AGP Executive Report

Climate & water stress: In the Philippines, Sablayan farmers are reshaping cropping plans as El Niño threatens water supplies, prioritizing irrigated rice and shifting some non-irrigated land toward lower-water crops while seeking solar-powered irrigation support. Irrigation investment: Kenya is assessing the Turkwel Dam in Turkana for rehabilitation costing over Sh500m to revive irrigation for about 1,600 farmers. Farm costs & protests: Portugal saw tractor protests over fuel and production-cost pressures, with growers warning they may cut back activity. Plant breeding policy shift: Western Canadian farmers are stepping in to keep wheat and barley variety development moving as Agriculture Canada’s public breeding role shrinks. Food prices & trade shocks: The UN FAO says global food prices hit their highest level in nearly four years, driven by El Niño fears, Black Sea trade disruption, and logistics strains. Agri value-add & support: Cambodia is pushing local processing via a major agriculture forum (CAFE26), while the Philippines and KOICA-backed agribusiness incubation center aims to help marginal farmers move beyond production. Sustainable seafood: ASC reports nearly 7,000 environmental and social improvements across certified farms in 51 countries. Agritech & data: Omnia opened a Stellenbosch analytical services facility to speed soil and plant testing for producers. Coffee spotlight: FAO marked the inaugural International Coffee Day, focusing on resilient, climate-smart production for smallholders.

Drought and El Niño hits food production: Philippines’ Agusan del Sur declared a state of calamity after prolonged El Niño cut irrigation and damaged crops worth about P3.5bn, with rice farmers among the hardest hit. Rural connectivity for farm markets: World Mobile launched SuperWiFi in Siargao (farm/fish market, boardwalk, town center church, Bravo Resort), using short paid passes to reach cellular dead zones. Global fruit trade outlook: USDA projects 2026/27 global nectarine and peach exports rising to 25m tons, driven by production gains in China and the EU, with Türkiye rebounding after frost damage. Fairtrade premium milestone: Fairtrade Canada says Canadian Fairtrade sales pushed the Fairtrade Premium above $10m, funding farmer and worker co-ops. Milk price signals: Major processors set October–November farmgate milk prices (Müller up to 37ppl/37.5ppl; First Milk 39.0ppl; Arla conventional 40.86ppl, organic 58.25ppl). Supply-chain resilience push (Nigeria): Stakeholders called for stronger links across farmers, processors, logistics, finance and markets to close storage and access gaps. Climate-resilient rebuilding (Sri Lanka): World Bank approved $110m to repair 600km of cyclone-damaged roads, prioritizing market access for farmers. Coffee livelihoods spotlight: UN-backed International Coffee Day theme centers on the people behind every cup and sustainable agrifood systems.

Drought Fallout (Philippines): Agusan del Sur declared a province-wide state of calamity after El Niño cut irrigation and damaged about 36.4% of agricultural output, with rice hit hardest—over 35,000 hectares affected and nearly P3.5B in losses. Food Security & Water (UAE/UN): The UAE used UN General Assembly week to push commitments for the 2026 UN Water Conference, linking investment, technology/AI, and humanitarian water resilience. Livestock & Markets (Kenya): Nairobi’s ASK show launched a live livestock auction, with top bulls and goats fetching hundreds of thousands of shillings and highlighting growing tech in ag trade. Farm Costs & Fuel Policy (US/Arkansas/Indiana): Arkansas and Indiana eased dyed-diesel rules and extended gas-tax relief to blunt high diesel costs for farmers and loggers, while the US Ag Secretary hinted more short-term help “very soon.” Agriculture Governance (India/Nagaland): Nagaland called for SDG indicator flexibility and tighter field monitoring, urging better delivery of services and market links for local farm products. Global Seeds (CIMMYT): CIMMYT shipped thousands of wheat and maize accessions to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, expanding a safety backup for future breeding under climate stress. Sustainable Fisheries (Philippines): BFAR began reproductive research on octopus “pugita” to support sustainable management in major producing regions. Rural Livelihoods (Guyana): Guyana launched Agriculture Month 2026, spotlighting women and youth driving agro-processing and innovation.

