AGP Executive Report

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.

Philippines Farm Support: In the run-up to the 2026 Sona, the Philippines’ agriculture department says it has delivered 34,721 production and postharvest machines since 2019, including 1,731 units by end-June under the 2025 Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund—aimed at cutting labor costs and postharvest losses. Risk Management: Marcos also highlighted agricultural insurance, saying payouts hit P19 billion over four years and now cover livestock and fisheries as well as crops. Water Stress in Orchards: Okanagan farmers in Canada face unprecedented irrigation shutoffs after exceeding allotments, with growers warning damage could reach $250 million and calling for urgent mitigation planning. Farmworker Housing Rules: In Kelowna, councillors pushed back a proposal for 56 seasonal farmworker units, saying it exceeds the city’s typical 40-unit limit. Cyclospora Accountability: In the US, a House Oversight Democrat is probing whether Taylor Farms used White House ties to influence the federal response to a cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce. Crop Conditions Watch: Minnesota reports frequent rains helped corn and soybeans, with conditions still strong despite a small dip. Livestock Drought Prep: Jamaica’s livestock agency urges farmers to secure irrigated fodder banks as heat and reduced rainfall threaten forage quality. Plant Growth Science: A study using tomato plants finds plants use hormone timing (auxin and gibberellin) to control when to grow—potentially boosting yields and resilience. Women’s Land Rights: Maharashtra registered 3,436 women as farmers under a revenue campaign, aiming to improve access to schemes and benefits.

Philippines Agriculture Insurance & Disease Threats: In Marcos Jr.’s Sona, the government highlighted P19B in agricultural insurance payouts over four years and said coverage now extends beyond crops to livestock and fisheries, as avian flu and African swine fever remain major risks. Philippines Fisheries Rights: Small-scale fishers staged a “State of the Fisherfolk Address” to the DA, protesting commercial fishing encroaching on 15-kilometer municipal waters, reclamation impacts, and rising US military activity in fishing grounds. Philippines Rice Mechanization Push: PhilMech says rice farm mechanization is set to reach 3.40 hp/ha by 2031 under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund’s second phase, aiming to cut labor costs and postharvest losses. Zimbabwe Tractor Rollout: Zimbabwe plans to distribute 35,000 tractors across villages to modernize subsistence farming and boost food security, with tractor assembly and local industry opportunities in the mix. Kenya Blue Economy Funding: Kenya earmarked about USD 62.8M for fisheries landing sites and facilities, including cold storage and processing support, to strengthen the blue economy. EU Market Access for Dairy: Kosovo dairy exports to the EU remain blocked due to missing EU-recognized veterinary certification, leaving capacity underused. Water Stress & Food Security: South Africa’s water crisis is framed as a direct threat to agriculture, with agriculture consuming most water and demand projected to outstrip supply without major efficiency gains. Fodder Expansion in Kenya: A large lucerne fodder project in Tana River aims to turn semi-arid land into high-protein livestock feed production using irrigation and water-harvesting infrastructure. Livestock VAT Mart Dispute (Ireland): Tax officials flagged a VAT discrepancy that may be nudging non-VAT farmers away from selling through livestock marts toward direct sales. Solar Permitting & Wildlife Checks: Courts and regulators continue shaping solar rollout, including a ruling that towns can’t deny solar permits on generalized concerns alone and a separate consent for a New Zealand solar farm with wildlife safeguards. Fisheries Safety Incident (US): A fishing-vessel collision off Washington led to one vessel sinking after crews were rescued, underscoring ongoing maritime safety risks.

