AGP Executive Report

Invasive Pest Watch: USDA confirmed three more New World screwworm cases, bringing detections to five, including a calf and goat in Texas plus a dog in New Mexico—prompting tighter quarantines and livestock import restrictions. Farm Labor & Training: A Canadian non-profit is matching workers with farms to ease labour gaps, using inbound and outbound placements to support seeding through harvest. Agri-Finance for Farmers: Bank of Ireland and Certified Irish Angus launched sustainability-linked loans for beef producers, offering reduced rates tied to on-farm improvements. Local Food Markets: Minnesota awarded $1.3M to schools and early care providers to buy more Minnesota-grown foods, expanding farm-to-school purchasing. Trade & Market Access: Ghana unveiled its $3.5B AgriConnect Compact aimed at rice investment and 2.6M jobs, while Uzbekistan shipped raisins to Senegal for the first time. Agribusiness Deals: Cibus named Craig Wichner CEO as it pushes commercialization of plant-trait tech.

Biosecurity & Trade Controls: USDA confirmed two more New World screwworm cases in Texas (a calf and a dog in La Salle and Andrews counties), keeping pressure on cattle biosecurity and rapid eradication efforts. Market Access for Fresh Produce: China approved fresh Belgian apples for import after phytosanitary requirements were met, following years of protocol talks—good news for EU growers. Fertilizer & Input Demand Outlook: New forecasts peg the potassium sulphate market at $9.56B by 2030 and humic biostimulants at $1.63B by 2030, reflecting continued push for yield and soil-health solutions. Dairy Processing Investment: Vermont’s Dairy Processor Modernization Grant opens pre-applications June 25, offering $15k–$250k with a 25% match to upgrade equipment and packaging. Agri-Enterprise Growth: Vietnam targets 5,000 new agricultural enterprises by 2031, leaning on cooperatives, processing linkages, markets, and digital agriculture. Global Food Security & Livestock Trends: FAO data shows terrestrial animal-source food production has surged since 1961, but access and consumption still vary widely by region. Regional Agri-Trade Moves: Philippines eyes expanded trade with Egypt (including cotton and possible production ties), while Malaysia awaits Thailand’s shrimp-import questionnaire response before judging biosecurity compliance.

Policy Shock in Nigeria’s Food Sector: The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) is urging Nigeria’s House of Representatives to reject the Senate-passed Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill, warning it could become a tax on production, investment and jobs by raising costs for non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers. Trade & Investment Push: Ahead of the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos (June 25), EU and Nigerian officials framed the partnership as shifting from development support to deeper investment and competitiveness. Market Balancing in Yemen: Yemen’s agriculture marketing authorities have started exporting surplus local potatoes after seed self-sufficiency boosted output, aiming to stabilize prices and support farmers’ returns. Innovation for Agribusiness in Samoa: EU-funded FAO STODAS-backed Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition crowned new agrifood entrepreneurs, spotlighting MSME innovation and incubation. Food Safety in Ghana: Accra’s World Food Safety Day push highlighted rising global estimates of unsafe food impacts and called for stronger action by vendors and regulators. Farmers’ Bottom Line: Indiana’s Purdue safety and farm-management coverage flags cash-flow stress and the need for contingency planning as input costs and market volatility squeeze margins. Labor Protections in Spain: A Moroccan union is calling for safer conditions for seasonal female farmworkers in Spain’s strawberry fields after a reported heatstroke death. UK Countryside Tourism: Jeremy Clarkson launched “Only Farmers,” a farm-experience booking platform aimed at adding income streams for rural businesses.

Trade Dispute Watch: Thailand says it’s ready to escalate Malaysia’s June 1 suspension of imports for five Thai shrimp species to WTO/ASEAN talks if bilateral negotiations stall, while rolling out 13 measures to absorb about 400 tonnes of monthly output. Farmgate & Infrastructure: Philippines’ Zamboanga del Sur secured P345m for farm-to-market roads via the 2026 General Appropriations Act to cut transport costs and boost rural market access. Dairy Value Chains: Malaysia’s Jemaluang Dairy Valley targets 4,000 cows and 10m litres annually by year three, aiming to grow a local dairy ecosystem and reduce premium milk imports. Crop Decisions: India’s Maharashtra cotton area could rise 10–15% in kharif as farmers shift from soybean amid price signals and weather risk. Procurement & Storage: Tamil Nadu’s agriculture minister made surprise checks at paddy procurement centres, pushing extra storage and faster handling to prevent losses. Food Safety: Kenya faces renewed alarm after tests found aflatoxin in cereals far above the 10 ppb limit, with cost of testing flagged as a barrier for small traders. Risk Management: USDA NRCS California says it’s ready to support producers against New World screwworm risk along the southern border with conservation and monitoring steps. Renewables for Farmers: Odisha plans an AgriPV policy by 2027 to let farmers earn from solar without hurting crop output. Market Access & Logistics: India’s Nashik onion exports face uncertainty as Mundra Port congestion and container shortages could delay shipments.

