AGP Executive Report

China–Pakistan Agri Supply Chain: At the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo, Chinese firms highlighted tractors, smart irrigation and high-yield rice seeds for Pakistan’s “Million Acres Green Pakistan,” with exports rising sharply in 2025. Water Security & Geopolitics: The Indus Waters Treaty is back in focus after India put it in abeyance in 2025, reviving fears that river disputes can destabilize food and power systems across the basin. Organic Push in India: Meghalaya launched a ₹295-crore expansion of its organic mission, adding 44,000 hectares and 46,000 farmers, with new partnerships aimed at women-led organic value chains. Basmati Market Shift: Global basmati demand is moving toward traceability and verified origin, with aged basmati gaining share as premium buyers scrutinize labels. Farm Policy Integrity Clash (India): India’s agriculture subsidy controversy deepened after allegations that a minister approved nearly ₹99 lakh for his own farm under his ministry’s scheme, sparking conflict-of-interest claims. Food Security Warning (Yemen): UN agencies warn Yemen faces extreme acute food insecurity, with 53% projected in crisis or worse by end-2026 without sustained funding and access. Pest Control for Livestock (US/Mexico): USDA-backed sterile fly production at Metapa, Mexico, is set to boost New World screwworm response, adding tens of millions of sterile flies weekly. Women in Farming & Diplomacy: Meghalaya’s women-led organic agenda and Nigeria’s spotlight on female diplomats both underline how agriculture and global policy are increasingly linked.

Alternative Development for Opium Farmers: Myanmar is urging opium poppy growers to switch to coffee and tea under a long-term “alternative development” push, as authorities destroyed illicit drugs and precursors worth about $603 million. Food Security Finance: The World Bank approved $1.1B for Bangladesh to stabilize fertilizer supplies and protect rice seasons, including financing for 600,000 tons of critical fertilizers for Aman and Boro. Farm Bill Fight: A U.S. viewpoint argues the 2026 Farm Bill would cut SNAP and push farmers out of business, warning it removes bans on some “cruel” practices. Agricultural Extension Reform: Ghana is moving a bill to regulate and strengthen agricultural extension services, aiming to improve standards, ethics, and farmer access. Heat and Farming Risks: Luxembourg’s heatwave debate highlights health dangers and asks how agriculture and work planning should adapt. Conflict Hits Farming: Gunmen attacked a farming community in Nigeria’s Zamfara state, killing at least 15 and underscoring how insecurity disrupts rural livelihoods. Yield Boost Push: Indonesia’s new PM-AAS system targets up to 12.4 tons per hectare by combining planting patterns, precision inputs, and modern cultivation.

Farm Bill Fight: U.S. lawmakers are set to tackle Farm Bill reauthorization and FY2025 appropriations, with some Republicans pushing cuts and product restrictions that could hit SNAP and WIC—raising fresh alarms for food security. Bangladesh Food Security: The World Bank approved $1.1B for Bangladesh to blunt fertiliser and fuel price shocks, including $300M to import 600,000 tonnes of fertiliser for rice and $713M for rapid emergency spending. New World Screwworm Threat: Texas has confirmed new world screwworm cases, including in livestock and a dog in New Mexico, prompting urgent rancher and pet-owner checks and containment efforts. Ag Finance Access in Nigeria: Nigerian farmers’ groups want the federal government to move beyond routing most support through the Bank of Agriculture, saying centralised disbursement is slowing real help on the ground. Cost Pressure in the U.S.: Kentucky farmers report rising input costs and record financial strain, while U.S. families face higher grocery bills tied to inflation. Water & Land Risks: East Idaho’s water curtailment deal was approved to protect farmland, while Idaho communities debate solar projects on agricultural land.

