AGP Executive Report

Ag Trade: Japan logged record first-half exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products at 897.7 billion yen, up 10.9%, with green tea exports surging 83.5% on matcha-driven demand. Food Safety & Markets: California officials say produce is safe amid a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce; meanwhile, Michigan deaths linked to the outbreak are rattling consumer confidence and leaving some fields unharvested. School Food Policy: California’s Farm to School program is getting permanent funding, locking in support for local farms and school meal upgrades. Dairy Prices: Global Dairy Trade inched up as cheddar and powders rose, with the GDT Price Index up 0.1%. Farm Economy: U.S. farmer sentiment rebounded in the Purdue/CME Ag Economy Barometer, helped by slightly lower nitrogen and diesel prices, but long-term profitability worries remain. Land & Livelihoods: Armenia is restructuring agricultural loan repayments as Russian sanctions disrupt exports, with agricultural credit portfolios growing despite the pressure. Dual-Use Energy: New Zealand’s Morrinsville solar project will pair panels with sheep grazing, a promising but still largely untested model. Wildlife & Farming: Montana is seeing worsening berry failures and more bear conflicts near homes, while Hawke’s Bay deer are costing farms tens of thousands annually, with thermal imaging suggesting many landowners underestimate deer numbers.

Farmer Support Systems: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman ordered a complete, verified farmers’ database by December for the Farmers’ Card, with photo and QR code to route subsidies and services to genuine producers. Sustainability Finance: Denmark’s Impact Fund backed a US$22.5M sustainability-linked loan for Export Trading Group to expand women smallholder support, boost advisory services, and push deforestation-free, lower-carbon supply chains. Sugar Mechanization: The Philippines’ Sugar Regulatory Administration handed MINFED new cane grabber equipment and a tractor in Bukidnon to speed harvest logistics and cut costs for tens of thousands of growers. Marine Policy: Qatar starts an annual kingfish ban Aug. 15–Oct. 31, stopping fixed gill-net fishing plus net trading/transport while allowing hook-and-line. Fisheries Recovery: China’s Shanxi ended its Yellow River fishing moratorium after restocking about 1.97M juveniles, with reported fish species rising from 46 (2021) to 60 (2025). Market Signals for Rice: Vietnam’s Food Association proposes export and domestic rice price floors to prevent price manipulation and protect farmers and exporters. Heat and Risk: South Korea reported three farm deaths linked to a heat wave while spraying pesticide and working in fields. Ag Tech for Smallholders: Farmers Business Network launched an AI market intelligence platform to help producers track local price moves and basis trends. Food Chain & Value: Philippines agribusiness leaders met in Iloilo on strengthening farm-to-global value chains, including attracting investment and building regional industries.

U.S. Farm Bill Momentum: The Senate released its 983-page Agricultural Act of 2026 and plans a committee markup, with key differences including a nationwide year-round E15 gasoline provision. Livestock Health in Smoke: Oregon agencies issued coordinated guidance for livestock owners and fair exhibitors during wildfire smoke events, urging reduced stress, dust-free bedding, and close monitoring. Crop Stress Across the Corn Belt: USDA/Pro Farmer updates show corn condition slipping in the western Corn Belt while soybeans hold steadier; Illinois reports wet-spring water damage and nitrogen leaching, and Wisconsin farmers warn late rains may be too late for some fields. Disaster Costs in Louisiana: Tropical Storm Arthur flooding drove an estimated $112M in agriculture losses in Louisiana, with Avoyelles Parish taking the biggest hit. Fisheries Rules Tighten: Idaho changed fall chinook bag limits due to a low forecast, and Montana added “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on the Bitterroot drainage as warm water raises fish mortality risk. Rural Livelihood Support: Kyrgyzstan approved 3% preferential loans for breeding livestock, and a Kyrgyz agriculture help line (1210) now offers free specialist guidance. Community Food Resilience: Maine awarded $500,000 to 10 communities for shared-use greenhouses to expand local food and agricultural education.

