AGP Executive Report

Food Security & Inputs: Kenya’s Agriculture crackdown targets counterfeit seeds after reports farmers learn too late that fake seed purchases fail in the field, threatening maize output and national food supply. Livestock & Disease Control: Fiji says cattle TB prevalence is below 1% and urges strict movement controls and testing, while condemning illegal slaughter practices that undermine herd health. Beef Trade Pressure: Botswana’s cattle sector faces an urgent court fight as feedlot operators accuse the state of risking Foot-and-Mouth spread while government insists export-market reopening is “not far off.” Regional Trade & Diplomacy: India–Liberia ties are deepening fast, with Liberia reopening its Delhi embassy and expanding cooperation that includes agriculture and rising bilateral trade. Agri-Processing Capacity: Cambodia and Singapore launched a training push to strengthen food-safety systems and help firms move into higher-value, export-ready processing. Grain Self-Reliance: Malaysia is scaling local grain maize production with MARDI-developed varieties, aiming to cut dependence on imported feed. Dairy Economics: Australia’s Bega Cheese and Wesfarmers are in focus as markets watch how farmgate milk pricing and input costs flow into margins. Horticulture Export Watch: South Africa’s 2026 pecan harvest is progressing with strong kernel quality and steady export activity. Market & Infrastructure: Pakistan’s NEPRA tariff hearing faces pushback from businesses worried higher power costs will hit trade and industry competitiveness.

Water Crisis: Lake Powell hit a record-low level, underscoring how Colorado River drought is squeezing water for cities, farms, power and tribes across the Southwest. Climate & Livestock: Britain’s bluetongue escalation is adding pressure to already heat-stressed dairy herds, with milk volumes still running below last year. Policy & Risk Protection: Canada and Manitoba are boosting AgriStability support for producers hit by June–July flooding, aiming to keep farmers from falling deeper into debt. Agricultural Insurance Reform: The Philippines’ House approved a bill to expand agricultural insurance coverage for farmers and fisherfolk against typhoons, floods, droughts and disease. Trade & Markets: Argentina is moving toward record corn/wheat prospects even as Europe and the US face sharp harvest declines, tightening global supply expectations. Food Logistics: The Philippines Department of Agriculture is targeting partial operations of the P4-billion Clark National Food Hub by end-2027 to cut farm-to-market losses. Data Privacy: Nebraska advanced LB525, creating agricultural data privacy and AI safety rules, with enforcement led by the attorney general. Fertilizer Crackdown: Bangladesh’s agriculture secretary vowed strict action against fertilizer smuggling, price gouging and illegal stockpiling, citing sufficient national stocks. Security Disruptions: Mexico avocado exports to the US resumed after a lifted security alert, but growers say they’re still exposed to shifting US market and policy decisions.

Agri-Finance Shift: Nigeria’s banks are steadily rerouting credit toward agriculture, with lending to the sector rising to N3.86tn in March 2026 while oil-and-gas exposure fell by about N335bn. Food Safety & Supply Chain: A salmonella outbreak tied to raw eggs used in mayonnaise has grown to 21 cases, with seven hospitalizations, after eggs were traced to Happy Hens. Market Signals: Nepal’s Kalimati market set wholesale prices for tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and vegetables for Aug. 17, offering a quick read on near-term produce costs. Farmer Support Programs: Guam opened applications (Aug. 17–Sept. 2) for crop-loss compensation after Typhoon Bavi, covering agricultural input losses. Value Addition Push: Zimbabwe’s agriculture minister urged farmers and agribusinesses to scale value addition and beneficiation to build an agro-industrial hub by 2030. Livestock Trade Risk: Namibia’s EU-certified livestock inspections were suspended due to budget limits, but an interim arrangement is being used to prevent export disruptions. Tech for Harvests: Kelantan’s coconut dehusking invention is being adapted for durians and could move toward commercialization after a state innovation win.