Farm Bill momentum (US): A new “Farm Bill 2.0” draft from Senate Ag Chair John Boozman follows the House’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act, with conservation groups like Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever pushing for modern programs that support both farmers and wildlife. Regenerative biofuel markets (US): USDA announced a final Regenerative Feedstock Rule to link regenerative practices to biofuel supply chains for corn, soybeans, sorghum and spring canola, aiming to create new value for growers. Screwworm alert (Texas/US): Texas livestock producers are urged to stay vigilant as New World screwworm cases rise to 25 nationwide, with Texas counties expanding “infested zones” and guidance pointing to USDA and AgriLife resources. Soil-first cost control (global farming challenge): A practical push is gaining traction: soil testing to cut fertilizer waste as urea and DAP prices strain farm budgets. Food security strategy (Canada): Canada launched a National Food Security Strategy backed by $3B over 10 years to boost productivity and competition and lower prices. Women-led sustainable farming (India/Meghalaya): Meghalaya convened an international conference on women farmers and sustainable organic agriculture, aligning with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer. Pollinator protection (US): A reminder that pollinators underpin most food crops, with calls to protect habitat and reduce harm from farm practices.

Water & climate risk: India’s monsoon is running 43% below normal for June, with several states facing rainfall shortfalls of 20% to 81%, pushing farmers toward contingency planning as water access and crop choices come under pressure. Farm finance & policy: The Philippines is moving to raise the minimum access volume for corn imports to 500,000 tonnes to shore up food security, while Azerbaijan is exploring cotton-farm insurance and productivity upgrades like better irrigation and laser leveling to blunt global price swings. Value-chain push: Cambodia’s agriculture ministry held a cashew forum in Kampong Thom to tackle cultivation, collection, processing and export bottlenecks, including buyer requirements and contract farming. Global agri trade politics: The US is signaling a new push to expand farm exports to Iran alongside additional farm relief funding, as trade and sanctions uncertainty continues to ripple through producers. Rural livelihoods & youth: Uganda’s agroecology poem competition is drawing growing youth participation, using school clubs to spread climate-smart farming messages. Food systems & resilience: A new CIFAL Kigali cooperation framework renews work across smart agriculture, value chains, climate and governance, aiming to strengthen implementation capacity. Aquaculture squeeze: In India’s shrimp belt, rising vannamei and black tiger feed prices are squeezing margins for aqua farmers.

Biofuel Policy: The Philippines ordered a halt to importing bioethanol feedstock (molasses, sugar, sugarcane and syrups) to protect the domestic sugar sector, clarifying that only bioethanol—not raw inputs—can be imported under existing law. Food Security & Land Administration: Sri Lanka is pushing to finish a nationwide digital land information system this year to speed land deeds, titles and identification of state lands for investment. Farm Bill Politics: In the U.S., Minnesota dairy farmer James Kanne says the Senate farm bill push risks leaving small operators behind, urging stronger antitrust enforcement and country-of-origin labeling. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm continues to spread in the U.S., prompting tighter animal movement rules in North Carolina and advisories in Indiana as Texas and New Mexico cases rise. Global Ag Trade & Finance: The World Bank and Ukraine signed a $3.39bn package supporting macro stability, including agricultural development reforms. Supply Chains & Tech: China highlighted “GEAR” themes at CISCE, calling for tech-enabled, resilient global agriculture and food supply chains. Dairy & Food Quality: New Zealand’s Meyer Cheese won Gold at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards after a Supreme Champion win at home. Food Safety Recall: Hawaiʻi issued a recall for MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties over possible plastic pieces.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: The U.S. USDA confirmed 12 New World screwworm cases as of June 15, including eight cattle cases in Texas plus detections in goats, sheep and a dog in New Mexico, with California risk still described as low but producers urged to stay vigilant. Plant Health & Trade Controls: California expanded a Mexican fruit fly quarantine in San Diego County after new detections, widening a roughly 111-square-mile restricted zone and mobilizing state and federal eradication efforts. Farm Policy & Rural Livelihoods: Moldova’s “Forța fermierilor” association says it will keep protesting over a VAT hike to 20% for agriculture, demanding direct per-hectare support and refunds. Food Systems & Community Support: Ventura County’s Saticoy Food Hub is scaling a farm-to-community model that boosts farmer income while feeding local residents. Sustainable Agriculture Partnerships: Korea and Laos convened a partnering forum focused on sustainable agriculture, agribusiness investment and smart farming. Seeds & Resilience: Ghana inaugurated a National Seed Council to regulate and certify quality seeds, aiming to cut imports and speed resilient variety development. Energy Transition for Farms: Ireland opened a €4.7m national biorefinery pilot plant in Tipperary to turn farm and forestry side streams into new products and bioenergy. Rural Governance & Water: Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin Authority faces backlash from regional groups over a “secretive” Basin Plan review process and reduced community input.