Agrifood Policy & Trade: Ukraine is preparing an affordable grain-collateral loan program so farmers can fund autumn sowing without being forced to sell stored grain at depressed prices after export bottlenecks. Rural Livelihoods & Investment: Zimbabwe’s compensation programme for former commercial farmers is advancing, with US$40m already paid to BIPPA-protected claimants and another US$20m earmarked for 2026. Water & Climate Resilience: Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture launched a Smart Irrigation Monitoring System to help farmers use water more efficiently and manage El Niño-driven drought risk. Fisheries & Conservation: A hawksbill sea turtle was rescued in Capiz, Philippines, after a fisherman reported it entangled in a net; in Minnesota, researchers found a young alligator gar at Loch Leven as a sign restoration is working. Land Use, Energy & Farming: Virginia’s new agrivoltaics law aims to keep farmland productive while expanding solar for data-center power demand; in the Philippines, BCDA says farmers affected by the Pax Silica AI hub can access agriculture zones and relocation areas in New Clark City. Animal Health & Farm Economics: A UK turkey farm is shutting its Christmas shop after blackhead disease wiped out the flock, citing no effective treatment and no compensation. Heat Impacts on Crops: Farmers in England are spraying apples with kaolin “suncream” to prevent heatwave sunburn and fruit “boiling.”

Food Security Policy: The Philippines’ policy think tank PIDS says food security spending is too skewed toward rice while weak budget execution blunts impact, leaving malnutrition and high prices largely unresolved. Aquaculture Support: The Philippines’ DA will distribute fingerlings and fund solar-powered aerators for fishpond operators hit by fishkills, aiming to stabilize local bangus and tilapia supplies. Rural Infrastructure: Mozambique’s Niassa says poor road access and logistics are choking farm growth, keeping prices high and limiting market reach. Disaster & Crop Loss: India’s Adilabad farmers report cotton, soya and redgram damage after heavy rains overwhelmed the incomplete Korata-Chanaka barrage, with irrigation works still unfinished. Fisheries Safety & Crime: Pangasinan investigations follow a suspected blast fishing accident that killed two fishermen and injured another; separate reports also highlight ongoing monitoring and enforcement around fisheries. Livestock Governance: Northern Ireland’s Stormont agriculture minister orders an external review into a cattle killing near Fivemiletown after public welfare concerns and court-ordered action. Agritech & Yields: Eastern Samar’s Rice Derby 2026 tests modern rice technologies across 150 hectares to cut costs and lift yields amid climate pressures. Climate Risk: Panama warns El Niño and fuel costs are stressing crops and water, raising food-production risk. Community & Skills: Florida’s Boys & Girls Clubs run hands-on agriculture workshops, while Canada’s Cambridge Farmers’ Market highlights weather-driven sweetness in peaches and lush produce.

Food security trials: The Philippines’ DA-8 launched Rice Derby 2026 in Eastern Samar, testing modern rice production tech on 150 hectares with 200+ farmer-cooperators ahead of an October harvest, aiming for higher yields and lower costs. Aquaculture recovery: In Pangasinan, the DA says it will distribute fingerlings and buy solar-powered aerators for small fishponds after recent fishkills, while stressing local bangus and tilapia supply remains stable. Fisheries livelihoods: Zamboanga’s DSWD turned over 20 more fishing boats to the Maasin fisherfolk association, completing a 50-boat package to support about 100 members. Climate stress: Hungary faces drought-driven agricultural losses estimated at 470–500 billion forints, with wheat yields far below normal and knock-on impacts for livestock and processing. Water and safety risks: Ilocos Sur police are investigating a death found in a flooded rice field; in Pangasinan, an alleged blast-fishing device explosion killed two fishermen and left one wounded. Farm tech modernization: Minnesota’s NCROC is upgrading its research farm with drones and electric/hybrid vehicles to cut fuel and maintenance while expanding precision spraying. Market policy politics: In Punjab, farmers and millers back India’s ethanol blending programme, warning that any slowdown could hit maize growers and ethanol-linked demand.

Farm Labor Policy Push (US): Indiana farmers are urging Congress to pass H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, arguing today’s labor system is too slow and costly for growers who rely on H-2A workers. Food Safety & Demand Shock (US produce): A cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has led some farmers to plow under crops and Taylor Farms to recall product across 27 states, while imports from the region are halted for the season. USDA Biosecurity Funding: USDA APHIS is accepting project suggestions for FY 2027 PPA 7721 funding, with $80M aimed at expanding surveillance and rapid response to invasive plant pests and diseases. Livestock Succession Planning (US): NCBA launched an online succession-planning resource to help cattle families manage farm transitions and reduce stress around estate decisions. Heat-Driven Fisheries Closures (US West): Record heat and drought are warming rivers, prompting fishing bans during parts of the day to protect trout and other stressed species. Local Market Boost (Minnesota): Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed Aug. 2–8 as Farmers’ Market Week, highlighting hundreds of markets and thousands of vendors statewide. Farm Infrastructure & Expansion (Ireland): Rockwell Farm in Tipperary won planning approval for a cow-shed extension and new dungstead as investors target growth in herd size. Agriculture Guidelines Update (Michigan): MDARD is seeking public input on proposed updates to GAAMPs and GAPPs, including new guidance for greenhouses and indoor growing facilities.

