AGP Executive Report

Aquaculture Deal: Cooke agreed to buy Mowi’s eastern Canada salmon-farming business for US$158.1m, adding hatcheries, sea sites and two processing plants across New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland—expected to close in H2 2026. Food Security & Trade: Qatar pushed GCC coordination on strategic food reserves, supply-chain flow and commodity movement to strengthen Gulf food security. Climate Risk: The UN’s weather agency warned El Niño is likely to strengthen fast between July and September, raising odds of extreme weather. Rice Exports: India’s rice outlook looks well stocked despite El Niño worries, with strong MSP procurement and high stocks supporting record exports. Renewables vs Livelihoods: A Laoag diocese opposed Ilocos Norte’s offshore wind plan, warning of impacts on small-scale fisherfolk and marine ecosystems. Agri Innovation: Researchers tested agrivoltaic cold frames using upcycled EV crates to extend growing seasons and manage heat. Livestock Development: Nigeria’s sheep and goat body NASHGODAN pledged training and mentorship to boost productivity and food security. Market Access: China-Kazakhstan Horgos expanded a “green channel” for agricultural imports to speed inspections and reduce spoilage. Global Governance: A World Bank report says cleaner growth paths can create more jobs, especially in less-polluting sectors.

IPO Watch: Cumberland Farms (formerly EG Group) filed with the U.S. SEC to go public on Nasdaq, signaling a major push for U.S. growth. Aquaculture Standards: The Aquaculture Stewardship Council extended the ASC Farm Standard transition deadline to May 1, 2028 and issued an interim version for farms already switching. Livestock Biosecurity: Missouri tightened animal import rules for New World screwworm risk, requiring faster inspections and stricter documentation. Farm Policy in Washington: A Senate farm bill draft is starting a fresh round of debate, with key fights over California pork housing rules and fuel provisions. Water & Farming Geopolitics: India’s Indus Waters Treaty suspension after a terror attack is raising Pakistan’s “water war” alarms, with direct stakes for irrigation and energy. Women Farmers’ Rights: Maharashtra passed a bill granting women legal recognition as independent farmers, aiming to unlock welfare access beyond land-ownership hurdles. Food Supply Chains: A new U.S. proposal targets middle-of-the-supply-chain gaps via regional food hubs and infrastructure funding. Labor Enforcement: Washington fined a farm labor contractor $692,750 for violations tied to farmworker insurance and employment disclosures. Climate & Risk: Hungary’s Hortobágy National Park faced a fast-moving grassland wildfire threatening grazing areas and livestock. Agriculture & Governance: Nagaland issued livestock-death reporting guidelines for SDRF relief claims, tightening timelines and documentation.

Climate & Labor: In the Philippines, rice farm work is shifting to midnight starts as extreme heat drives transplanting into cooler hours, with workers warning midday labor can mean dehydration and heat stroke. Pest & Crop Risk: Negros Occidental approved a calamity measure to unlock funds against red-striped soft-scale insects that have hit over 32% of its sugarcane area, threatening yields and livelihoods. Water Security: Bulacan and Pampanga face a delayed wet-season rice start as Angat Dam levels fall below the irrigation threshold, limiting water releases. Input Costs & Policy: The US temporarily suspended countervailing duties on certain phosphate imports, aiming to cut prices and save farmers about $1.82bn annually. Cold-Storage Finance: Kenya’s Agriculture Finance Corporation and DanChurchAid will fund cold storage for smallholder cooperatives to cut post-harvest losses and raise incomes. Organic Oversight: US lawmakers proposed risk-based USDA oversight for organic farms to reduce inspection red tape hurting small producers. Food-System Governance: The UN released the first global independent scientific assessment of AI, warning risks are outpacing governance—covering agriculture among key impact areas. Regional Finance: The World Bank approved a seven-year Nigeria partnership and $1.25bn package, including support for 9.5m farmers to boost productivity.