El Niño hit hard in the Philippines: The Department of Agriculture says intensified El Niño is damaging rice, corn, cassava and livestock across 14 regions, with losses put at P6.87bn affecting over 223,000 farmers; officials are deploying pumps and interventions while warning some areas may not recover. Farm finance under strain in South Africa: Land Bank temporarily paused new blended finance applications after funding ran short, raising fresh questions about whether transformation money reaches farmers when they need it. Wheat farmers squeezed by delayed payments in Kurdistan: Farmers report unpaid government dues after harvest, pushing them toward private buyers and threatening trust in guaranteed purchase schemes. Global sugar trade pressure: Texas Tech updated a study on foreign sugar subsidies and trade barriers, finding direct subsidies nearly doubled since 2005 and that tariffs or quotas protect domestic markets. Food system tech and data: Expana launched Expana IQ Connect to feed AI procurement tools with benchmark commodity intelligence, while Nigeria moves to build a single digital farmers register to fix fragmented farm data. Aquaculture innovation: GS E&C completed a land-based Atlantic salmon trial in Busan using recirculating systems that reuse up to 99% of water. Policy and standards for farmers: India’s agriculture minister announced an FTA awareness drive so farmers know export products and quality requirements.

El Niño Impacts Food Production: The Philippines’ DA says El Niño is hitting rice, corn, cassava and livestock across 14 regions, with damage and losses at P6.87B affecting 223,214 farmers and 249,028 hectares, plus 338 water pumps and P10.96B in interventions. Farmworker Safety: A North Carolina case highlights how dangerous heat exposure can turn deadly when employers fail to provide basic rest, water and supervision, with the worker later diagnosed with heat stroke. Climate-Smart Standards: ISO released ISO 20001 for food loss and waste management, adding to Canada’s national measurement standard to help businesses track and cut waste across supply chains. Global Ag Finance & Irrigation: Azerbaijan and the World Bank discussed the CRAIS project to boost agricultural competitiveness and irrigation/drainage services. Dairy Trade & Tech: Dane County welcomed back World Dairy Expo as a global dairy hub, while Michigan’s Farm to Family grants backed regenerative value chains. Policy & Markets: Korea’s ruling party moves to widen farmland buyers beyond the Farmland Bank, using local nonprofits and cooperatives to absorb future land sales. Energy Costs for Farmers: East Texas expanded emergency dyed-diesel rules for farm and timber haulers, aiming to ease operating pressure.

Climate & water risk: EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen says extreme heat, drought and wildfires this summer may have caused €14–€17bn in damage, with grass shortages hitting livestock; he urged more water storage, smarter irrigation and mandatory insurance as only 12% of EU farm output is insured. Food security & El Niño: Sri Lanka faces a potential rice shock as El Niño could cut the Maha 2026/27 paddy harvest by 30%, with added pressure from input dependence and possible export curbs. Poultry volatility: Sri Lanka’s egg and chicken prices are being buffeted by global feed commodity swings and shipping costs, showing how imported inputs transmit world shocks to local farms. Ag tech & solar irrigation: Sri Lanka’s Deep Tec is moving from solar pumping into smart, automated, remotely monitored irrigation. Farm finance & policy: Canada plans to keep phasing out seven agriculture research centres despite a committee call to pause, while the UK’s CAP budget talks face pressure from Irish farm groups warning of “disaster” without a stronger deal. Market access & trade: Davao agri exporters reported P3.41bn in sales and deals-in-negotiation at CAEXPO 2026; Uruguay’s shipping lines warn a port labour dispute is damaging the country’s international standing. Sustainable sourcing: A global cage-free egg progress report finds most companies are meeting commitments, but a shrinking group still lags. Fertilizer capacity: KBR says SABIC Agri-Nutrients selected its ammonia Purifier tech for a major Saudi plant, boosting urea output and aiming to support global food security.