Fisheries & Food Security (Philippines): Ahead of Marcos Jr.’s Sona, Subic fisherfolk are pressing for stronger West Philippine Sea patrols and sustained fuel/food aid to curb harassment near Scarborough Shoal. Agri Policy & Trade (New Zealand): New Zealand’s Fisheries Amendment Bill is back in the spotlight, with critics warning it could loosen environmental safeguards around bottom trawling. Public Health & Inputs (Zimbabwe): Investigations in Harare describe illegal use of HIV antiretrovirals in chicken feed, raising concerns about drug residues and human health. Climate & Rural Risk (UK): A fast-moving field fire swept about 80 hectares of Suffolk farmland, prompting warnings about hot, dry-weather fire risks. Innovation in Crops (China): China reports a self-cloning hybrid rice approach that could preserve high yields across generations and cut annual seed costs. Fertilizer Push (Nigeria): Kaduna’s governor launched free fertilizer and tractor support for 150,000 smallholders to protect cultivation and output. Water & Irrigation (Angola): Cuanza-Norte inaugurated two gravity-fed irrigated perimeters (Cacala and Coreia-1) to back thousands of farming families. Sustainability Reporting (Nigeria): Johnvents Group released its first sustainability report, aligning operations with global ESG standards. Conservation (Australia): Tasmania’s swan galaxias program highlights introduced trout as a key threat, alongside drought and flood pressures. Rural Development (Zimbabwe): Nyanga Renewable Energy marked Ward 20 progress with a clinic, school electrification, jobs, and a hydro plant feeding the national grid.

Fisheries Support: Malaysia’s Department of Fisheries says it has earmarked over RM3.32m for fisheries entrepreneurs, aquaculture farmers and fishing communities in the southern zone, backing operators growing catfish, tilapia and prawns. Farm Labor Shock: South Africa’s fruit and wine sectors are scrambling as foreign-worker departures after anti-migrant crackdowns leave harvest crews short, threatening output and factory operations. Disaster Aid for Growers: The USDA has granted a disaster designation for Ulster County and other Hudson Valley farms hit by an April freeze, unlocking low-interest emergency loans and relief on federal loan payments. Indoor Farming Win: Rocky View County’s Raven’s Nest Farm received a Master Farm Family award for year-round leafy greens and herbs using modular indoor growing, plus community outreach. Irrigation Recovery: Bhutan’s Rekhey paddy farmers report restored water after repairs to a 30-year-old irrigation channel, bringing back previously uncultivated plots. Food Retail Resilience: Sainsbury’s is extending 10-year supply partnerships to boost British tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers as drought fears push supermarkets to secure steadier sourcing. Dairy Trade Tension: Russia will ban imports of Armenian dairy products from July 27, citing alleged milk safety and origin verification gaps. Crop Climate Risk: FAO warns Botswana faces a high probability of severe agricultural drought tied to a strengthening El Niño. Market Culture: National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8) spotlights local produce and community gathering, with thousands of farmers markets and CSA programs across the U.S.

Policy Pressure on Farmers: A Filipino peasant group urged President Marcos Jr. to turn SONA promises into real agrarian reform and protections for agrarian reform beneficiaries. Local Dates Push: Qatar’s 11th Local Dates Festival opens at Souq Waqif with 125 farms, aiming to boost direct sales and food security. Horticulture for Growth: Arunachal’s governor backed scientific horticulture at a state farm, urging tech transfer to villages and youth entrepreneurship. KVK Potato Year-Round: India’s Upper Siang KVK says free seed tubers and guidance helped Sumsing farmers prove potatoes can be grown beyond the usual winter season. Fisheries Enforcement: Bulgaria seized two poaching boats near Varna with 500+ kg of black mussels, citing illegal harvest in prohibited channels. Food Safety Recall: Canada recalled Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bars over undeclared pistachios. Cyclospora Effect on Markets: Kentucky farmers report more shoppers seeking local greens as the outbreak spreads. Farm Labor Law Debate: Alabama Farmers Federation backed the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, critics warn it could expand amnesty for foreign workers. Livestock Trade Restart: USDA will reopen U.S.-Mexico livestock ports after a screwworm-related suspension, starting Aug. 24. Climate Risk Planning: Western Queensland weather records show hotter, longer warm seasons, pushing producers to adjust breeding schedules. Farmers Under Threat: Nigeria coverage highlights rising attacks on farmers as a growing food-system and security crisis.

