AGP Executive Report

Animal Health Emergency: The USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, this time in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, prompting expanded movement controls, quarantine zones, and sterile fly releases as officials race to stop spread. Food Prices Watch: FAO reported global food prices slipped 0.2% in May, with vegetable oils down but cereals and sugar up, keeping prices near multi-year highs. Climate & Farming Policy: World Environment Day coverage pushed agroecology and people-led climate action, while UN Women highlighted how climate shocks hit women and girls hardest and how gender equality is key to resilience. Land Use & Food Security: Philippines civil society launched the “Save the Rice Granary Movement,” calling for a two-year moratorium on land conversion permits to protect farmland and ease food insecurity. Input Costs & Markets: In Pakistan, Sindh’s CM ordered tighter wheat market regulation after concerns over artificial flour price hikes and low government procurement. Value Chains: In Davao, cacao farmers are set to benefit from rising chocolate demand as companies invest in farm productivity and quality. Energy for Agriculture: Rabobank expects firm global beef pricing through 2026 as production contracts tighten supply.

New World Screwworm Alert (US livestock): USDA confirmed the flesh-eating New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering quarantine and heightened monitoring; Iowa agriculture officials say there’s no food safety risk from the pest, but states are preparing to protect cattle and livestock. State Response (Texas/Colorado): Texas Gov. Abbott expanded disaster declarations and outlined an infested zone, while Colorado activated its response plan and warned producers to stay vigilant. Trade Stability Push (USMCA): North American farm and food groups are urging renewal of the USMCA, warning that uncertainty could ripple through agriculture and exports. Fertilizer Supply Chain (Canada): CN will move BHP’s Jansen potash from Saskatchewan to West Coast export terminals, reinforcing fertilizer access for global crop production. Ag Funding & Payments (Ireland/Ghana): Ireland reported over €3m in scheme payments to farmers, while Ghana’s finance and agriculture ministries clashed over whether more than GH¢1.6bn was released for 2026 ag programs. Ag Tech & Skills (Armenia): Armenia opened a Center of Excellence in agricultural engineering for robotics and mechatronics, aiming to modernize training and research. Climate Day Lens (Philippines): On World Environment Day 2026, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda highlighted climate impacts on Filipino farmers and fisherfolk and pointed to resilience-focused laws.

Biosecurity Alert (US Livestock): The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas for the first time in decades, with officials tracing a case to a three-week-old calf in Zavala County and setting up containment steps and heightened monitoring for ranchers, vets, wildlife and pet owners. Climate & Farming Resilience (India): Ahead of World Environment Day, FAIFA urged “El Niño-ready” farming in India, pointing to heat, erratic rain, soil and groundwater stress, and calling for practical climate-resilient farming systems. Environment Governance (Cyprus & Pakistan): Cyprus was urged to strengthen climate governance as drought, wildfires and biodiversity loss hit agriculture and water; Pakistan’s PM reaffirmed climate action and called for stronger national and international cooperation. Value Chains & Agribusiness (Uzbekistan): ICBA and Uzbekistan’s innovation agency signed on to launch a Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Karakalpakstan to commercialize crop value chains and improve market access. Agriculture Funding Gap (Africa): Eric Opoku warned many African governments are far short of the Maputo pledge to allocate at least 10% of budgets to agriculture and rural development. Skills for Ag Jobs (Malaysia): Malaysia kicked off National TVET Day 2026, spotlighting TVET pathways across sectors including agriculture, with a large public event running through June 7. Biodiversity on Farms (UK): A UK farmland bird count highlighted winter declines and the role of supplementary feeding and habitat management in supporting vulnerable species.

US Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in Texas (first in decades), detected in a calf in Zavala County near the Mexico border, triggering quarantine and movement restrictions for warm-blooded animals as officials stress the pest isn’t a food-safety risk. Regional Ag Support: Selangor (Malaysia) launched a RM25m agriculture incentive under its resilience package to help padi farmers, fishermen, livestock and aquaculture operators absorb higher input and operating costs. Africa Farm Funding Push: Ghana’s agriculture minister Eric Opoku warned many African governments miss the Maputo target of allocating 10% of budgets to agriculture, with some countries below 1%. Market Access & Trade: Egypt won EU approval to export farmed fish products, with NFSA citing upgrades to meet EU standards. Water & Irrigation Investment: Armenia secured a €12m AFD grant for integrated water and agricultural development to restore irrigation and improve water management. Disaster Readiness: Sri Lanka rolled out a National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026–2030 to strengthen early warning and early action for climate shocks. Ag Tech & Services: India’s e-governance awards highlighted Agri Stack, citing farmer data support including finance and early warning systems.

Food Safety Shock: WHO estimates unsafe food causes about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths yearly, with under-fives hit hardest and major economic losses from lost productivity. Fertiliser Cost Pressure: Tanzania is assessing global fertiliser price spikes to protect farmers while assuring enough supply for the season, after urea prices jumped from $509/ton in February to $658 in May. Animal Health Emergency (US): USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, triggering quarantines, movement controls, surveillance, and sterile-fly releases—raising concern for cattle and beef prices. Ag Inputs & Policy (UK): A UK carbon tax on “carbon intensive goods” could push fertiliser costs up by as much as £100/ton, with farmers warning of fallow risk and food-security impacts. Biofungicide Deal (Asia): Syngenta and Ascribe Bioscience signed an agreement for PHYTALIX, aiming to boost rice resistance to multiple diseases in Southeast Asia. Cocoa Livelihoods: Africa’s cocoa farmers’ alliance warns persistent price volatility is undermining incomes and slowing investment across the value chain. Water & Farming (US): A Colorado River Basin MOU explores using desalinated and recycled water for potential interstate “exchange” arrangements affecting Imperial Valley agriculture.

Food Security & Nutrition Policy: Philippines lawmakers advanced HB 9466, expanding the national feeding program into a broader nutrition push aimed at hunger, malnutrition, and learning poverty. Pest & Biosecurity Threats: Iran faces Moroccan locust swarms in the east, threatening crops and livelihoods; in the US, New World screwworm has been detected just 25 miles from the Texas border, prompting an intensified response. Climate Pressure on Crops: Brazil’s strong corn outlook could raise global competition, while El Niño warnings point to extreme weather risk for food systems. Agrifood Investment & Trade: Ecobank launched a $450m Nature Bond to channel global capital into sustainable agriculture and ecosystem protection in Africa; Ghana unveiled a roadmap to end its rice deficit within 10 years, including a quota tied to verified local producer partnerships. Regional Plant Health Capacity: West African experts met in Accra to strengthen pest risk analysis, with invasive pests estimated to cost Africa $7bn annually. Agritech & Research: Wageningen launched an international network for controlled environment agriculture, and FAO is pushing rural agrifood digitalisation. Labor & Safety: Italy arrested suspects after four migrant farm workers were burned to death in a van arson case.

SSSI Enforcement: A UK court fined Jenkins Ty Hen Limited and issued a 10-year restoration order after damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest near Mwnt, Ceredigion, with Natural Resources Wales citing harm to rare plants. Budget & Delivery Risk: Nepal’s finance minister tabled the 2083/84 budget, arguing reforms are a structural shift, while stakeholders worry about inflation and implementation capacity. Organic Horticulture Strategy: A new national organic research and innovation plan targets supply shortages (berries, avocados, fresh veg), boosts exports to Asia and the Middle East, and pushes biological inputs plus digital traceability. Rural Livelihoods & Policy Pressure: Sri Lanka’s farmers’ union warns agriculture could collapse under IMF- and World Bank-influenced policies that increase imports and squeeze local producers. Food Markets: Chicago corn and wheat slid on favourable US weather and ample global supplies, while wheat faces pressure from upcoming harvests. Aquaculture Breakthrough: Japan began trial sales of fully farmed eels, aiming to cut reliance on wild juvenile eel stocks. Co-op Support: The Philippines launched an inter-agency plan to streamline support for farm cooperatives and strengthen food security. Bio-economy Push (India): India says policy support and bio-based input innovation could make it a global bio-economy leader. Trade & Tariffs (US): The US cut tariffs on farm and industrial equipment to 15% to ease costs for farmers and manufacturers. Biosecurity at the Border: US CBP seized 337 hatching eggs in Cincinnati due to missing paperwork and avian influenza import restrictions. Climate Stress: Research highlights drought’s hidden impact on nutrition, including reduced iron in crops.