Livestock Biosecurity: Canada has temporarily banned Texas livestock imports after New World screwworm was confirmed in two nearby Texas calves, raising fresh alarms for the $15.5B cattle industry and prompting tighter movement controls. Policy & Trade: The USMCA’s first mandatory review is set to miss the July 1 deadline, extending uncertainty for farm supply chains and tariffs across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Ag Data Privacy: Nebraska enacted LB 525 to protect agricultural data from farms and ranches, setting a privacy standard as precision farming expands. Food Supply Pressure: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn of Scotch bonnet pepper shortages and higher prices after back-to-back hurricanes and crop damage. Farm Inputs & Markets: Punjab launched “one-stop” Agriculture Malls to deliver inputs, expert advice, and machinery rental closer to villages. Research Funding: Canada’s cuts have torn up 19-year-old organic research plots in Swift Current, jeopardizing long-running data for organic growers. Ag Finance: Ghana rolled out the $3.5B AgriConnect Compact to boost productivity, value addition, jobs, and market access.

Livestock & Rural Livelihoods: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture turned over a P4.6M goat multiplier farm in Zamboanga del Sur, including goats, housing, forage gear, and feeds to boost local production and incomes. Ag Skills & Market Access: FAO launched farmer field schools in Moldova’s Hancesti to help small vegetable growers use climate-resilient practices and improve sales. Agri-Trade & Exports: India’s Piyush Goyal highlighted “Local Goes Global” as Jharkhand’s women-led Aamrapali mangoes reach the UK with APEDA support; meanwhile, Moldova’s litchi festival in Tezpur targets exports to Dubai and Singapore. Food Safety & Enforcement: U.S. authorities confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, expanding sterile fly releases and surveillance; in California’s Madera County, detectives arrested four suspects in $150,000 agricultural chemical thefts. Policy & Sustainability: Odisha’s deputy CM urged farmers to cut urea use and shift toward natural farming and short-duration crops, while KPMG stressed sustainability’s ongoing importance for agri-food businesses. Agri-Business Platforms: South Africa and Italy plan a June 9–10 agriculture business forum in the Western Cape to deepen value-added partnerships.

New World screwworm: USDA confirmed a new case in Zavala County, Texas (and a second within the infested zone), triggering on-site APHIS response and new interstate movement restrictions for animals entering Louisiana. Agricultural infrastructure: Philippines’ DAR says P120m farm-to-market road projects in Catanauan, Quezon are nearing completion to speed farmers’ access to markets. Farm finance: Pakistan’s Askari Bank and Verdora Ventures launched a Rs250m farmer financing facility for high-value crops, while Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry sought Rs20bn bridge support for rice exporters to stay competitive with India. Animal health policy: Botswana eased FMD controls after suppressing outbreaks, allowing permitted movement and trade from affected zones. Trade signals for ag: WTO says global goods trade growth may be starting to slow, with agricultural raw materials slightly below trend. Food safety capacity: Nigeria and FAO launched a $350,000 HPAI preparedness and response program to train 240 animal health personnel. Market/land policy ripple: Telangana revised benchmark land values, raising registration charges for some buyers.

Livestock Biosecurity: A confirmed New World screwworm case in a three-week-old calf in Texas has triggered a 12-mile infested zone, movement restrictions, and heightened monitoring—USDA says it will act fast to eliminate the pest. Food Prices Watch: FAO reports world food prices were broadly stable in May; cereal prices rose for the fourth straight month as weather risks and higher fuel and fertilizer costs bite. Ag Trade & Infrastructure: East Africa—led by Kenya—is emerging as a trade growth engine as ports and rail corridors cut transit times and regional deals like AfCFTA lower barriers. Sustainability vs Farm Reality (Opinion): A critique argues big food brands lean on buzzwords while smallholders can’t afford adaptation unless farmers get fair pricing. Climate & Soil Carbon: A Brazil study links conversion of native vegetation to agriculture with major soil carbon losses and points to restoration approaches that could support farming and carbon goals. Policy & Jobs (Ghana): Ghana launched the AgriConnect Compact to modernize value chains and target 2.6M jobs, with rice, maize, cocoa, oil palm and poultry in focus. Input Costs (US): California trucking firms warn rising fuel costs and regulatory pressure are squeezing the logistics that move agricultural goods. Environmental Crime (Spain): Another businessman was convicted in the Mar Menor “Topillo” pollution case tied to nitrate wastewater from farmland.