Fertilizer Cost Relief: The Trump administration suspended Morocco phosphate import tariffs for eight months, aiming to cut input costs for U.S. corn and soy farmers and potentially save more than $1 billion. Animal Health & Biosecurity: A New World screwworm outbreak in Texas has reached 29 cases, with 21 quarantined counties and calls from Texas officials for emergency feed-based ivermectin to protect livestock and wildlife. Food Systems Oversight: South Africa’s Human Rights Commission will hold a second leg of hearings on food systems (6–10 July), focusing on market concentration and private-sector roles across the value chain. Climate Finance Shift: The World Bank dropped climate-marking targets after U.S. pressure, reframing support toward “positive climate impacts” rather than a fixed 45% lending goal. Ag Tech in Practice: Connected cold-store forklift fleets are being used to improve safety and reduce downtime for citrus packhouses in KwaZulu-Natal. Policy & Investment: The World Bank approved a $1.25bn Nigeria package to back reforms in power, digital, agriculture, trade and revenue, targeting jobs and private investment.

Water Stress & Irrigation: Philippines’ Angat Dam in Bulacan fell to 159.97 masl, slipping below a 160-masl critical level and raising fears of weak irrigation at the start of the July wet-season. Aquaculture & Biodiversity: Laos plans a nationwide release of 72 million fingerlings on July 13, mobilizing state and private hatcheries to restore fish stocks. Risk Finance for Farmers: A new report projects the global parametric insurance market will grow to $34.4bn by 2033, driven by faster payouts for climate-linked losses. Climate Outlook: Pakistan’s PMD warns of above-normal temperatures in July–September, with higher risks of flash floods, glacier melt impacts, and heat stress on crops. Agri-Food Investment: Kenya unveiled a Sh1.081tn National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (2026–2030) to pull in private capital across crops, livestock, fisheries, irrigation, processing and climate resilience. Market Access via GI: Papua New Guinea’s Sepik cocoa and vanilla products advanced toward export growth after earning validated Geographical Indications. Land Records & Farmers’ Rights: India’s Madhya Pradesh faces gaps in digital land records, leaving some Adivasi farmers’ plots missing online despite paper documents. Trade & Inputs: Nigeria received a $1.25bn World Bank loan amid debt concerns, while Pakistan renewed calls for a binding covenant on shared rivers after Indus Waters Treaty tensions.

Fertilizer Trade Relief: Trump suspended anti-dumping/countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer for up to eight months, with USDA estimating ~22% lower prices and about $1.82B in annual savings for U.S. farmers. Input Cost Pressure: The move comes as fertilizer supply remains tight amid global disruptions, while Bayer-Monsanto is pushing for new duties on Chinese glyphosate imports—farm groups warn it could raise costs and limit access. Food Security Strategy: Canada launched a National Food Security Strategy backed by $3B over 10 years, aiming to boost productivity and competition to lower prices. Animal Health Watch: Australia confirmed a fifth mainland H5N1 case in a migratory giant petrel, saying there’s no evidence of spread to poultry. Global Food Systems Research: A Wageningen study says the Netherlands’ export strength masks a net import of calories/protein once land and feed are accounted for. Regional Development Finance: The World Bank approved $323M in regional financing for Togo and neighbors, targeting electricity access, jobs, and resilience. Climate Risk: El Niño is confirmed and expected to intensify, raising stakes for planning across agriculture and water supplies.

Plant Health & Policy: The UK launched its International Action Plan for Plant Health 2026–2030, aiming to tighten cross-border safeguards as agriculture faces new pest and disease risks. Ban & Trade Protection: Kazakhstan imposed a temporary tomato import ban on non-EAEU suppliers (22–30 June) to protect domestic greenhouse and grower markets. Bananas & Biosecurity: Tropic acquired Rahan Meristem to scale gene-edited banana varieties designed to resist Panama disease and cut fruit waste. Regenerative Claims at Scale: SAI Platform rolled out its Regenerating Together Programme with protocols for third-party verification and benchmarking across supply chains. Cocoa Supply Resilience: Cargill highlighted the Netherlands as a cocoa processing hub to buffer volatility and strengthen West Africa-linked sourcing. Climate Risk Finance: World Food Programme-backed climate insurance helped farmers in Senegal and Syria recover after extreme weather shocks. Africa Agri-Dialogue: World Food Prize Foundation convened African leaders in Nairobi to push agri-tech, smallholder value chains, and investment-ready regulation. Water & Food Security: World Bank approved a $750m Kenya loan focused on infrastructure, human capital, and climate resilience, including agricultural productivity support.