Climate Risk & Food Security: The UN weather agency warned El Niño could be moderate to strong, raising global heat and extreme weather risks, with drought and heavy rainfall expected to hit multiple regions. Animal Health & Dairy Resilience: India’s dairy sector—supporting 80m+ farmers—faces mounting heat stress as extreme summers trigger lower milk output and even premature births. Policy & Farm Operations (U.S.): USDA’s Farm Service Agency is modernizing crop acreage reporting in Maryland and North Dakota, moving from manual entry toward scanned maps and eventually more real-time data. Trade & Input Costs: U.S. farm groups urged Commerce to end countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer, saying tariffs are driving up costs as farm bankruptcies rise. Agrifood Infrastructure & Investment: AD Ports agreed to buy Brazil’s CLI for $835m to expand agrifood logistics into Latin America. Global Dairy & Livestock: South Africa overtook the U.S. to become the world’s second most competitive poultry producer, improving feed efficiency and production cycles. Regional Development: The Philippines is set for a $1.02b World Bank energy loan plus a $20m grant, tied to climate resilience and policy reforms.

Climate & Crops: Rain in eastern and southern Australia has helped wheat sowing after dry conditions, but farmers are bracing for an El Niño-style dry pattern that could still cut yields. Fertilizer Trade: India issued a second global tender for 17 lakh tonnes of urea for the kharif season as West Asia-linked prices stay high, while the agriculture ministry trimmed fertilizer demand forecasts. Water Governance: South Africa’s proposed National Water Amendment Bill would reshape water rights and includes a ban on private water trading—raising stakes for agriculture and industry. Pollinators & Chemicals: A Virginia Tech study reports glyphosate exposure can disrupt honeybee foraging and alter brain chemistry, with potential long-term colony risks. Farm Labor: U.S. advocates warn heat stress is a growing threat to H-2A migrant workers as the summer season approaches, citing past deaths and injuries. Ag Innovation & Policy: India’s AI-in-agriculture push faces a “crisis of intelligence,” with a new policy report calling for trusted, inclusive systems for farm-level advisories. Dairy Spotlight: World Milk Day highlights milk’s nutrition role and spotlights women farmers.

Dairy Exports & Prices: U.S. dairy production rose 2.8% in April, but strong export demand—especially a 30% jump in March cheese exports—kept inventories from piling up, supporting market balance. Food Costs & Trade Policy: Tomato prices jumped about 40% year-on-year as fuel/shipping costs and a 17% U.S. tariff on Mexican imports pushed costs through the food chain. Tobacco Farmer Relief: Japan Tobacco International will buy an extra 3.32 million kg of Philippine tobacco leaf to absorb a supply glut that threatened growers with steep losses. Farm Safety & Jobs: Corn refiners Primient and Cargill won national safety awards for low incident rates and zero lost workdays, underscoring how industrial safety is becoming a sector standard. Climate Stress on Wheat: A study warns rising night temperatures and shorter winters are threatening wheat yields in India’s key producing states, just as monsoon forecasts soften. Global Food Security Leadership: The UN chief thanked outgoing WFP head Cindy McCain, as Carl Skau takes over acting leadership amid acute food insecurity for hundreds of millions. Energy Meets Agriculture: Punjab is backing HPCL biogas plants to turn crop residue into power, jobs, and better waste management. Water Crisis for Farmers: After a May earthquake damaged Kona water tanks, coffee and macadamia growers face disrupted irrigation and household water access. Trade & Regional Ties: Egypt urged deeper South Korea–Africa cooperation on infrastructure, industry, tech transfer, and food/water/energy security. Dairy Policy Push (Nigeria): Nigeria unveiled a National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework to expand local milk production, processing, cold chains, and pasture development.