Ag Policy & Data Rules: Nebraska lawmakers passed LB525, creating an Agricultural Data Privacy Act and conversational AI safety rules, with producers able to revoke consent and trigger deletion within 30 days. Farmers’ Market Access: Barbados PM Mia Mottley urged Massy Supermarkets to formalize contract buy-in with farmers, backed by $2m per quarter to speed agro-processing growth. Climate Pressure on Crops: UK PM Andy Burnham warned drought is hitting British farming “in a generation,” as a £65m support package targets immediate damage and resilience. Food Security & Supply Chains: NOAA says El Niño has a 95% chance of becoming very strong late 2026, raising risks for rainfall and farming across Latin America. Trade for Ag Exports: India’s Independence Day push highlights FTAs as a path to expand exports of millets, spices, fruits and vegetables. Regional Ag Development: Nagaland approved its Agriculture Policy 2025 and launched digital agriculture plans, including horticulture expansion and kiwi and orchid centers. Halal & Agribusiness Links: Davao del Norte is preparing for Malaysia’s MYExpo to attract investment and help local food and slaughter businesses secure halal accreditation.

Disaster Recovery: Two months after Sarangani’s 7.8 quake, South Cotabato’s OCD says 18,000+ people still rely on evacuation centers as aftershocks slow returns, with teams assessing damage to homes and farm livelihoods. Pest Pressure on Cash Crops: In Negros Occidental, First Lady Liza Marcos met sugar stakeholders over red-striped soft scale insects, signaling a unified action plan and a promised presidential visit. Drought & Water Security: South Gyeongsang’s agricultural water crisis is being met with 102 military vehicles delivering water as reservoirs sit far below normal, with forecasts of heavy rain this weekend. Ag Tech for Field Ops: Hyderabad’s AkinAnalytics unveiled NIKA2, a women-led drone for spraying and spreading, aiming to cut labor and boost precision farming. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Wisconsin confirmed chronic wasting disease at two deer farms (Crawford and Portage counties), triggering quarantines and epidemiological investigations. Trade & Market Access: The U.S. restarted avocado inspections across Michoacán, clearing the way for exports after a security-linked suspension. Policy & Farm Economics: UK farmers are set to receive £65m drought aid plus £15m for on-farm reservoirs, though industry warns it’s only a stopgap. Food Prices: Nepal’s Kalimati market set wholesale caps for key produce, including tomatoes, potatoes, and greens.

Food Safety & Enforcement: Abu Dhabi’s food safety authority shut down Original Lessi Café for repeated violations, keeping the closure in place until compliance is proven. Biosecurity & Farm Resilience: New Zealand orchardist Simon Cook, reflecting on Psa, says growers must treat biosecurity like insurance and “be your own border control.” Farm Finance Under Pressure: Lloyds and Bank of Scotland are stepping up support for UK farmers facing dry-weather yield, feed, water and cashflow strain, including cashflow facilities and repayment relief. Input Costs Squeeze: Ireland data shows fertiliser prices up 23.6% and fuel up 26.5% year-on-year, while output prices fell and milk/cattle prices dropped. Digital Welfare for Foodgrain: India launched a CBDC-based DBT pilot in Chandigarh to make PDS foodgrain delivery more secure and timely, with safeguards on how benefits are used. Aquaculture Investment: Dutch feed maker Maxim Agri is investing in a Kenyan fish-feed plant tied to green energy, aiming to cut feed costs and boost aquaculture productivity. Trade & Logistics Risk: Ukraine warns over half of export-bound harvest could be stuck if Black Sea logistics don’t improve, threatening farmer liquidity and 2027 sowing. Policy & Data Rules: Nebraska passed LB525 creating agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety protections. Farm Safety Warning: Irish farm groups warn of a “frightening surge” in farm accidents and urge fatigue-aware safety practices.

Farm Safety Alert: Ireland’s ICMSA warns of a “frightening surge” in farm accidents and urges farmers to fight fatigue and keep safety front and center as drought and workload intensify. Input Costs & Feed Pressure: Ireland’s fodder committee meets as grass growth stays weak in parts of the south and east, while fertilizer and fuel prices keep climbing and output prices fall. UK Farm Finance: Lloyds and Bank of Scotland step up support for UK farmers facing dry-weather yield, feed, and cashflow strain, offering tailored working-capital and repayment relief. Foodgrain Distribution Tech: India’s Union minister launches a CBDC-based DBT pilot in Chandigarh to make PDS foodgrain delivery more transparent and timely, with safeguards on how benefits are used. Aquaculture Feed Investment: Dutch feed maker Maxim Agri invests in a fish-feed plant in Kenya’s KenGen Green Energy Park, aiming to cut feed costs and boost aquaculture productivity. Animal Feed Certification: Zambia’s Omalaeti Foods receives registration certificates for “Munna” animal feed lines, positioning azolla-based products as a response to high feed costs. Disaster Insurance: Safehub’s Shake Network triggers the first parametric earthquake payout via Liberty Mutual Reinsurance, designed for faster recovery funds. Trade & Logistics Stress: Ukraine may see more than half of export-bound harvest stuck if Black Sea logistics don’t recover, threatening farmer liquidity and next season sowing. Policy & Data Rules: Nebraska’s LB525 passes, creating agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety protections. Market Access for Seafood: Nigeria secures zero-tariff access for wild aquatic exports to China after signing inspection and quarantine protocol. Drought & Livestock Risk: Farmers at Carnaross Mart report grass and fodder pressure, with some offloading cattle early to manage feed demand.