India Farm Support: India’s Cabinet has extended PM-KISAN through 2030-31, approving Rs 3.15 lakh crore for direct income support to eligible farmers. Dairy Sector: The 2026 World Dairy Industry Conference opened in Hohhot, spotlighting technology and partnerships for a sustainable global dairy ecosystem. Philippines Fisheries Enforcement: Oceana says a Supreme Court decision striking down vessel monitoring weakens efforts against illegal fishing, urging BFAR to act fast to preserve the system. Maharashtra Fishing Rules: Open-sea fishing resumed after the monsoon ban, but mechanised vessels still face a coastal distance restriction until mid-August. Afghanistan Solar for Farms: Chinese-made solar gear is gaining traction in Afghanistan, with farmers using solar-powered pumps to cope with power shortages. Armenia–Georgia Trade: Armenia has started exporting fish and other agricultural products to Georgia after Russia’s restrictions hit its aquaculture market. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Australia reports 53 bird flu cases, with farmers urged to boost biosecurity. Food Prices Under Weather Stress: In Kidapawan, tomato prices jumped to as high as P150/kg after monsoon rains and landslides cut supply. Poultry Transition in the UK: A Norfolk farm plan swaps turkey production for a larger chicken operation, citing economics and modernization.

Farm Bill & ethanol policy: U.S. Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman is set to schedule a farm bill markup Aug. 6 that could make E15 sales year-round, easing ethanol restrictions. Glyphosate economics: A University of Illinois analysis with the Illinois Soybean Association estimates a glyphosate ban could cost Illinois corn and soybean farmers up to $609M a year. Input costs squeeze: A Missouri rice farmer says fertilizer and fuel costs are rising faster than rice prices, leaving farmers still digging out from last year. Water & fisheries enforcement: The Philippines is expanding digital surveillance for fisheries, handing Vessel Monitoring System workstations to the Coast Guard to help curb illegal fishing and smuggling. Legal limits on fishing tracking: The Philippines Supreme Court affirmed that tracking commercial fishing boats via a 2020 VMS/ERS order was unconstitutional, directing fixes. Aquatic health alarms: Residents near Florida’s Lochloosa Lake report dead fish and algae blooms, with questions about herbicide spraying and habitat loss. Animal welfare & biosecurity: RCMP says ventilation fans were deliberately switched off at a Nova Scotia poultry barn, killing 10,000 chickens. Climate-smart agriculture: India approved a five-year expansion of PM-KISAN cash handouts through 2031, while Kenya’s King Letsie III is visiting projects aimed at strengthening food security. Local land & water governance: Victoria’s mayors are pushing for co-designed implementation of Murray-Darling water buyback compensation, arguing for real partnership with rural communities.

US Farm Policy: Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman pushed the farm bill text release to Friday/Saturday, citing “glitches,” as senators weigh year-round E15 language and SNAP cost-sharing fights. Water & Small Farms: California’s groundwater limits and fees are leaving small growers like Rosie Lee unable to plant, with warnings that rigid rules could accelerate land consolidation. Organic Growth: Ireland’s Organic Farming Scheme keeps adding farmers but new sign-ups have slowed sharply, suggesting the transition is plateauing amid bureaucracy and regulation. Drought & Resilience: England’s drought zone status is testing farms; one Suffolk/Norfolk estate’s new £3m reservoir is already “empty” while other sources sit near the last 15%. Fishing & Food Security: Philippines’ Supreme Court struck down a vessel monitoring order as unconstitutional, while BFAR advised a temporary fishing ban near West Philippine Sea “drop zones” during a Chinese satellite launch. Heat Impacts Livestock: South Gyeongsang Province reported 22,702 livestock deaths since June 22, including 18,500 chickens, as heatwaves persist. Aquaculture & Trade: Netherlands’ Kingfish Company lifted Q2 revenue on strong foodservice demand, but said production issues reduced superior-grade fish mix.

