Heat & drought pressure on food systems: The WMO says July was the world’s second-warmest on record, with extreme heat, low soil moisture and drought disrupting river transport, power generation and agriculture across parts of Europe. Food safety & supply-chain scrutiny: Maine reported its first cyclosporiasis cases tied to a national outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico; the FDA’s foreign inspection shortfall is again in the spotlight. Biosecurity at the border: USDA and DHS signed a new MOU to strengthen U.S. response to New World screwworm, while Texas A&M is developing fast, low-residue wound treatments to help vets act immediately when infestations are detected. Farm policy uncertainty in the U.S.: A Kansas farm bill push stalled after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move it forward, with SNAP-related cuts cited as a key sticking point. Young farmers & debt relief: U.S. lawmakers reintroduced the bipartisan Young Farmer Success Act to make full-time farmers eligible for student loan forgiveness through PSLF. Wildlife-human conflict in farming landscapes: Ahead of World Elephant Day, Kenya’s Amboseli-area communities describe practical, non-lethal ranger responses to crop-raiding elephants. Weather shocks hitting farms abroad: In the Philippines, Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay plus monsoon rains caused about P197.2M in agricultural damage affecting thousands of farmers. Local food procurement policy: New York lawmakers push the Good Food New York Bill to let schools and hospitals consider more than price when buying food, aiming to boost local farm sourcing. Water stress planning: India’s agriculture ministry outlined El Niño contingency steps for 342 districts, including seed support and reservoir/irrigation planning. Agtech for arid climates: Qatar’s Hydrovest Technology argues controlled-environment agriculture can complement traditional farming to expand output where land and water are scarce.