India Monsoon Shock: Weak monsoon rainfall is threatening India’s roughly $300B farm and food economy, with knock-on risks for yields, food inflation, cold-chain strain, and tougher central-bank decisions. U.S. SNAP Accountability: USDA says FY25 SNAP payment error rates hit 10.62% with $10.1B in improper payments, pushing renewed calls for stronger state oversight. U.S. Livestock Infrastructure: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced a major new livestock and agricultural complex on Highway 288, adding 1M sq ft and expanding year-round education and competitions. UK Farming Under Heat Pressure: England’s new Farming Roadmap warns climate change could bring severe food price shocks, but farmers criticized it for lacking funding to match the risk. Ghana Cashew Price Clarity: Ghana’s TCDA rejected claims that cashew minimum farmgate prices were GH¢25/kg, saying 2026’s calculated minimum was GH¢11.16/kg and raised to GH¢12/kg. Sri Lanka Poultry Expansion: IFC backs Anthony’s Farm Group to scale an antibiotic-free poultry producer, targeting 900+ jobs and more smallholder participation while boosting exports. Agritech for Yield Forecasting: Farmdar says AI-driven satellite analytics can reach 95% accurate sugarcane yield predictions, aiming to cut revenue loss from harvest estimation errors. Policy and Markets: Senate Farm Bill 2.0 draft reactions in the U.S. highlight support for a stronger safety net and market development, while farmers in Punjab protest an India-US trade deal over fears of import pressure.

U.S.-Iran Farm Trade: Trump says any future Iran sanctions relief could be tied to Iran buying U.S. farm products, while Iran’s central bank chief says there’s no obligation to buy American agriculture. Climate Pressure on Farms: France’s heatwave is killing livestock and cutting yields, while the UK faces extreme heat that critics link to animal agriculture’s climate impact. Agrivoltaics in Law: Virginia adds a definition for “agrivoltaics,” allowing small solar on farmland without displacing farming. South Africa Exports to China: South Africa launches its first large-scale stone fruit shipment to China, a potential boost for deciduous fruit trade. Low-Emission Rice Push: Indonesia urges farmers to lead the shift to low-emission agriculture, backing tools like drones, sensors and digital monitoring. Food Security & Water Reuse: Egypt and Coca-Cola discuss renewable-powered treatment of saline agricultural drainage water for irrigation. Biosecurity & Livestock Health: Neogen expands screw-worm and tick control recommendations in the U.S. Farmers’ Livelihood Stress: Maharashtra onion growers warn procurement hikes still don’t cover costs amid water and storage constraints. Tech for Citrus Cold Chains: Connected forklift fleets in KwaZulu-Natal are pitched as a way to cut downtime and improve export reliability. Youth in Food Systems: South Africa’s World Food Prize Youth Institute brings learners into food-policy debates.

Dairy Outlook: Australia’s Dairy Australia mid-year report flags improving milk production into 2025-26, but warns 2026-27 margins could tighten as fuel and fertiliser costs and supply-chain prices stay a risk. Food Aid Logistics: Japan is funding two refrigerated logistics trucks for Malaysia’s Lost Food Project, aiming to rescue and redistribute more surplus food to vulnerable communities. Agri-Industrial Push (Tanzania): Tanzania says industrialisation depends on transforming agriculture, with priorities spanning modernisation, a better business environment, and stronger planning and data systems. Livestock Trade Spotlight: Montana auctioneer Jace Thompson wins the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, continuing a family legacy in livestock marketing. Pest & Trade: USMCA renewal talks face uncertainty as New World screwworm spreads, though officials say it’s not expected to derail negotiations. Fertiliser & Weather Pressure: South Africa’s record maize harvest is drawing Asian buyers, but farmers fear lower prices as input costs rise. Policy & Inputs (India): A parliamentary panel reviews India’s bioenergy programme and presses on curbing agricultural residue burning. Workforce Strain (US): Louisiana crawfish producers back the CRAW Act to shift processing workers from limited H-2B visas to unlimited H-2A visas.