Global Macroeconomy & Trade: A Reuters poll says India’s GDP growth likely eased to 7.2% in Jan–Mar 2026 as weaker external demand and softer industry offset resilient government spending and agriculture. US Farm Output Data: USDA/NASS released 2025 county yield estimates for Indiana soybeans and corn, with Benton and Warren leading key categories, while Illinois data highlighted top corn and soybean performers such as Stark and Tazewell. Budget & Food Costs: A budget critique flags rising burdens on lower-income groups, including impacts like electricity surcharges that could hit farmers. Agribusiness Leadership: Olam Agri’s Baibhav Biswas was named Ghana CEO of the Year for expanding local processing, including a pasta plant and skills programs. Conflict & Pastoral Livelihoods: A Kenya forum in Mwingi urged arrests over deadly clashes between Kitui farmers and camel herders. Transparency & Infrastructure in West Africa: Liberia renewed extractive transparency efforts (LEITI/EITI) and pressed the AfDB for faster support for the Buchanan–Cestos road and links to SAPZ agriculture zones. Poverty Strategy: Liberia’s agriculture minister called for a shift from short-term aid to long-term, measurable poverty-reduction investments. EU Farm Funding Fight: Greece moves to defend CAP funding for 2028–2034 amid pressure for redistribution. Climate & Water: Tajikistan hosted a “Women and Water 2026” forum focused on gender-sensitive water management and financing. Biosecurity & Inputs: Australia detected pyrethroid-resistant Varroa mites in Victoria, urging beekeepers to monitor and rotate treatments. Food Prices & Energy Link: Soybeans and corn futures rose with higher oil prices as markets expect more grains diverted to biofuels amid energy tightness after the Iran war. Regional Export Stories: Vietnam’s lychee exports to China begin amid yield losses but stronger prices, while Kazakhstan reported a 97% jump in agricultural exports to Iran.

Biosecurity Threat: A new world screwworm outbreak is spreading from Mexico and Central America toward the U.S. border, prompting import bans on live cattle and a costly push to sterilize flies as beef prices stay near record highs. Farm Policy Clash: Oregon’s proposed ballot measure would effectively ban hunting, fishing, and livestock slaughter, raising alarms for ranchers, meat producers, and rural jobs. Fertilizer Shock From War: In Senegal, farmers are cutting chemical fertilizer use and switching to compost and manure as Iran-war-linked supply and shipping disruptions push prices up. Natural Farming Push: India’s “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” kicks off June 1 to protect farmland and soil health, while Northeast states run training to scale natural farming. Water & Climate Resilience: The UAE highlights global water security efforts, and the Philippines warns El Niño could worsen food and power strain. Agri Support Payments: The Philippines’ DA-Davao released cash aid to rice and corn farmers in Marilog to cushion market and cost pressures. Regional Trade & Tech: The Philippines and Japan expand ag cooperation, and Laos launches an Agro-Link system to track agricultural imports and exports. Pest & Weather Stress: Australia faces a mouse plague that’s forcing replanting and heavy baiting, while Europe’s heat waves are degrading egg quality and shrinking fruit sizes. Food Security Trials: Trinidad’s CARDI reports strong black-eyed peas pilot results for local production and school feeding.

Natural Farming Push: India’s Agriculture Ministry says 22 states backed natural farming and even tested it on their own farms, while a National Kharif Conference in New Delhi urged simpler procedures and balanced fertilizer use. Water Security: Anand Mahindra warned India may be outside its “zone of tolerance” for water as heat and weak monsoon signals rise, pointing to bottom-up rainwater conservation. Regenerative Scale-Up: Oleifera International launched a regenerative agriculture and restoration program across 10 African countries targeting nearly 100 million hectares of degraded land. Farm Tech & Training: Andhra Pradesh’s RySS will run a Regenerate Earth Master Class to measure natural farming impacts with scientific metrics. Food Supply Shock: Belgium’s potato glut is hitting frozen fries exporters as weather, tariffs, and energy/fertilizer costs squeeze farmers and profits. Rural Crime: Northern Ireland’s rural crime report flags organized theft and damage to farm vehicles, livestock, and equipment. Credit Access: Kenya’s smallholders face structural barriers to bank lending despite low default rates, keeping finance out of agriculture. Animal Health Threat: Mexico’s New World screwworm fly is spreading toward Texas, raising fears for cattle herds and beef prices. Coffee Value Chains: Bukidnon (Philippines) launched its first coffee festival and hosted a SEA competition round, spotlighting growers and farm best practices.