Fisheries Modernization: Philippines President Marcos ordered continued rehabilitation of fish ports, spotlighting the P600-million upgraded Sual Fish Port Complex in Pangasinan with cold storage, processing, and solar power to cut post-harvest losses and stabilize prices. Cold-Chain Expansion: The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority says the opened Sual port now supports larger vessels and faster seafood deliveries, with 200 metric tons of cold storage and daily processing capacity. Agri-Weather Stress: Montana farmers report heat and wildfire smoke are hurting produce growth, including bolting in bok choy and slower lettuce development, while local retailers say supplies remain available. Water for Crops Debate: Telangana saw rain bring relief and renewed paddy hopes, but officials and the BRS argue water must be stored and released for agriculture, not just drinking needs. Input Cost Pressure: Pivot Bio’s CEO warns rising nitrogen and phosphorus costs are squeezing farmers’ 2027 decisions, even as the company adjusts pricing and rebates. Farm Bill Push: U.S. senators aim to advance a long-delayed farm bill, with markup expected soon and SNAP negotiations still unresolved. Wildlife & Fisheries Rules: Yellowstone expanded daily fishing closures to protect trout amid hot water and low flows, while Wyoming Game and Fish opened preference-point applications for big-game hunting.

Fish Ports & Processing Upgrade: Philippines President Marcos inspected the P600m rehabilitated Sual fish port, highlighting cold storage, blast freezers, ice-making and market facilities to cut post-harvest losses and stabilize prices. Disaster Aid Deadlines: USDA reminded producers of fast-approaching dates for specialty crop, supplemental disaster relief, and risk coverage/price loss programs. Fish Kill Investigation: Inland Fisheries Ireland says early signs point to over 4,500 dead fish in Ireland’s Cavan Town river, with an interagency probe underway. Wildfire Threat to Farms: A large accidental blaze in Hertfordshire destroyed barns and fields, with hot, dry weather raising risk. Food Safety & Dairy: India’s Parsi Dairy Farm reopened after FDA clearance following hygiene and storage violations. Livestock Health Watch: Zimbabwe reports January disease (theileriosis) spreading across multiple districts, triggering quarantine and alarm among cattle farmers. Aquaculture Investment: Cape Cod Aqua Farms plans to expand clam and oyster production after acquiring a majority stake in Aquacultural Research Corporation. Input Costs & Fuel Pressure: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia’s harvest is strained by shrinking support and diesel shortages, with fuel prioritized for the military. Policy & Regulation: California lawmakers rejected a PFAS “forever chemicals” farm ban, opting instead for a public database approach. Fisheries Governance: China declined to sign a global IUU fishing transparency declaration, despite calls to tighten vessel and ownership accountability.

Animal Health & Trade: USDA will spend $25M on a sterile-fly dispersal facility in Arizona to fight New World screwworm, as it prepares to resume Mexican cattle imports—an approach that could lower beef costs but worries some ranchers about pest risk. Crop & Climate Shock: Kenya’s farmers face a second blow as El Niño-linked rains threaten after crop failure from failed long rains, with warnings of major flooding and losses. Pest Disaster Aid: The Philippines’ Negros sugarcane growers hit by red-striped soft scale insects are receiving emergency cash transfers, with DSWD targeting P113.5M for more than 11,000 farmers. Food Access Infrastructure: Boston Area Gleaners is building a 17,000 sq ft cold-storage facility in Acton, aiming to “triple the volume” of produce it can buy from farms and supply to stores. Livestock & Conservation Policy: Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers back expanding CREP via the Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act, boosting wetland and grassland habitat while keeping working lands productive. Local Water Support: Glenn and Colusa small farmers can apply for up to $2,000 in irrigation efficiency supplies and technical help. Drought Relief: Nebraska counties added to USDA disaster status can access emergency FSA loan assistance. Biosecurity Alert: Australia’s H5 bird flu spreads locally in wildlife, prompting poultry producers to tighten farm biosecurity.