Sanctions Push on Illegal Fishing: A bipartisan group of US senators urged Treasury to sanction vessels supporting China’s distant-water fishing fleet, targeting the logistics behind alleged illegal fishing, environmental harm, and forced labor. Food Safety & Local Demand: In New Hampshire, cyclospora fears tied to Taylor Farms lettuce are driving shoppers toward local farms and farmers markets for lettuce they can trust. Agribusiness Investment: India’s Dodla Dairy bought a ~2% stake in D2C premium dairy brand Sids Farm for ₹11.65 crore, aiming to expand antibiotic-free, hormone-free offerings online. Climate & Water Planning: Telangana’s agriculture minister pushed micro-irrigation firms to speed drip and sprinkler installs ahead of El Niño, with district-wise performance reviews. Fertilizer Crunch in Nepal: Farmers in Sarlahi, Nepal, report severe shortages of urea, DAP, and potash during peak paddy season, with depots closed or clashes reported. Fishing Fleet Crackdown (Angola): Angola’s Luanda province says over 4,000 fishing vessels operate clandestinely, highlighting pressure on jobs, cold storage, and marine conservation. EU Protein Shift: The European Commission’s Protein Action Plan prioritizes plant proteins for livestock feed, while critics say it misses the bigger need to reduce reliance on animal agriculture.

Emergency Livestock Aid (Spain): Madrid’s Ayuso announced a €1m emergency contract to support Sierra Oeste livestock farms hit by fire, covering feed, veterinary help, removal of dead animals, and repairs to enclosures. Food Safety & Produce Supply Chains (US): Pennsylvania cyclosporiasis cases tied to a multistate Taylor Farms/Taco Bell lettuce outbreak continue to mount, with officials warning reported numbers likely understate the true total. Heat Stress on Crops & Water (US): Record July heat is stressing North Dakota wheat as prices rise, while Minnesota reports a spike in fish kills linked to low-oxygen warm water. Farmer Support Policy (India): Telangana and Maharashtra both push farmer-linked relief—linking local growers to school meal schemes in Telangana, and launching Maharashtra’s large farm debt relief with direct payments to eligible farmers. Conservation Access (US): Wisconsin Women in Conservation says USDA NRCS staff cuts are slowing conservation plan support, leaving volunteer groups to bridge gaps. Livestock Policy Shift (EU): A new EU Livestock Strategy is being framed as a reversal after earlier emissions-driven livestock cuts, though critics call it cosmetic. Trade & Market Signals (US): A Compeer appraiser says farmland buyers are more disciplined, focusing on productivity, drainage, and fit—rather than assuming broad momentum will carry prices.

Court & Governance: South Africa’s Ramaphosa won a court challenge halting the “Farmgate” impeachment process, a temporary block while separate cases play out. Food Security Support: Malaysia’s Penang will pay a one-off RM500 grant to 6,572 padi and vegetable farmers to ease costs and shore up supply. Irrigation Investment: Philippines President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan reservoir irrigation project (P866.2m) to supply water to 1,072 hectares and stabilize planting. Trade & Biosecurity: Russia will restrict dairy imports from Armenia from July 27 after inspections found issues including use of milk from infected livestock and weak traceability. Climate Pressure on Crops: Europe’s cereals outlook worsened after June heat, with a forecast cut of about 9 million tonnes and further maize stress from pollination heat. Livestock & Pasture Conditions: Mongolia reported 58.09m livestock head (115.7m sheep units) and expects about 78m head to graze summer/autumn pastures after severe winter-spring in parts of the country. Aquaculture Tech: Hatch Blue backed an Irish startup with USD 2m to develop on-site oxygen generation for fish farms, aiming to cut aquaculture’s oxygen supply costs. Direct-to-Consumer Markets: FarmMatch says it has fulfilled 1.5m orders and is expanding regenerative farm-direct pickup locations nationwide. Agriculture Jobs & Skills: Malaysia reported agricultural TVET graduate employment rising to 76% in 2024, still below the national 95% average.