Diesel shock hits farms and food logistics: Record EU diesel prices are driving up freight costs and squeezing farmers and businesses, while the U.S.-China tariff truce extended to Jan. 10 leaves soybeans excluded from new purchase commitments. Fuel relief measures: Georgia suspended its gas tax for 30 days, Texas eased rules on dyed diesel and raised weight limits for fuel, agricultural goods and timber, and Louisiana declared a diesel emergency for farmers and loggers. Water security push: A global groundwater resilience plan calls for better monitoring and aquifer management as aquifers decline worldwide; South Africa’s irrigation roundtable focused on inclusive, sustainable irrigation development. Ag policy and trade: FAO’s forestry committee urged integrating forests into food security; Ghana’s agriculture ministry appealed against withdrawal from a World Bank food resilience programme. Farm innovation: Kazakhstan proposed smart irrigation that cuts water use in field tests; FMC filed for Brazil approval of rimisoxafen to tackle resistant weeds. Food access: California signed a farmer-to-food-bank tax credit to keep surplus produce flowing to hungry families. Local agriculture snapshots: Western Cape expanded rabies vaccination campaigns; Arkansas launched a national honey bee health survey.

Food loss & waste: The Upcycled Food Association and partners are gearing up for International Food Loss and Waste Day (Sept. 29) with a new global upcycled-food research symposium, spotlighting how upcycled ingredients can cut waste and costs across supply chains. Biodiversity & value chains: Slow Food launched new global coalitions for cacao, cider and drinks, linking producers, traders and hospitality players around fair value and biodiversity as climate and standardization pressure supply. Trade & farm inputs: China and the US agreed tariff cuts on $60bn of goods, including major farm products (but notably excluding soybeans), with a longer trade truce also in play. Livestock security: Senegal is funding a national livestock theft strategy (CFA 1bn) and moving toward electronic identification and traceability pilots. Water resilience: Bangladesh is accelerating river restoration and canal works, including re-excavating 680 km of waterways, plus groundwater monitoring via a digital dashboard. Drought risk on farms: South Sulawesi rice farmers are “gambling” on delayed rains and limited groundwater, with stunted plots and failed irrigation threatening yields. Wildlife pressure: Japan reports sharply rising raccoon damage to crops, with losses nearing 700m yen annually as the animals spread into cities. Ag policy & governance: Namibia’s business chamber urges strict compliance after Foot-and-Mouth Disease is confirmed in a previously FMD-free zone, warning of wider value-chain disruption.

Fuel-cost squeeze: Rising diesel prices are hitting farms hard, from Montana potato operations running on diesel generators to U.S. pumpkin growers facing higher fuel and operating bills, with USDA projecting farm expenses topping $490bn. Policy and conflict impacts on food systems: Yemen’s agriculture ministry condemned airstrikes on Taiz’s central market, while Namibia’s Bank Windhoek reaffirmed N$2m for the FMD fight after the disease was found in a previously free zone. Aquaculture and welfare standards: Japan tested sponge-based biofilm reactors to cut nitrogen buildup in recirculating fish farms, and a new manual offers practical welfare benchmarks for shrimp health in commercial systems. Water and rivers under pressure: World Rivers Day activities highlighted irrigation and watershed concerns around India’s Singur Dam, while reporting from the Dominican Republic points to deforestation and untreated wastewater as major threats to key rivers. Farm livelihoods and security: South Africa’s farm-attack debate continued with a Washington commemoration of victims, alongside renewed attention to rural stress and suicide risks in North Dakota. Agri trade and market access: Ghana’s sesame push gained momentum via a partnership to export 500+ acres of white sesame to international markets. Food culture and sustainability: Slow Food’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto wrapped with a renewed political mandate for food justice and biodiversity.

