AGP Executive Report

Climate-smart expansion: Zimbabwe is targeting 1 million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa for 2026/27, up from 718,000 last season, as officials warn of a drier year and urge farmers to start land prep early. Philippines farm losses & logistics: In Benguet, the DA says recent storms and market bottlenecks drove over P1.4B in ag and fishery damage, with some produce dumped after delays and poor road access. Water stress in farming: Colorado’s San Luis Valley is testing rye as a way to cut irrigation demand, but says success depends on finding customers for the grain. Aquaculture milestone: New Zealand has fast-tracked approval for a 14,400-ton open-ocean salmon farm near Rakiura, the first aquaculture project cleared via its fast-track process. EU cocoa pressure: EU deforestation rules are tightening cocoa supply expectations, raising traceability costs for West African exporters and smallholder farmers. Food assistance boost: Wisconsin’s state-backed program is helping food banks buy farm-fresh eggs from local producers. Conservation funding: Virginia approved a record $304M for farm conservation practices to protect water and soil.

Food Security Tech Push: A Kuwaiti agricultural expert urged Arab countries to scale modern tools like smart irrigation, greenhouses and renewable-powered irrigation to tackle water scarcity and boost yields. Climate Adaptation Funding: New Zealand’s Northland Regional Council backed 15 community-led climate resilience projects with $480,000, including solar, water security, dune restoration and regenerative farming. Conservation for Biodiversity: New Zealand’s DOC Community Fund approved $1.7m for Chatham Islands work—feral cat removal and pig control—to protect threatened birds and ecosystems. Soil & Crop Resilience: Botswana researchers highlight drought-tolerant safflower as a smallholder-friendly oilseed and value-chain opportunity; in India, CIMMYT/ICAR trials additive intercropping (groundnut with sugarcane) to raise edible-oil output and incomes without expanding land. Water Policy Shock: Australia’s Riverina ricegrowers face job losses tied to Murray-Darling Basin water buybacks, even as floodwaters rise. Farmers’ Market Relief: In Virginia, one mother says local farmers markets help ease recall anxiety after produce safety scares. PFAS Sludge Scrutiny: An EPA move to scrap a PFAS risk study on treated waste sludge is drawing fresh backlash from farmers and scientists. Heat Costs: A Georgia Tech economist warns wildfire smoke is eroding air-quality gains and driving health and productivity costs.

Drought Pressure: Farmers in Ireland’s Laois are feeding 125 cows with costly winter feed as months of near-zero rain leave soil moisture far below normal, with one producer calculating losses at about €3,500 a week. Disease Watch: UK livestock are facing rising bluetongue risk, with APHA urging vigilance and noting the virus doesn’t affect humans or food safety. AI for Breeding: China’s “Fengshu 2.0” vertical large model is upgraded for soybean science, aiming to speed data-assisted breeding using genomic, disease and trial records. Water Security: Wales farm groups warn of an urgent water shortage crisis and are pushing for coordinated government action as hot weather tightens supplies. Credit for Production: Bangladesh Bank set a 54% higher target for agricultural and rural credit disbursement for FY26-27 to support farm output and rural jobs. EU Drought Response: The EU called for proactive drought risk management ahead of COP17, urging investment in preparedness and land restoration. Biofuel Compliance: ORLEN won EU-recognised certification for bio-based feedstock co-hydrotreatment at its Plock refinery, enabling more renewable fuel components toward transport targets. Trade Flows: Ukraine’s agri trade with the EU rose 11% to $8.553B in the first half of 2026 as duty-free quotas fill faster under updated rules. Farming Tech Careers: A profile highlights how AI and tech roles are growing inside food and poultry production, showing new career paths tied to agriculture.