Irrigation Investment: Philippines President Marcos inaugurated the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Palawan, a P866.2m system expected to supply steady water to 1,072 hectares and boost planning, yields, and incomes for 425 small farmers. Food Safety & Processing Scrutiny: Taylor Farms is facing a Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with recalls and prior sanitation concerns adding pressure on the fresh-produce giant. Regenerative Farming Insurance: Michigan is piloting “NextGen” crop insurance for corn and soy growers using cover crops, rotation, and no/low-till, aiming to let soil-health practices fit loan and risk needs. Drought/Policy Uncertainty: A Wisconsin Farmers Union push calls for a permanent farm disaster assistance program, while an ag market analyst warns uncertainty has become the new normal amid trade-war and conflict-driven shocks. Conservation for Food Systems: Colorado downlisted the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened, but says active management must continue; meanwhile, a $13.4m Great Lakes fish passage project in Buffalo targets emerald shiner recovery. Livestock & Trade: Irish exporter Maxwell Livestock loaded 1,900 bulls for Morocco, citing continued north Africa demand. Aquaculture Health: South Africa reported paralytic shellfish toxin levels in Saldanha Bay mussels and oysters are back below safety limits for harvest.

Sugarcane Pest Aid (Philippines): Negros Occidental is rolling out emergency cash transfers for small farmers hit by red-striped small-scale insects, with DSWD targeting severely affected growers after a calamity declaration. Fish Kill Probe (Philippines): Coast Guard teams are assessing a Laguna de Bay fish kill, with early signs pointing to algal growth, decomposition, heat, and low oxygen. Illegal Fishing Crackdown (Philippines): Authorities in Occidental Mindoro seized about a metric ton of fish tied to blast fishing and arrested seven suspects, including gear and transport. Pig Farm Clearance (Malaysia): Selangor expects to finish clearing pig farms in Tanjong Sepat by October, leaving about 12,000 pigs to reach maturity unless disease forces faster action. Colorado Drought Closures (US): Heat and low flows have triggered fishing restrictions on multiple Colorado rivers, hitting trout tourism and guide businesses. Kyrgyz Agriculture Oversight: A Kyrgyz audit found 722.9 million soms in violations in the agriculture ministry’s 2025 budget execution, with recoveries reported. Lake Issyk-Kul Cleanup (Kyrgyz): More than 50,000 meters of old nets have been removed since 2026, alongside waste recovery, as fish populations rebound. Chile Fisheries Downturn: Chile’s first five months of 2026 show the lowest fish landings in a decade, with pelagic catches sharply lower. Ireland Biomethane Deal: Flogas will offtake 26GWh of Irish biomethane annually from agri-food waste and animal by-products in Meath. Farm Safety Focus (Ireland/UK): Teagasc highlights how health issues can raise farm injury risk, while a UK dairy recall warns of possible vet-medicine contamination in some milk batches. Wildfire Grazing Shift (Spain): In Galicia, communities are reintroducing native goats, sheep, and Cachena “goat-cows” to reduce flammable undergrowth and wildfire risk. Offshore Wind Supply Chain (UK/Australia): PALFINGER won a crane contract for East Anglia TWO, while UGL and CPB secured balance-of-plant work for Australia’s Narrogin Wind Farm.

Rural Resilience & Weather: In the Philippines, Libon’s Paroy Festival spotlighted rice-farm resilience as drought pressures farmers, while in Bulacan and Pampanga monsoon rains helped irrigate fields even as Angat Dam levels remain low. Flood Impacts: In North Cotabato, floods and landslides damaged rice, corn and mature rubber trees, displacing families and prompting local food aid. Farm Workforce & Training: Alberta is investing in Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus to strengthen the ag workforce, and Kentucky State University is running hands-on sheep and goat breeding and artificial insemination clinics for producers. On-Farm Safety: A fishing-vessel maintenance incident in New Zealand shows how decomposing fish offal can trigger lethal toxic gas, with four workers hospitalized—an urgent reminder for confined-space safety. Policy & Markets: In the US, House Republicans advanced a budget blueprint that includes $12bn for agricultural assistance alongside Iran war funding, while Kentucky lawmakers introduced a Lawful Hemp Protection Act aimed at setting federal rules for hemp products. Fisheries Management: Wyoming urged anglers to adjust catch-and-release during hot, low-oxygen conditions, and Montana opened a new Yellowstone River fishing access site. Funding Flows: Ireland began Fuel Income Support Scheme payments, and Arkansas launched a fresh fruit and vegetable school program applying for $3.38m in funding.