Monsoon delay hits India’s summer crops: India’s planting of rice, cotton, soybeans and corn is running behind after a slow start to the monsoon, with rainfall far below normal in many regions and summer-sown acreage down sharply versus last year—raising watchpoints for yields and prices. Women’s farm support gets a spotlight: A U.S. Farm Bureau survey highlights women in agriculture juggling off-farm jobs and family duties, while calling for more help on resources, time/caregiving, skills, leadership and financial security. New World screwworm response ramps up: U.S. lawmakers are pushing USDA and HHS for a fully coordinated, well-resourced containment plan as cases spread in Texas and New Mexico, with a July 2 webinar set to brief farmers and the public. Food costs stay under pressure: FAO analysis points to steep diet-cost increases in countries like Iran, Argentina and Turkey, with global food commodity prices still rising. Fisheries and aquaculture keep expanding: FAO’s SOFIA report says farmed aquatic animal production topped 100 million metric tons in 2024 and is nearing terrestrial meat trade levels, while warning sustainability and governance must keep up. Digital tools for farmers: Thailand and Meta launched free AI and online business training to help farmers and agri-SMEs cut reliance on intermediaries and reach customers directly. Water access investment in Punjab: Punjab plans 7,000 km of pipelines to deliver canal water to every farm, aiming to boost irrigation coverage and stabilize groundwater.

Climate & Water Security: Governments across the Greater Mekong are stepping up cross-border action to prevent another transboundary haze episode as hotter-than-usual conditions and rising hotspots threaten agriculture and public health. Food Systems Under Stress: A new study warns modern rice production is pushing environmental limits for climate, freshwater and nutrient cycles, raising questions about how to keep yields without destabilizing natural systems. El Niño Risk to Farming: Nepal’s Paddy Day celebrations play out amid warnings of a drier monsoon, while Zambia’s Muchinga urges farmers to reserve maize for home use and sell only responsibly to food reserves as El Niño threats loom. Policy & Regulation: Australia’s Nationals face backlash after a “mistake” vote on fuel excise relief that includes a cap, while Victoria (Australia) launches Safe Food Victoria, consolidating food safety regulators from July 1 to reduce burden and modernize oversight. Ag Innovation: India’s Annam.AI at IIT Ropar, with Syngenta and Google, kicks off Hackcore 2026 to build AI tools for crop health, pest control, soil intelligence and climate-resilient farming. Market & Supply Chains: UK forecasters warn extreme heat could trigger a chicken shortage, echoing wider concerns about heat impacts on livestock and food supply. Regenerative Agriculture: Nestlé is accelerating a shift toward regenerative agriculture through a global programme aimed at scaling practices across supply chains. Food Safety & Oversight (US): Bipartisan US legislation proposes risk-based oversight for organic certification to focus inspections where they matter most and cut unnecessary burdens on compliant farms.

Drought Relief: Augusta County, Virginia declared a drought emergency after early-season dryness cut hay yields 30–40% for cattle farmers, setting up eligibility for state and federal aid if Virginia issues a broader emergency. Water Security Diplomacy: Egypt urged a global partnership on “non-conventional” water and more financing for water projects ahead of the 11th World Water Forum, pushing Water 2.0 upgrades like desalination, digital monitoring, and basin-wide management. Desertification Fight: In Zimbabwe’s Runde Catchment, a community nursery in Shurugwi has raised 60,000+ seedlings to restore vegetation, support afforestation, and supply fodder during dry periods. Trade Remedies for Farmers: The Philippines’ agriculture department is moving toward safeguard measures on imported rice, arguing import surges are seriously injuring domestic farmers and shrinking self-sufficiency. Ag Finance Push: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 100b agri refinancing scheme, shifting funding to banks’ surplus liquidity and shortening the program to three years. Climate Risk to Crops: Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan saw cloudburst flash flooding that damaged farmland and displaced dozens, with relief operations underway. Research Oversight: The US Senate Farm Bill adds a White Coat Waste-backed ban on USDA funding animal research labs in China, Russia, and other adversarial countries. Agritech & Exports: China showcased farm machinery, smart irrigation, and high-yield seed solutions for Pakistan at a supply chain expo, aiming to speed agricultural upgrading. Food Market Volatility: Andhra Pradesh asked India’s center for price deficiency support for Totapuri mango farmers after export disruptions and a domestic price crash. Climate Impacts on Weather: A study warns climate change could make hailstorms more damaging, raising the share of large hail by late century.

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.