Irrigation Push in the Philippines: The National Irrigation Administration is moving ahead with a P7.1bn Lower Cabu Irrigation Project in Nueva Ecija to expand irrigated land, boost cropping intensity, and cut farmers’ drought risk. Food Logistics Upgrade: The Philippines Department of Agriculture is accelerating a Clark mega food hub in Pampanga, with P4bn committed and first-phase operations targeted before end-2027, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and lower consumer costs. Salmon Farming Boom in Japan: Japan’s fresh salmon and trout cultivation is expanding fast, including in Tohoku, as demand rises across Asia and fuel costs pressure coastal operators. GMO Debate, Farmer Viability: A South Africa-focused opinion argues the real question isn’t biotech itself, but whether farmers can stay competitive and earn enough—hunger is framed as an income and access problem. Seed Sovereignty in Bangladesh: Women farmers in Rajshahi are calling for local seed preservation and climate-resilient agroecology, citing community seed banks conserving hundreds of varieties. Sustainable Fisheries in Bangladesh: A fisheries push highlights modern aquaculture, protection of rivers and water bodies, and conservation of indigenous fish to strengthen food security and jobs. Kenya Rangeland Leadership: Indigenous rangeland advocate Kendi Borona is named a Rangeland Hero, spotlighting pastoral land stewardship as climate leadership. Fiji Land Reform Benefits Farmers: Fiji’s land and groundwater support plan includes returning acres to landowners, digitising records, and funding agriculture diversification like coffee and cocoa. Nebraska Biosecurity Law: Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB1096, tightening foreign access rules for critical infrastructure and adding agricultural biosecurity requirements. Kenya Renewable Energy to Carbon-Free Future: Research urges Kenya to extend its clean power success into broader economy-wide decarbonisation through policy, investment, and collaboration. Cyprus Agriculture Strategy: Cyprus’ €109m primary-sector plan (2024–2029) targets higher GDP contribution, sustainability, and resilience, with job creation expected. Bangladesh Economic Reform Framing: Finance leaders stress “democratising the economy,” including farmer support tools like a Farmer Card, as part of broader economic recovery.

Drought Relief for Farmers (UK): UK PM Andy Burnham announced a £65m support package as heatwave and drought slash yields and threaten food prices, including help for reservoirs and environmental schemes, while farmers warn trust is still low. Water Stress Across Crops (India): Telangana fruit growers face delayed rains and rising temperatures; horticulture experts issued variety and water-saving cultivation guidance. Livestock Health Alert (UK): Bluetongue is spreading in England’s south-west, with farmers reporting major sheep losses and urging vaccination. Dual-Use Solar for Farms: Agrivoltaics is gaining momentum as a way to keep food production while generating renewable power, with new guidance on what crops and systems work best. Europe’s Drying Rivers: Satellite and monitoring reports show Europe’s rivers shrinking fast, with record-low flows hitting agriculture and industry. Sustainability in Supply Chains (PepsiCo): PepsiCo says regenerative practices now cover millions of acres and highlights low-carbon inputs and precision farming in EU/UK potato sourcing. Marine Restoration (Sicily): Divers and scientists are testing a model to remove ghost nets while tracking coral and biodiversity recovery. Climate Policy Watch (Mongolia): Mongolia prepares to host UNCCD COP17 on restoring land and rangelands, with drought and desertification tied directly to food and livelihoods.

Drought & Water Security: UK PM Andy Burnham announced a £65m drought support package for farmers, including help for environmental schemes and new on-farm reservoirs as dry soils and early harvests raise food-supply worries. Wildfire Impacts: In Canada’s B.C., the Bald Range wildfire forced evacuations and is now threatening vineyards and farms, with growers bracing for losses and smoke effects. Climate Forecasts: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is strengthening toward a very strong event later in 2026, raising risks of hotter conditions and major rainfall shifts that could disrupt farming and food markets. Water Rules at the Farm Level: California growers are adjusting to stricter groundwater limits under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, pushing conservation and higher costs even for specialty farms. Food Systems & Resilience Projects: Fiji commissioned a new Batiri processing facility to buy local produce, add value, and reduce reliance on global supply chains. Women in Agri-Food: Coverage highlights how women’s health and leadership affect household income, care work, and resilience in food systems. Trade & Compliance: EU tightening food-safety rules is pressuring exporters to adapt pesticide residue limits to keep market access. Agriculture Investment: Ghana’s “New Economy” plan pledges US$10bn over four years, with agriculture and agro-processing taking 50% to expand irrigation and year-round production.

Drought Relief in the UK: Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorized £65m in extra support for drought-hit farmers in England and Wales, targeting sustainable farming payments and faster help for reservoirs and water access as cereal yields slide. Water Governance Clash (Hawaii): Hawaii’s BLNR blocked a long-term East Maui water license for Mahi Pono and set up a contested hearing over stream diversion permits, after intense testimony from residents and Native Hawaiian voices. Climate Law in China: China’s landmark Ecological and Environmental Code took effect, tightening rules on pollution control and ecological protection as the country pushes green modernization. Green Energy for Farms (Poland/Netherlands): Research found wild bees and plants thriving around gravel bases at wind turbines in western Poland, while the Netherlands reported the first seaweed harvest grown between offshore wind turbines. Organic Market Push (India): APEDA and Tripura organized an international organic buyer-seller meet to link farmers and exporters with global buyers. Ag Finance (Ghana/Nigeria): Ghana’s central bank urged banks to build flexible, season-friendly lending for agriculture SMEs, while Nigeria saw agriculture credit rise to N3.86tn as oil and gas lending fell. Skills for Food Jobs (UK): Arla launched a school-focused careers push to tackle the dairy sector’s skills gap.