Rising Input Costs & Enforcement: Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will run “Ops Kesan 6.0” from June 1 to Aug 31 to curb profiteering as crude oil prices and the West Asia supply shock feed through to agricultural supply chains. Rural Roads for Market Access: The World Bank approved a $500m package for Ghana to upgrade and maintain at least 1,000 km of rural feeder roads, aiming to cut transport costs and post-harvest losses while boosting value-chain access for 550,000+ people. Energy Shock Hits Farmers: Global bodies warn Middle East conflict is draining oil inventories via the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up fuel and fertilizer costs and raising risks for food security and livelihoods. Hurricane Season Preparedness: Jamaica is rolling out $50m in parametric insurance support for 5,000 farmers ahead of the June 1 Atlantic hurricane season. Farm Resilience Planning: Oklahoma cattle producers are urged to complete succession plans now, warning that inaction often leads to auctions and family breakups. Offshore Wind, Jobs & Supply Chains: TotalEnergies filed to build a 1.5 GW offshore wind farm off Normandy, targeting €4.5bn investment and local manufacturing jobs. Policy Support for Edible Oils: India’s NMEO-OS shows uneven fund releases in Jammu and Kashmir, even as the mission targets higher domestic oilseed output. Global Trade Diplomacy: Canada and China are restarting higher-level engagement, with agriculture flagged as a cooperation priority.

Rural Roads Boost: The World Bank approved $500m for Ghana to upgrade and maintain at least 1,000 km of feeder roads, aiming to cut transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and support rural jobs. Fertilizer Pressure: In the US, farmers and the FTC are clashing over fertilizer pricing, with an FTC probe launched after farmers allege anticompetitive behavior; meanwhile, analysts warn global fertilizer supply and prices could stay tight into fall. Beef Price Gap: Ireland’s beef sector faces political heat as a senator alleges “huge price-gouging” between farmgate and retail, while processors warn demand weakness is squeezing producers. Climate Risk Reality Check: A new climate-focused piece highlights record heat across Europe and beyond, underscoring mounting risks for farms and food systems. Greenhouse Support: Armenia’s economy ministry met greenhouse operators and discussed ways to improve state support and export diversification as greenhouse area expands. Food Security Partnerships: Russia promoted farm and food-security cooperation with Cebu, pitching trade and investment links. Worker Inclusion: Canada’s migrant farm workers are urged to get a formal seat in Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program talks, pushing for stronger social dialogue. Agri Preparedness: India’s Kharif 2026 roadmap emphasizes seed buffers, credit, crop insurance reforms, and state-specific plans. Animal Health & Safety: A major chicken farm fire in Cheshire left large sheds destroyed, while separate reports flag ongoing security and health concerns around livestock.

Foot-and-mouth fight: South Africa’s livestock sector is in open protest as a court ruling limits but supports private FMD vaccination, setting up a fast-moving legal showdown over who controls vaccine management. Fertiliser squeeze: Myanmar farmers say Iran-linked fuel and fertiliser shocks are hitting planting just as costs spike, while South Africa’s input dependence (fertiliser imports) leaves producers exposed to global price swings. Nitrogen rethink: Australian growers are scrambling for alternatives as fertiliser disruption bites, with new nitrogen-efficiency products and biofertiliser trials (including mycorrhizal fungi in rice) pointing to lower-input pathways. Climate and planting contingency: India’s Kharif planning leans on El Niño preparation, with districts and crop changes being lined up and seed availability prioritized. Trade and value chains: Russia’s ag exports to China jumped sharply, and South Africa’s zero-tariff access to China is pushing apples and pears toward premium, quality-focused positioning. Global poverty know-how: China launched a new partnership for poverty reduction, aiming to share policy and capacity-building lessons with dozens of countries. Agri-tech and resilience: The Philippines and Japan doubled down on the Luzon Economic Corridor, explicitly including agribusiness and supply-chain upgrades.