Agricultural diplomacy: Türkiye is stepping up farm diplomacy to protect supply chains amid the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East disruptions, including talks on fertilizer shipments and plant health/quarantine with Russia and China. Food security pressure: Jordan’s rising farm costs are tied to Strait of Hormuz-linked fertilizer shocks, with urea and ammonia prices climbing sharply in 2026. Trade for farmers: India and the Gulf are moving toward an India-GCC free trade deal, aiming to boost market access for Indian exports and deepen supply-chain links. Cocoa value-add: Bougainville farmers and officials are pushing downstream cocoa processing and tighter quality rules, with plans for SEZ-linked processing capacity. Diesel squeeze: Kansas and New Brunswick farmers face elevated diesel costs through 2027, driven by crude prices and disrupted fuel flows. Climate risk to crops: Forecasters warn a potentially record-strong El Niño could bring drought and food-insecurity risks across Asia and beyond. Policy bottleneck: England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive budget was fully allocated in six hours, leaving many farmers shut out. Animal health: Australia launched a public bird flu campaign urging people to avoid touching sick/dead birds and report cases. Global ag markets: The Philippines rebounded to become the world’s No. 2 banana exporter in 2025 after recovery from disease impacts.

Global banana trade: The Philippines bounced back to become the world’s No. 2 banana exporter in 2025, shipping about 3 million metric tons (+30% year-on-year) after recovery from Fusarium wilt (TR4) and other disruptions, per FAO. Farm finance after disasters: Jamaica’s Red Cross and the agriculture ministry will deliver $192m in cash grants to 1,600 farmers, fishers and small businesses hit by Hurricane Melissa, with payouts routed through RADA, NFA and the NFA. Diesel squeeze: Diesel prices above $6 a gallon are pressuring U.S. farmers and truckers, raising costs across supply chains and forcing surcharges and price pressure. Succession stress relief: An Irish startup launched “Furrow,” an AI tool that helps successors take over farms using a WhatsApp-style system to store farm history, schemes and compliance guidance. Grain export windfall: Argentina is projected to generate near-record grain export earnings in 2027 (about $40bn) as strong prices and supply shocks lift shipments. Climate and water risk: Fiji’s agriculture minister urged farmers to store water and plan early livestock and crop actions as prolonged Super El Niño dry conditions loom. Fertilizer exports: Belarus ranked 10th globally for fertilizer exports in 2024, shipping 2.44m tons of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium products.

Global Investment & Agri Linkages: Azerbaijan’s Second International Investment Forum in Baku is drawing major investors and expects deals spanning agriculture, water resources, AI, and renewables—another sign the region is pitching itself as a connectivity hub. Trade & Exports: Spain’s Comunitat Valenciana says agro-food exports hit €6.22bn in Jan–Jul 2026 (about a quarter of total exports), with a positive trade balance—proof of continued competitiveness abroad. Farm Policy Pressure (US): Wisconsin producers are pushing lawmakers for a new Farm Bill, arguing farmers need certainty after years without one. Fuel Shock for Farmers: Diesel remains a major threat to farm margins as wet harvest conditions in Manitoba delay work and Kansas economists warn prices could stay high through 2027 amid global supply disruptions. Water-Secure Agriculture: UAE and UNGA discussions put water stress at the center of food security, noting agriculture uses most freshwater withdrawals and needs faster implementation, not just plans. Drought Relief (India): Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas and rolled out a 12-point concessions package, including loan and revenue relief. Food System Safety & Regulation: Kenya tobacco stakeholders want changes to a proposed Tobacco Control Bill, warning of added costs that could squeeze farmers and traders. Land & Livelihood Under Threat: In the West Bank, volunteers dismantled a decades-old Palestinian farm after demolition orders—highlighting how conflict can directly disrupt agriculture.

Diesel Shock: Record diesel prices are squeezing farmers and truckers ahead of harvest, with Kentucky and Ohio producers reporting major budget hits as conflicts disrupt fuel routes and policymakers weigh possible U.S. diesel export limits. Fuel Markets: Analysis links any export restriction debate to global fuel price pressure, while UK and Scotland forecourts show diesel topping £2 a litre in many rural and island areas. Ag Policy & Compliance: California’s Farm Employer Labor Service expands help for growers facing labor, safety, pesticide and wage-and-hour rules, while a new Iowa Secretary of Agriculture candidate frames water quality and cancer concerns alongside fuel-price strain. Farm Income Diversification: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust offer up to $10,000 grants for Farm to Stay agritourism, and New York launches a “State of Cider” tourism push with Airbnb to connect cider regions to visitors. Worker Health: The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe urge sun-safety and early detection for agricultural workers during National Farm Safety and Health Week. Global Ag Cooperation: CIMMYT and the Turkic States Organization discuss seed production, climate adaptation and capacity building as UNGA-era cooperation talks continue.