Drought Relief for Farmers: UK PM Andy Burnham unveiled a £65m package to help drought-hit food producers get water to crops, keep livestock fed, and keep environmental payments on track, including faster access to water storage and flexibility under nature schemes. Weather Safety for Farms & Fishers: Dominica’s agriculture ministry urged farmers and fishers to secure tools, seedlings, and structures ahead of an incoming weather system bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Pest Control Update: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension updated its pasture mealybug guidance, with EPA emergency approval for Centric 40WG after field trials showed consistent control. Farmworker Protection: North Carolina advocates pushed for stronger protections as heat waves force farmworkers to work in extreme conditions without required cooling in housing. Soil Health as a Strategy: Mississippi farmers are leaning into soil restoration to build resilience against drought, flooding, and parasites—starting with “healing the soil” to cut input costs and improve profitability. Food Security Funding: Ghana’s Feed Ghana Programme is credited with slashing food inflation from 28.3% (Jan 2025) to 2.2% (Apr 2026) through higher domestic production. Food Safety Scrutiny: FDA inspectors traveled to Taylor Farms’ Mexico operations tied to the cyclospora outbreak to review processing and growing conditions. Conservation with Economics: Nebraska’s Precision Conservation Management is expanding to help farmers weigh conservation choices by field-level impacts on both environment and farm finances. Climate-Smart Agriculture Push: Borongan City (Philippines) is seeking UN technical support for climate-smart farming across Eastern Samar municipalities.

Climate Pressure on Farms: Germany’s farmers warn drought and heat could cut harvests sharply, with some regions facing total crop losses and big losses for fodder and food prices. Blue Economy Finance: The Philippines secured €200M (AFD) for marine ecosystem protection and a “blue economy” program aimed at livelihoods for millions of coastal workers. Climate-Smart Agriculture Support: Borongan City in Eastern Samar is seeking UN-backed technical help for climate-smart agriculture across five municipalities. Research for Resilient Crops: India’s University of Hyderabad won Rs 2.5 crore for climate-resilient agriculture research, including microbial consortia for foxtail millet and viral resistance work in tomato. Aquaculture Debate: Falkland Islands residents are pushing for a referendum over a proposed salmon farming expansion. Regenerative/Local Knowledge: An indigenous leaders message argues conservation and environmental fixes should draw on indigenous knowledge. Ag Tech Commercialization: Beanstalk AgTech launches a Southeast Asia venture studio to move promising agtech into smallholder markets. Farm Policy & Credit: Bank of Ghana urges banks to expand lending to agriculture as inflation falls and exchange rates stabilize. EU Heat Impacts: Europe’s record heat and wildfires are driving major economic losses, with agriculture among the hardest hit.

Climate & Resource Risk: A new study warns that renewable energy’s climate gains can shrink when the cost of capital is high, meaning clean power isn’t equally effective everywhere. Food & Water Security: Ghana’s CSIR-WRI is turning fish-farm wastewater into crop inputs, aiming to cut pollution while boosting yields like cucumbers. Inputs & Farm Economics: A southwest Minnesota grower says fertilizer and diesel pricing uncertainty is “very nerve-racking,” especially for younger farmers with limited working capital. Trade & Market Access: New Zealand and Viet Nam are expanding agricultural market access, including premium honey and deer velvet, plus research and sustainable agriculture cooperation. Circular Agriculture at School: South Africa’s school pilot links food gardens, biogas from school feeding waste, and rainwater harvesting to create skills and local returns. Sustainability Integrity: Research on cocoa certification finds sustainability records can be manipulated when auditors and farmers know the exact pass metrics. Renewables on Farmland: Portugal’s agriculture minister is pushing solar/wind rules that protect productive farmland, but farmers argue the auction process hasn’t delivered practical dual-use options. Ag-Tech for Resilience: Saskatchewan’s AG360 is pitching an “all-in-one” digital farm system to connect agronomy, marketing, inventory, machinery, and finances.