Weather & Farm Losses: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture estimates agricultural damage from Tropical Depressions Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon at nearly P700M, hitting rice hardest (P451.42M) across multiple regions. Export Wins: Rwanda says agricultural export revenues jumped 24.3% to $1.1B in 2025/26, citing better infrastructure, traceability, and compliance. Market Access & Trade Policy: Kenya got a boost as the US Senate extended AGOA by two years through Dec. 31, 2028, protecting duty-free apparel exports; meanwhile, the US also extended AGOA-related certainty for exporters. Biosecurity: Hawaiʻi health and agriculture agencies warn residents as migratory birds return, urging backyard flock owners to limit contact and improve protection against avian influenza. Agri Skills & Jobs: Nigeria is shifting tertiary agriculture training to 80% practical under a new curriculum reform. Dairy Supply Chain: Nepal’s dairy partners signed an MoU to strengthen milk collection, quality checks, and concessional farmer credit. Agri Infrastructure & Logistics: Vietnam’s exporters face rising freight costs and tighter requirements, squeezing margins—especially for frozen and fresh products. Agroforestry Economics: Punjab’s agroforestry push faces a key risk: farmers may not capture fair returns if timber marketing links and middlemen stay weak.

Farm Tech & Data: Saskatchewan’s AG360 pitches an “all-in-one” operating system for grain farms, tying books, marketing, bin inventory, machinery, labor/HR, agronomy and finances into one connected web/mobile workflow. Trade Pressure: Canada’s LeBlanc is set to meet U.S. Trade Rep Greer as Washington pushes toward new 50% tariffs on Aug. 19, with both sides reportedly aiming for a deal before the deadline. Market Access: Mexico’s Michoacán avocado exports to the U.S. resume after a security alert prompted a temporary USDA inspection pause. Protein Demand: New Zealand whey prices are surging on global appetite for high-protein foods, boosted further by GLP-1 weight-loss trends. Policy Watch: Nebraska lawmakers passed LB525 creating agricultural data privacy and conversational AI safety rules. Ag Innovation Funding: Pennsylvania awarded Omega Logging a $65.8K grant to turn wood waste into biochar using a smoke-contained burner system. Local Livestock Spotlight: Georgia’s Jackson EMC Quality Beef Show crowned an Angus heifer and a crossbred steer as supreme champions.

Agri Finance & Exports: A Philippines op-ed argues Land Bank should be restructured for export-focused farm lending, proposing a government-backed special-purpose vehicle to bypass risk rules that limit agriculture credit. Agri-Power Investment: India’s iSON Group plans $250M for modern farming plus a $200M, 400MW agro-solar push in the Philippines, building on a BCDA-linked 40MW solar project. Sustainable Farming in Practice: Virginia’s Roundabout Meadows shows how agrivoltaics can pair food production with clean power, donating nearly 240,000 pounds of produce since 2019. Trade & Market Access: South Africa and the Netherlands signed new investment deals spanning agriculture, renewables, tech and logistics to boost jobs and cross-border trade. Farm Operations & Risk: South Africa faces El Niño-linked water and food security risks, while snow in parts of the country is already disrupting livestock grazing and crop supply chains. Policy & Labeling: Colorado’s new law tightens “Colorado-grown” marketing rules, aiming to protect growers’ reputations. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing prepared foods tied to a salmonella concern. Fertilizer Watch: India’s GSFC reported record Q1 fertilizer sales, but margin pressure from surging raw materials. Weather Tech: Manitoba farmers gathered to test new ag technologies to “weather change” amid volatile conditions. Livestock & Community: North Wales launches a shared machinery scheme for horticulture, and Indiana honored a 4-H Legacy Award winner.