Biosecurity Alert: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, the first Texas case since 1966, triggering quarantines, movement controls, sterile fly releases, and heightened surveillance that could rattle cattle markets and rancher planning. Policy & Trade: New Zealand’s special ag trade envoy Nathan Guy weighed in on proposed Trump tariff changes, while industry groups are also watching fertilizer and potash tariff-free access in ongoing CUSMA talks. Farm Labor: Vermont dairy workers are pushing for basic labor protections, describing long, low-paid shifts and weak safeguards on farms. Ag Finance: The U.S. SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for Pennsylvania small businesses and private nonprofits hit by a mid-April freeze, with eligibility for small ag cooperatives. Export Pathways: Cambodia and China signed SPS and quarantine cooperation deals to expand Cambodian beef and dried longan exports. Mechanisation Push: Punjab, Pakistan is accelerating mechanisation via tractor subsidies, interest-free loans for high-tech equipment, and super seeder support to cut rice residue burning. Jobs & Food Security: Ghana launched the AgriConnect Compact to boost productivity, value addition, and resilience, targeting 2.6M+ jobs by 2035.

US Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—the first U.S. detection in decades—prompting a 20 km infested zone, quarantines, movement controls, surveillance, and expedited sterile fly releases. Trade & Market Access: The Philippines sent its first commercial shipment of fresh carabao mangoes to Toronto (1 metric ton), with a second shipment planned next week. Agri-Finance & Storage: Pakistan launched an agri-storage portfolio financing facility to mobilize up to PKR 7.1bn for silos, warehouses, and cold storage, targeting reduced post-harvest losses. Climate & Exports: South Africa’s citrus growers warned flood damage in Eastern and Western Cape could cut export volumes by at least 5% as roads and orchards take hits. Policy & Compliance: FAO support in Comoros is shifting food import controls toward a structured, risk-based approach to better protect consumers. EU Support for Farmers: The EU pledged €50mn+ for Armenia after Russia’s new restrictions hit agri-food and flowers, including help to find alternative markets.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a suspected New World screwworm case in south Texas, with officials moving to contain and eradicate the flesh-eating parasite after it spread through Mexico—an event that’s already rattling cattle markets. Trade & Inputs: A new look at the U.S. fertilizer supply chain shows heavy reliance on imports for key nutrients, especially potassium (mostly from Canada), raising stakes for crop costs and planting decisions. Bees & Pollination: Australia’s bee industry warns varroa mite could wipe out at least 60% of hives, with a projected shortage of nearly 300,000 commercial hives for peak pollination. Rural Economy: The Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth-neutral again, citing weak farm prices and higher input costs spilling into local business confidence. Local Agriculture Support: Sonoma County approved an urgent action plan to stabilize struggling agriculture, while Pennsylvania’s senior farmers market vouchers ($25) return for eligible Carbon County residents. Workforce & Youth: Career and scholarship programs—from Campaspe food-and-fibre careers days to CCA scholarships in Carpinteria—push students toward ag and skilled trades. Markets & Communities: Coaldale’s Civic Square Farmers’ Market launches late June, and Niagara’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program marks 60 years with a community celebration.

USDA Biosecurity: The New World screwworm is creeping back toward the U.S., with a fresh detection in Mexico near the Texas border prompting USDA to keep ports closed and ramp up a sterile-fly response. Trade & Tariffs: USTR is considering a new 12.5% forced-labor tariff on Japan, while the U.S. also moves to adjust Section 232 metal tariffs that could lower costs for HVACR equipment used in homes and, indirectly, farm and industrial facilities. Ag Tech & Policy: China released a 2026-2030 plan to boost farm output via AI, gene editing, and better machinery, aiming to lift the share of tech-driven gains. Mechanization Investment: Italy’s SDF opened a South Africa subsidiary in the Western Cape to expand tractor and harvest equipment support as demand for mechanization grows. Livestock Health Practices: A dairy-focused explainer warns that cross-suckling can raise mastitis risk, urging slower milk flow to protect calves. Regenerative Farming Politics: Iowa’s GOP governor primary upset—Zach Lahn over Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra—spotlights “big ag” backlash and regenerative farming themes. Food Security Programs: Hawaii is rolling out summer meal options across schools, parks, and community sites to cover the school break gap. Market Access & Exports: Curaçao is exploring export pathways through a Dominican Republic partnership, including a possible formal cooperation agreement.