Climate & control debate: A new wave of “systems architects” argues climate action needs centralized visibility across energy, food, water and finance—using crisis blame cycles to push top-down planning over local solutions. Heat impacts on farming: UK heatwaves are estimated to have cut economic output by at least £4.4bn, with extreme heat also wrecking crops and livestock across East Asia, including record South Korea losses. Weather outlook confusion: Pacific Northwest winter forecasts clash, with the Farmer’s Almanac calling cooler/wetter while NOAA expects warmer/drier. Agri trade & exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports jumped 55% in volume and 47% in value (May 1–Aug 10), and fruit/veg juice exports reached 47 countries, led by the US and Australia. Agri finance & credit: Bank of Ghana urges banks to redesign credit for agriculture SMEs as lenders still see them as high-risk; Liberia warns non-performing loans can choke farm and business credit. Agri-tech & markets: Expana launched IQ Forecasts with 500+ new price projections across 16 commodity categories. Solar-agri momentum: Italy’s Vizzini agrivoltaic project secured €234m financing, pairing solar with grazing and biodiversity measures. Plant health at borders: Zambia upgraded its Livingstone plant quarantine lab to cut testing time and costs by up to 50%, helping exporters meet phytosanitary rules. Climate migration risk: Experts warn climate-driven migration in Ghana’s Upper East could intensify land and water tensions. Oyster losses: Hiroshima oyster mortality hit up to 90% amid unusually warm seas and low-oxygen conditions. Credit for youth in food chains: Liberia and KOICA backed a US$1m grant to train rural youth for rice and cassava value chains.

Agritech Funding: Pennsylvania Sen. Dan Laughlin announced $288K for Erie County farm innovation, backing a vermiculture reactor, grape filtration upgrades, drone spraying, and tech planning for farm services. Ag Data Rules: Nebraska Sen. Stan Clouse (and Sen. Wendy DeBoer) backed LB525, creating agricultural data privacy and AI safety requirements for how farm data is collected, used, and shared. Renewables + Trees: Rajasthan now requires renewable developers to set aside 10% of project land for tree plantation, with new land-allotment rates for solar and wind. Deforestation Policy: Brazil’s Supreme Court upheld state laws tied to the soy moratorium’s tax incentives, a major test for efforts to curb Amazon-linked soy expansion. Blue Economy Push: Punjab launched its biggest-ever seafood and shrimp farming project, including a hatchery and processing plants, aiming to scale exports. Climate/Water Data: FAO and Punjab formalized the ACWA Punjab Consortium to strengthen climate and water information systems for climate-resilient farming. Local Food Investment: Alberta’s Local Food Week highlights $7.5M in grants for greenhouse and vertical farming operators, boosting year-round local produce. Food Security Support: Wisconsin’s Connecting Farms to Families program uses a $2.5M state grant to route eggs and other farm foods to pantries and meal programs. Sustainable Waste to Inputs: A Bukidnon restaurant chain uses black soldier fly larvae to turn food waste into fertilizer and feed, supported by local government and science agencies.

UK Heat & Drought Response: The UK is bracing for another extreme heatwave as drought deepens, with a major warning that adaptation staffing is shockingly thin—just 20 Defra staff out of 6,613 working on climate adaptation. Food & Farm Costs: Turkey is preparing diesel tax relief to blunt the impact of higher oil prices on transport and farm input costs. Climate Adaptation Funding Gaps: Spain’s organic producers in Asturias finally received delayed organic aid, but native-breed payments are still outstanding—raising pressure for faster, fully paid support. GMO Debate in Malaysia: Malaysia says a proposed Perak MR219 rice field trial is controlled and not approval for commercial GMO use, after critics raised food safety and environmental concerns. Ghana Water Risk: Ghana’s NADMO warns farmers and flood-prone residents to relocate ahead of Bagre Dam spillage that could push the White Volta River over. Ghana Ag Education Push: Ghana launched the GH¢100m Ghana Agriculture Fund for Education and Transformation (GAFET) to build skills, innovation, mechanisation and ag enterprise. West Africa Trade Disruption: Nigeria’s onion exports to Ghana are suspended after market restrictions, threatening perishable losses and calling for ECOWAS intervention. Renewables for Resilience: Malawi commissioned its first standalone utility battery storage project to cut diesel reliance and stabilize a drought-hit hydropower grid. Livestock Tech & Welfare: Kansas dairy operators hosted the Humane Handling Institute, using cattle “vision” training goggles to improve humane handling and facility design. EU Farm Policy Backlash: Irish farmers question EU CAP plans to subsidize replacement labour, calling it tokenistic compared with input-cost pressures. Energy-Ag Co-use: A solar farm in Poland is using nearly 100 sheep to graze under panels, cutting mowing needs while testing shared land use. Italy Cheese Under Heat Stress: Italy’s “cheese banks” are spending more to keep Parmigiano wheels at required temperatures as heatwaves drive up cooling costs.