USDA Supply Outlook: USDA’s August WASDE cut corn and soybean yields but raised harvested acres, with corn yield at 180.7 BPA and soybeans at 52.7 BPA, shifting the balance toward more planted area. EU Animal Health: Ireland/DAFM says it’s awaiting clarity on how new EU bluetongue rules will affect livestock trade after the European Commission reclassified the disease to reduce movement restrictions. Grape Contract Scrutiny: Catalonia is tightening inspections on wine and cava grape purchase/sale contracts to curb alleged abuses in the food chain. Farm Labor Compliance: The National Agricultural Law Center is running an Aug. 19 webinar on federal child labor rules for farm employers, including agriculture exemptions and hazardous work limits. Hemp Policy Clash: Pennsylvania police chiefs back the AG’s push to preserve federal hemp reforms, arguing public safety is at stake. Mechanisation Push (Nigeria): Nigeria unveiled a National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy and Investment Strategy aimed at a private-sector-led ecosystem and less reliance on imported farm machinery. School Food Markets (Iowa): Iowa opened applications for the Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program, funding $200,000 for schools to buy in-state food with a 1:1 match. Trade Signals (Soybeans): China’s U.S. soybean buying drive may be slowed by private traders sitting out, raising storage/crushing concerns for later in the year. Drought Relief (Oregon): Oregon points eligible tribes, nonprofits, and rural public bodies to USDA and WaterSMART programs for drought mitigation and water infrastructure upgrades.

Farm Infrastructure (Philippines): Sultan Kudarat is set to fund nearly ₱2.4B in farm-to-market road projects, including 17 road works across five towns, aiming to cut travel time and help coffee and other crops reach trading centers more reliably. Food & Agribusiness Investment (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture is backing a Filipino-owned enoki mushroom expansion in Cavite to reduce import dependence, add controlled-environment production, and create jobs plus supply links for farmers. Agricultural Finance (Tobago): The new TobaGrow Loan initiative will offer loans up to $100,000 for farmers and fishers, with flexible repayment and a short grace period for some borrowers. Water & Irrigation Tech (Global): A smart irrigation market update points to rapid growth through 2035, driven by water-saving rules and drought pressure. Policy & Trade Tensions (EU/US): Europe’s heat and drought are stressing agriculture and river transport, while EU pesticide residue rules are drawing pushback over potential trade impacts. Farm Bill Uncertainty (US): Kentucky and other farm leaders are renewing calls to pass the next Farm Bill as Senate committee delays keep financial planning in limbo. Workforce Pressure (UK): British farmers report persistent hiring trouble, with training and education flagged as the most effective way to attract new workers. Climate Risk (Canada): Wildfires in B.C. forced migrant farmworkers into emergency shelters, highlighting housing and access barriers during evacuations. Input Supply (India): Assam’s agriculture minister is reviewing fertilizer availability and distribution, pushing for more rail points and tougher action against overcharging and black marketing. Agritech Funding (Spain): InsectBiotech raised €7.2m to scale black soldier fly protein production in Andalusia, betting on low-cost feedstock and modular expansion.

Bilateral Trade & Security: Australia and Vietnam agreed to deepen cooperation across security, supply chains, critical minerals, agriculture, and renewable energy, aiming for net-zero by 2050. Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has expanded downstream recalls across 27 states, with 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations reported. Ag Water & Infrastructure: Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal is nearing completion and set to become operational, targeting higher production and better water management. Farm Policy Under Strain: Ireland’s Fianna Fáil urged the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee to reconvene as drought pressures grass growth and silage supplies. Market Signals: Malaysian palm oil futures hit a four-month high on crude oil strength and rival edible-oil moves. Ag Workforce: Colorado producers warned that legal, reliable labor shortages threaten planting, feeding, and overall food security. Regenerative Sourcing: Heineken UK is shifting barley supply toward regenerative farming, targeting 50% by 2027. Research & Education: North Dakota State University opened the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory to expand plant pathology, breeding, weed science, agronomy, soil science, and horticulture. Local Ag Economy: Indiana Grown Marketplace returns to the Indiana State Fair with 400+ products from 100+ Hoosier businesses. Disaster Relief Deadline: U.S. SBA Pack Fire disaster loan applications are due Sept. 9 for eligible small businesses and agricultural cooperatives.