U.S.-India Trade Talks: India says the first tranche of a bilateral trade deal is “about 99 percent” done, with remaining work focused on minor wording. Policy & Farm Finance: Nepal’s budget pushes incentives across the ag value chain, including investor grants and farmer ID cards, while Bangladesh Bank will prioritize marginal and landless farmers with “smart cards” for refinancing. Pest Threats to Livestock: USDA warnings intensify as New World screwworm detections in Mexico move closer to Texas, prompting calls for briefings and faster response planning. Trade Friction in Sugar: Mexico’s sugar industry urges the U.S. to scrap import limits and signals possible anti-dumping action over fructose. Energy & Inputs: New Zealand diesel stocks fall to the lowest level since the Middle East conflict escalated (with extra reserves en route), and farmers face ongoing input pressure. Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loans expand for drought-hit South Carolina and storm-impacted Texas counties, including support for small agricultural cooperatives. EU Farm Funding: An EU lawmaker pushes to ring-fence at least 10% of CAP for young farmers. Agri-Business & Ports: AD Ports agrees to buy Brazil’s CLI, a major agri-bulk terminal operator, in its biggest-ever M&A deal.

India–US Trade Talks: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says the first phase of a long-awaited India–US bilateral trade deal is “99%” done, with US negotiators in New Delhi to settle remaining legal and technical points; agriculture market access is a key sticking area alongside tariff relief for India on metals and other items. Philippines Rice Crackdown: DA teams are issuing notices of violation as they enforce the PHP50/kg cap on imported rice with 5% broken grains, including cases where retailers relabeled shelves during surprise inspections. UAE Food Logistics Push: AD Ports agreed to buy Brazil agribulk terminal operator CLI for $835m, aiming to expand global food logistics links from Brazilian grain and sugar terminals. South Africa Maize Export Boost: Forecasts peg 2026 commercial maize output at 17.064m tonnes, creating a surplus that should lift regional and international exports. Kenya Floriculture: Cut-flower exports rose to Sh143.78bn in 2025, supporting jobs and keeping Kenya among the top global exporters. Dairy Pressure: A 2026 dairy industry report shows profit expectations falling sharply as costs and uncertainty squeeze producers. Agritech Funding: Aquapulse (shrimp tech), ProLearn (edtech), and Rosada secured new early-stage funding to scale products and farmer-facing services. Policy/Trade Signals: Trump’s tariff reset lowers some steel/aluminum/copper derivative rates (including certain ag machinery) to 15% from June 8.

Food Safety Alert: Minnesota’s MDA issued a consumer advisory for specific Milkjam Creamery ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts due to possible metal fragments, listing affected lot codes and urging customers to discard or return products. Market Access & Infrastructure: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif pushed to turn Pakistan–China B2B MoUs into formal deals, including agricultural research cooperation, while Javid Dar Dar reviewed Mandis and Kissan Ghars and ordered renovations to protect public assets. Ag Trade & Tariffs: Mexico says it will press the U.S. to remove tariffs during USMCA review talks, as negotiations focus on rules of origin and sector provisions. Supply Tightness: Global prune supply is tightening as demand for large sizes rises, with Chilean output and weather disruptions shaping availability. Price Signals: India’s Lasalgaon onion market saw wholesale prices jump on lower arrivals and expectations of higher MAPP, with some growers holding back stock. Drought Risk Financing: Laos PDR launched a sovereign anticipatory drought insurance pilot with FAO/SEADRIF, aiming to trigger payouts before damage hits. Pest Watch: A new invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was found in Northern California Costco stores, raising concerns for vineyards and other crops. Local Agriculture Economy: Wisconsin’s beef prices hit record highs amid smaller herds tied to drought, while Dane County proclaimed June Dairy Month to spotlight dairy’s role in jobs and stewardship.

Food Prices & Enforcement: Selangor’s KPDN launched Ops Kesan 6.0, issuing nine notices to traders and inspecting 46 SKUs, including agricultural and livestock items, to curb unreasonable price hikes through Aug 31. Agri Trade & Logistics: Uzbekistan’s Ferghana region is ramping up exports to Japan, with Costco and AEON planning higher imports via a new Chiba warehouse complex and expanded supply of raspberries, plums, melons and dried fruits. Regenerative Farming Push: ADM, Louis Dreyfus Co. and Moulins Soufflet joined 40+ food groups signing a declaration to scale regenerative agriculture under SAI’s Regenerating Together Programme. Livestock Biosecurity: South Africa is spending about R494m on foot-and-mouth vaccine procurement, vaccinating 4.4m animals so far, with more doses approved to support boosters and protect export access. Cotton Economy: USDA unveiled the Great American Cotton Plan to restore farm profitability, boost domestic textile demand and expand trade, including elevating “Plant Not Plastic.” Horticulture Development: Nagaland moved toward India’s first kiwi Centre of Excellence at Pfütsero with New Zealand experts, including plans for a weather monitoring station. Dairy & Pest Monitoring: Wisconsin kicked off June Dairy Month and plans 6,700 spongy moth traps statewide in 2026 to track new outbreaks.