Heat & Drought Stress: A persistent European heatwave is compounding drought, hitting river levels, power generation and agriculture, with Italy expecting 37–40°C and fire risk rising. Food Security & Biodiversity: A new study warns global vegetable intake is about 40% below dietary recommendations while the diversity of vegetables grown is shrinking, linking nutrition gaps to broader sustainability risks. Livestock Supply Crunch: In Puerto Rico, drought is tightening forage supplies and driving hay prices sharply higher, forcing farmers to seek costlier imports. Dairy Processing Pressure: A Queensland dairy family fears culling 600 cows after a processor ended its milk contract, underscoring how limited processing capacity can derail production plans. Farm Policy & Labor: Kansas farm advocates say the U.S. farm bill stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee, while U.S. agricultural law groups continue pushing education on the H-2A temporary worker program. Climate Finance & Land Use: The Philippines’ Pax Silica plan faces calls for deeper environmental review over major power and water needs and potential displacement of farmland. Local Food Systems: New York’s “Good Food” bill would let public buyers consider more than price, aiming to boost local, fresher farm supply to schools and hospitals.

Water Stress: Lake Mead has dropped to a new record low, underscoring how Western drought is tightening supplies for millions. Heat & Food Security: Britain is bracing for shortages and price spikes as flash drought and fifth heatwave conditions hit crops and dairy. Agrivoltaics Momentum: University of Minnesota Extension is sharing new agrivoltaics research on “dual yield,” including how solar can coexist with crops and dairy. Livestock & Farm Practices: A Kansas dairy is training staff in humane handling using cattle “vision” goggles, while Pennsylvania highlights soil health and precision tech as key progress. Policy Pressure: The U.S. farm bill stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee, raising fears it won’t pass this year. Water Infrastructure for Agriculture: Malaysia is studying seawater desalination for Selangor, aiming to cut reliance on existing plants. Biosafety Debate: Malaysia’s GMO rice trial faces opposition from farmers and environmental groups over contamination and herbicide concerns. Climate Resilience Planning: Kyrgyzstan is seeing longer dry periods, with drought risks worsening for irrigation and pastures. Rural Livelihoods: Nigeria’s Tinubu unveiled a plan to more than double the livestock sector’s economic contribution, pushing modernization and processing.

Humane Livestock Handling: Kansas’ McCarty Family Farms welcomed the Humane Handling Institute for hands-on dairy training, including augmented-reality “cattle vision” goggles to help staff understand cow behavior and test facility changes before permanent upgrades. Farm Bill Gridlock: Kansas Farmers Union says the Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to move the farm bill forward threatens passage this year, with SNAP-related cost divisions and tight margins cited. Climate Stress on Food Systems: England is sliding deeper into drought and “flash drought,” with agriculture and water supplies under mounting pressure as restrictions expand and another heatwave looms. Dairy Finance Under Heat: Italy’s Parmigiano “cheese banks” face strain as extreme heat threatens collateral value and lending capacity tied to aging wheels. Renewable Fuel Push: Iowa awarded $2.03M in cost-share grants for E15 and biodiesel infrastructure, supporting retailers to modernize pumps and tanks. Animal Health & Policy Tensions: Northern Ireland farmers protested after a DAERA cattle cull tied to a court deprivation order, raising concerns about handling conditions and decision-making. Ag Tech for Learning: Nagaland University launched “AI for Green Sustenance,” linking smart agriculture, climate resilience, environmental humanities, and AI-enabled teaching. Aquaculture Livelihoods: In Lanao del Sur, MAFAR-BARMM support helped a tilapia association harvest 1,005.7 kg and boost income. Livestock Sector Ambition: Nigeria’s Tinubu says the country aims to more than double livestock’s $32B contribution through modernization and processing. Mining vs Farming: A Philippine municipality rejected mining activities over watershed and food-security risks, with residents calling for protection of agricultural water sources.