Farm Bill push in the US: Kentucky ag leaders and national coalition groups are pressing Congress to pass “Farm Bill 2.0” after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance it, leaving farmers without key crop insurance, research, and nutrition support. Bird flu response in Australia: Australia will roll out H5 bird flu vaccines first for vulnerable native species in captivity, with states administering doses in coming days as mass mortalities rise. Trade talks for India–SACU: India and the SACU bloc (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa) are set to sign terms of reference on Aug. 12 to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement. Organic sector consultation (New Zealand): New Zealand opened feedback on proposed “future-proof” organic rules, including a national organic mark and changes to thresholds and enforcement. Horticulture export boost (Zimbabwe–China): Zimbabwean exporters say China’s zero-tariff policy is opening fresh demand for blueberries, citrus, and avocados. Food safety & vet compliance (Russia): Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor flagged traceability violations in dairy and pet-feed sales, sending cases to prosecutors. Market access & infrastructure (Australia–Vietnam): Australia and Vietnam signed an agriculture and sustainable development MoU to deepen cooperation on policy, biosecurity, food safety, and trade. Local food movement (Maine): Maine’s “sovereign market” model is expanding under the Food Sovereignty Act, letting small farmers sell directly to consumers with fewer barriers. Regenerative farming spotlight (Wales/UK): A Mississippi regenerative grazing expert shared practical soil and livestock approaches aimed at helping Welsh farms cut costs and improve resilience.

Disaster Response: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the enhanced southwest monsoon caused P135.3M in ag damage, hitting 6,010 farmers and 4,516 hectares across five regions, with rice, corn, high-value crops and livestock affected; DA says figures aren’t final and more assessments are coming. Export Growth: India’s Tripura shipped its first 1 metric tonne of mustard honey to Dubai via APEDA, backed by the Dergang Farmer Producer Organisation, aiming to lift prices and expand export-ready beekeeping. Input Costs & Policy: Minnesota Corn VP Todd Wentzel backs a proposed push for fertilizer price and supply transparency, saying it could ease tight margins; U.S. supplemental farm aid is also being weighed. Livestock & Animal Health: Pakistan and Russia discussed cooperation on farm machinery, fertilizers, pesticides and livestock vaccines to cut costs and strengthen disease prevention. Food Safety Regulation: The U.S. FDA proposed making GRAS ingredient notifications mandatory, tightening oversight of chemicals companies add to food. Risk Management: Oregon hazelnut growers are considering crop insurance after being the last major tree nut without it, with USDA submissions underway. Market Watch: Cash dairy prices were mixed on Monday as cheese blocks rose 5 cents while butter fell. Trade & Compliance: Nebraska lawmakers passed LB525 creating an Agricultural Data Privacy Act and an AI safety law, while other bills advanced across the legislature.

Black Sea Food Security: Escalating Russian-Ukrainian attacks are disrupting Black Sea shipping, cutting Ukraine’s grain export capacity by about a third and raising war-risk costs—an autumn pressure point for global food supplies. Nigeria Rice Shock: Rice prices in parts of Nigeria reportedly fell to about N48,000–N49,000 per 50kg bag as imports rise, easing consumers’ bills but squeezing local farmers and millers. Sri Lanka Trade Rules: Sri Lanka is urged to act fast on GSP+ renewal and strengthen trade integrity as EU access underpins major export sectors, including tea, rubber, spices and seafood. Kenya Productivity & AI: A push to use AI to cut inefficiencies in Kenya’s SME-heavy economy highlights fraud detection, credit risk tools and automation as practical near-term gains. WA Biosecurity: Western Australia launched an interactive H5 bird flu dashboard mapping detections and negative tests to guide poultry producers and wildlife carers. Ghana Cocoa Overhaul: Ghana’s proposed COCOBOD Bill would consolidate fragmented cocoa laws to improve governance, transparency and competitiveness. India Farm Power: Telangana’s new agriculture-focused discom has a three-month deadline to address stakeholder concerns and start operations. Thailand GI Boost: Thailand granted GI status to Ratchaburi limes and mangoes, protecting origin and supporting higher-value market access. Climate Restoration Research: New findings suggest severely wildfire-burned peatlands may emit less methane after rewetting than less-burned sites, improving the case for faster restoration.