Farm policy backlash: UK Defra is reviewing the Sustainable Farming Incentive after its 2026 application window closed in under six hours, with the full £253m snapped up and farmers left disappointed; officials say they’re exploring alternatives to first-come, first-served for 2027. Beef labeling push: A US Senate Farm Bill move would bring back mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, requiring labels for where cattle were born, raised and slaughtered, while industry groups warn of added costs and supply-chain disruption. Fuel squeeze for growers: Reuters reports market talk of a possible US diesel export ban is widening the gap between US crude and global Brent, with analysts warning refiners could cut runs—raising risks for future fuel prices that farmers already feel during harvest. Natural farming results: Gujarat trials found natural farming more than doubled turmeric yields versus conventional chemical methods, with soil microbes and returns also differing. Sea-level rise funding gap: Malaysia urged stronger international solidarity at the UN, warning sea-level rise threatens water security, agriculture and infrastructure, and calling for adaptation finance and monitoring. Agrifood investment: The World Bank approved $750m for Türkiye’s agrifood transformation project to expand farmer finance and rural jobs. Agrivoltaics trend: A growing US approach pairs solar with crops and grazing, using shade and cooler panels to support yields and energy output.

Fuel Shock for Harvest: Diesel and gas prices are spiking again, squeezing U.S. farmers during peak harvest and raising fears of higher grocery costs. Policy Pressure on Smuggling: Philippines Sen. Kiko Pangilinan urged the DOJ and NBI to pursue wealthy agricultural smugglers after smuggling cases were dismissed over missing documents. Food System Under Fire: A UNCTAD report says Gaza’s economy is in the world’s “most severe crisis on record,” with agriculture and industry down sharply and food prices soaring. AI at the UN: Nigeria’s Tinubu, via VP Shettima, pushed for responsible AI use—explicitly including agriculture—while warning against destructive deployment. Trade + Tech Diplomacy: Trump and Xi met in Washington with AI, trade, Taiwan and security on the agenda, signaling continued uncertainty for global ag markets. Research and Data Tools: USDA launched AgInsights to make farm statistics easier to access, while Canada’s Lacombe R&D centre closure sparked renewed debate over keeping agricultural research capacity. Sustainable Farming Innovation: India’s CSIR research highlights red seaweeds that can clean shrimp-farm wastewater fast, pointing to practical pollution control. Organic Sector Momentum: Ireland’s National Organic Awards spotlight continued growth in organic production and market value.

Trade & Prices: US farmers are pressing for China to buy more US soybeans, grains and meat and to ease retaliatory tariffs as Trump and Xi meet, though analysts expect only a recommitment to prior crop targets rather than new deals. Conflict & Food Supply: Russian strikes hit Ukraine again, killing agricultural workers and damaging storage sites, raising fears for winter resilience and food-system disruption. Ag Tech & Productivity: China’s ninth Farmers’ Harvest Festival showcased autonomous harvesting and robotic fruit picking, highlighting rising labor costs and the push toward smarter farm operations. Digital Agriculture Policy: Spain’s Ifapa is driving Digisost.OLI to guide olive-grove digitalization through tech adoption plus public-policy design aimed at sustainability and competitiveness through 2030. Farm Safety & Enforcement: California reports haphazard pesticide enforcement, with thousands of regulatory actions yielding few meaningful fines, while farm safety week spotlights ongoing risks to workers. Climate Finance: Tunisia is building a pipeline of agriculture, water and marine projects to unlock Green Climate Fund and loss-and-damage support. Women & Budgets: Nigeria’s SWOFON says a SPARK project helped hundreds of thousands of women farmers engage state budget processes, though agriculture allocations still miss key benchmarks. Pest Threats: Hungary detected spotted lanternfly in the EU for the first time, triggering quarantine measures to protect vineyards and fruit crops.