Trade & Corridors: Cambodia and Laos launched a new transit route to China via Lao PDR, with first durian containers shipped and six products cleared for faster movement—bananas, mangoes, rice, longan, cassava starch and durian. Africa Trade Finance: Afreximbank says Africa can turn trade disruptions into industrialisation gains, but warns the continent still faces a trade finance gap and correspondent banking limits. Supply Chains Under Strain: China’s supply chain expo opened as protectionism and geopolitical fragmentation keep disrupting logistics and agriculture-linked inputs. Food Security Pressure: WFP/FAO warn hunger hotspots will worsen in 2026-11, with conflict driving most cases and displacement swelling. Fertiliser & Costs: USDA projects record-high 2027 farm production costs as fertilizer and energy disruptions persist; meanwhile, global fertiliser trade is under pressure. Farm Policy & Support: Maharashtra tabled supplementary spending including a farm loan waiver allocation; West Bengal’s budget boosts agriculture alongside jobs and infrastructure. Biosecurity & Health: New World screwworm cases keep rising in the US, while Thailand’s poison center reports more snakebite calls during rainy floods. Research & Data: Nigeria’s NBS and ARCN signed an MoU to institutionalise agricultural research indicators for better decision-making.

Irrigation Push in the Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the P833.37m Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bohol, urging farmers to shift to higher-value, lower-water crops ahead of El Niño and backing solar pumps plus water reuse. Fertiliser Shock for Farmers: The UN’s FAO says global fertiliser trade fell 30% in early 2026 amid Middle East war disruptions, with prices up ~25%, raising costs and pressure on maize, wheat and other producers. Regional Soil Health Drive: IGAD launched its Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub in Nairobi to tackle declining fertility and improve access to quality fertilisers across member states. EU Weather Relief: The EU approved €56m+ from the CAP reserve for farmers hit by storms, droughts, heatwaves and frosts in Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia and Slovenia. Biosecurity Watch: Australia confirmed H5N1 bird flu in Western Australia, prompting farm lockdowns and heightened monitoring. Research & Innovation Funding: USDA opened a $125m Research Facilities Act Program to upgrade agricultural innovation infrastructure. Organic Expansion: Kyrgyzstan is converting 66,000 ha to organic farming, positioning Issyk-Kul as a fully organic pilot region. Market/Policy Uncertainty: U.S. corn growers face uncertainty over E15 ethanol access as farm bill negotiations continue.

Irrigation for El Niño resilience (Philippines): President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the P833.37m Mabini–Cayacay small reservoir irrigation project in Bohol, urging farmers to shift toward higher-value, lower-water crops and expand climate-adaptive practices like solar pumps and water reuse as a severe El Niño could last into 2027. Fertiliser rules move forward (Malaysia): Malaysia’s agriculture ministry is drafting a Fertiliser Bill to set quality standards, tighten distribution-chain controls, and protect stable supply during global shocks. Avian flu containment (Australia): Western Australia confirmed a second H5N1 case in migratory wildlife, prompting Ingham’s to lock down its WA poultry operations while authorities check whether the virus is spreading beyond isolated birds. Nutrition policy push (Philippines): House Speaker Faustino Dy backed a National Nutrition Program bill after data showed child stunting rising to 25.3% in 2025. Biofuel market shift (Philippines): The agriculture department endorsed moving from B3 to B5 biodiesel to ease fuel-price pressure, though timing is uncertain after earlier suspensions tied to coconut-oil price spikes. Trade facilitation upgrade (Philippines): The government plans full rollout of the National Single Window via the NSW-ITFP, with agriculture agencies onboarding within 2–3 years. Water efficiency debate (Global): A commentary argues water scarcity is an economic problem, pushing for smarter use of every drop in agriculture. Biodiversity funding (Papua New Guinea): PNG secured GBFF support for community-led conservation across 700,000 hectares in three Highlands provinces, backed by FAO and local customary stewardship. Ethanol demand grows (Vietnam): Vietnam’s nationwide E10 rollout is expected to expand domestic ethanol demand, using feedstocks like cassava and other by-products. Mechanisation push (Kenya): KCB Bank and Inchcape Kenya announced a partnership to accelerate farm mechanisation with machinery, digital tools, and financing support for smallholders. Water purchase backlash (Australia): Regional councils criticized Murray-Darling Basin water buybacks as harmful to food-producing communities and household food prices. Bird flu and farm lockdowns (Australia): Additional reporting highlights poultry lockdowns as H5N1 cases rise in WA.

