen antitrust enforcement in agriculture and push for country-of-origin labeling for beef. Fisheries Funding: Oregon officials criticized BPA’s plan to end funding for the SAFE salmon hatchery program, warning of a $2.4m gap and disruption to production cycles. Community & Markets: Boulder County’s farmers market marked 40 years, now supporting 150+ vendors and about $11m in sales.

Dairy Pressure in Bulgaria: Milk and yogurt costs are rising fast, with economists pointing to weak domestic production and inflation fears after eurozone entry, while farmers warn that “Bulgarian” yogurt may not always mean locally sourced milk. Irrigation Efficiency: California’s new free tool helps growers measure distribution uniformity and estimate savings in water, energy, and fertilizer—aimed at fixing systems where most acres haven’t been tested. Pest Control: San Diego County expanded a Mexican fruit fly quarantine after new detections, tightening movement rules around key East County communities. Farm Bill Politics (US): Senate Agriculture Democrats criticized the Farm Bill discussion draft for missing SNAP cuts and shifting costs to states; GOP Chairman Boozman released “Farm Bill 2.0” text focused on rural investment and resilience. Geopolitics for Farmers: The White House requested $87.6B for Iran war costs, also including aid for US farmers—while Iran denies a claimed deal that would fund US farm purchases. Trade Route Boost (Asia): Cambodia and Laos opened a faster transit corridor to China for bananas, mangoes, rice, cassava starch, and durians, cutting logistics time for growers. Bird Flu (South Asia): Bird flu was confirmed in Bhaktapur poultry farms, with tens of thousands of chickens destroyed to contain spread. Aquaculture Strain: Swat’s trout fish farms are still rebuilding after 2022 floods, with only a small fraction of farms back in operation. Farm Safety: A grain bin rescue in North Dakota highlighted how quickly suction can trap workers, with firefighters using specialized rope and equipment to pull a trapped farmer to safety.