Pest Relief for Sugarcane Farmers (Philippines): The DSWD is rolling out emergency cash transfers totaling P113.5 million for 11,000+ farmers hit by red-striped soft scale insects across the Negros Island Region, with initial payouts already underway in Talisay and San Carlos. Food-Security Funding Debate (Philippines): Industry groups welcomed President Marcos’ agriculture and fisherfolk focus in his SONA but warned about the long-term sustainability of subsidies amid fiscal strain and called for stronger export and agri-sector development. Small-Scale Fishers Push Back (Philippines): Small-scale fisherfolk leaders and Oceana say the government’s approach leans too hard on cash support while failing to curb commercial vessels entering municipal waters reserved for local fishers. Dairy Supply Chain Move (Ireland): Carbery Group named dairy farmer John O’Brien as chair, prioritizing milk price support and the future of family farming in West Cork. Fisheries Governance in Europe: EU fisheries ministers met in Cork to shape the next phase of the Common Fisheries Policy, balancing stock protection with coastal livelihoods and rule simplification. Regulatory Shock to Food Safety (India): Mumbai’s Parsi Dairy Farm reopened after the FDA suspended its licence over serious hygiene and food-safety violations. Livestock Vet Telehealth (Australia): NSW Farmers backed a push to let vets conduct telehealth consultations for commercial operations, reducing repeated in-person requirements. Farm Safety Focus (Ireland): Ireland’s Farm Safety Week urged farmers to review hazards and use available grant schemes to improve safety equipment and practices. Cyclospora Investigation (US): Health officials continue tracing the outbreak to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce linked to central Mexico, with investigators focused on how contamination reached the food supply. Early Harvest Stress (UK): Record-early arable harvest raises concerns for British growers as unusually dry conditions cut grain moisture and squeeze margins.

Emergency Aid for Sugarcane Farmers (Philippines): Negros Occidental will start paying over P10 million in emergency cash to more than 1,000 sugarcane growers hit by red-striped soft scale, using Sugar Regulatory Administration data and local validation, with payouts beginning July 29 for small landholders. Policy Push for Cooperatives (Philippines): The Senate passed two agriculture bills on third reading—one to strengthen agricultural and fisheries cooperatives and another to expand agriculture extension capacity via a new bureau. Farm Machinery and Rice Buffer Stock (Philippines): Officials say farmers are gradually adopting new technologies, while the National Food Authority expands rice storage to protect supplies during calamities. Farmland Under Pressure (US): Lehigh County’s farmland preservation program is seeing a surge of interest as data center development raises fears of land loss. Weather Disruptions (Canada): A storm dumped heavy rain across Niagara-on-the-Lake, flooding homes, farms, and vineyards and overwhelming drainage and waterways. Subsidy Debate (US): A “State of the Farm” report highlights record US farm support alongside criticism that subsidies may be skewed toward wealthier operations. Livestock & Fisheries Governance (Canada/US/UK): A mobile preg-checking service pitch targets lower-cost ultrasound testing; North Carolina sets deadlines for commercial fishing licenses; and Oregon’s ballot bid to ban broad animal harm rules failed to qualify. Fire Safety Closures (Kuwait): Authorities closed 28 agricultural holdings after fire-safety inspections found violations, including farms used as warehouses. Water Stress (Canada): Kelowna urges agricultural users to cut consumption as drought and low reservoir capacity threaten future water access. Farming and Food Systems (Kenya): Counties in Kenya plan a regional recycling plant to turn agricultural waste into fertilizer and energy, aiming to boost jobs and circular-economy outcomes.

Philippines Policy Push: The Senate passed two agriculture bills on third reading—an Agricultural Cooperatives Act to modernize and support agri and fisheries co-ops, and an Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Act to upgrade the training system into a Bureau of Agriculture. EU Farm Support: Italy is set to receive an “important share” of €540m in CAP flexibility support for farmers facing high energy, fertilizer and transport costs. Irrigation Data Clash (US): Michigan farmers and specialists propose local “water districts” to collect groundwater and stream data for irrigation permitting, challenging regulators’ reliance on limited models. Fisheries Governance (Vietnam): Vietnam’s deputy PM calls for a long-term fisheries strategy and digital upgrades to help lift the EU’s IUU “yellow card.” Dairy Health (Bangladesh): A study links brucellosis to lower milk output, estimating major annual losses for commercial dairy farms. Crop Progress (Ukraine): Ukraine reports 22% of forecasted areas threshed and 10.65m tonnes of new crop grain harvested. Ag Tech (China): An AI laser weeder is cutting herbicide use in Heilongjiang soybean fields, with early results on weed control. On-the-ground Farming (Romania): Soil drought is expected to hit non-irrigated corn in parts of Romania, with temporary leaf wilting possible. Food Supply Chain (Indonesia): Indonesia plans to cut agricultural supply-chain stages from eight to three via village cooperatives to boost farmer earnings and fertilizer access. Farm Safety & Crime: A Stellenbosch farming couple was attacked with crowbars; police also uncovered a £100,000 cannabis cultivation in Aberdeen. Market/Traceability Rule (Ireland): IGAS trailer numbers become mandatory for the 2026 harvest to improve traceability and weighbridge records.