Policy & farmer rights (India): Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says the Monsoon Session will push 10 bills, including a landmark law to give women farmers formal legal status, alongside a farm loan waiver expected to aid 56 lakh farmers. Ag services rollout (Ghana): Feed Ghana’s first 11 Farmer Service Centres should be completed and commissioned by October, offering mechanisation, inputs, extension, finance and market links. Irrigation investment (Philippines): NIA 7 handed over nine communal irrigation systems worth P66m to Cebu towns, aiming to boost local production and water reliability. Post-harvest cooling (Africa): Solar-powered cold-room rentals are spreading across several African countries, cutting spoilage and improving returns for farmers who can’t afford upfront refrigeration. Health & farm chemicals (US): A Texas Rio Grande Valley report links pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s risk, raising concerns for farmworkers and nearby communities. Climate risk (global): Coverage flags El Niño as a major threat to farmers worldwide, with drought and weather volatility expected to hit yields and water access. Dairy outlook (global): Rabobank says global milk production growth is slowing, with input costs and uncertain milk prices shaping the next quarters. Natural farming push (India): Arunachal’s Jan Kalyan Shivir promoted natural farming and soil health, pairing it with welfare scheme help desks. Market/finance (global): Forex and policy divergence kept global rates moving as markets reacted to a more hawkish US stance.

Solar Cold Storage in Africa: Kenyan smallholder Yvonne Anyonyi Mumiah is using pay-per-use solar-powered cool storage to cut post-harvest spoilage and sell fresher produce to European supermarkets, reflecting a wider push across Africa where poor storage and transport drive major food losses. El Niño Watch: India’s Piyush Goyal says the Centre and states are closely monitoring El Niño and are ready to protect farmers, citing MSP procurement and fertiliser support. PM-KISAN Cash Boost: India released the 23rd PM-KISAN instalment—about Rs 18,880 crore to nearly 9.44 crore farmers—continuing a programme that has paid out over Rs 4.46 lakh crore since 2019. Caribbean Food-Security Deals: St. Vincent and the Grenadines advanced eight agriculture and food-system projects into a Barbados “deal room,” including irrigation and poultry, aiming to mobilise equity capital. Zimbabwe Wheat Milestone: Zimbabwe farmers planted a record 126,394 hectares of wheat, boosting prospects for higher output and reducing reliance on imports amid El Niño uncertainty.

Farmer Support Cash: Nigeria’s NADF launched fertiliser distribution in Katsina—168,000 bags to 25,200 smallholders—while governors warned against diversion and resale. India Farm Income Push: PM-KISAN’s 23rd instalment rolled out in West Bengal and Haryana, with crop insurance (PMFBY) also launched in Bengal for 2026-27. Food Security Lawmaking: Malaysia said its National Food Security Act is being finalised and expected to be tabled next year, with early warning and contingency planning. Climate Risk Watch: India’s Piyush Goyal said governments are monitoring El Niño impacts, especially water, and will use MSP and fertiliser support to protect farmers. Market Readiness Training: Philippines’ DA trained Western Visayas ube and taro growers on commodity profiling, cost-return analysis, and production scheduling. Agricultural Cooperation: Syria and Türkiye discussed expanding agricultural trade, expertise sharing, and joint projects. Input Partnerships: Ghana’s Sesi-Edem partnered with a US biostimulant firm to supply soil treatment products aimed at boosting root growth and resilience. Supply Chain Shock: USDA recalled Power Plate Meals frozen meatloaf over misbranding and undeclared allergens, shipped to parts of the US Midwest.