AGP Executive Report

Climate shock: Kenya’s farmers face a double hit as crop failures from El Niño are followed by forecasts of even heavier rains and flooding. Urban food access: Sistrunk Seeds is expanding its Overtown urban farm into a new two-acre “People’s Garden,” adding composting, permaculture and community programming. Ag safety & water: Ohio agencies are still responding to the Huston Creek chemical spill after fertilizer leakage triggered low-oxygen conditions and a fish kill; heavy rain worsened containment. Early harvest wins: Athens, Greece’s OAKA project has produced first apples from school-planted trees, linking food education with environmental stewardship. Heat stress: South Dakota feedlots report cattle losses tied to extreme heat and humidity, with shade and sprinklers urged. Policy for farmers: Colorado’s new agriculture laws take effect Aug. 12, covering product origin protections, a diseased livestock indemnity fund, and a future loan program. Sugar market protection: Indonesia will tighten refined sugar imports and require domestic plantation development to shield farmers from price collapse. Data transparency: USDA says it’s improving farm data collection with more producer participation and clearer, more transparent research processes. Water-rights rule change: Washington Ecology will require geologist-stamped hydrogeologic analyses for some water-right changes, raising costs for farmers. Livestock & trade: Philippines renews a DA–IPOPHL push for geographical indications to boost agri-fishery export value. Drought & regulation: Oregon’s court fight over emissions limits is moving faster, with farm groups warning of higher energy and fertilizer costs.

Philippines Food Security Debate: Industry groups praised President Marcos’ Sona for rice subsidies and farm support, but warned the plan may be hard to sustain financially and said it needs deeper focus on agri development and export growth. Drought and Hunger Alerts: Uganda’s Karamoja faces a severe drought-driven hunger crisis, with emergency food distribution underway as deaths and malnutrition risks rise. Climate Risk for Farmers: Europe’s wildfire geography is shifting, with scientists warning more regions will need stronger wildfire preparedness as seasons intensify. Water Pollution vs Factory Farms: Oregon faces a lawsuit over a new water-quality permit for large animal feeding operations, with critics alleging weak monitoring and illegal discharges. Ag Tech and Data Control: Nebraska signed a law protecting farmers’ ownership of agricultural data, while smart-farm connectivity partnerships expand real-time weather and soil monitoring. Farmers vs Data Centers: Willie Nelson urged Texans to oppose proposed data centers near Abbott, warning they could threaten farmland and rural life. Agri Trade and Inputs: Laos reported $23.68m in agricultural exports through Phu Keua in June, and India’s monsoon outlook flags El Niño risks even as July rains may help crops. Nutrition Innovation: Bangladesh’s Gazipur Agricultural University patented a jackfruit seed process that boosts mineral content for use in foods, aiming to cut waste.

Ag Policy & Credit: The U.S. House and Congress are still sorting out how to distribute a potential $12B farm aid package, with disaster assistance and possible updates to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program on the table. Biosecurity Watch: Arizona is preparing for the possible return of New World screwworm as USDA lifts a Mexican cattle import suspension starting Aug. 24 at the Douglas crossing. Farm Safety: Purdue reports Indiana had 6 agricultural confined-space incidents in 2025, including grain entrapments, urging safer procedures before entering bins. Water & Soil Protection: Virginia announced a record $304M for its soil and water conservation cost-share program (VACS), aimed at cutting nutrient and sediment runoff. Climate & Risk: Earth Overshoot Day 2026 lands July 30, underscoring how fast demand is outpacing nature’s ability to regenerate. Input Costs: A volatile fertilizer market could change how farmers buy inputs for 2027, with economists advising split purchasing to manage swings. Conservation on the Ground: Minnesota groups are recruiting volunteers to remove invasive shrubs and restore native prairie habitat. Regenerative Learning: A high school regenerative agriculture program is training students to advocate for soil and water-friendly policies. EU Trade Rules: Americas countries warn EU maximum residue limits could become a trade barrier and call for clearer, science-based approaches. Adaptation in Action: Zimbabwe’s women dairy hubs are using research-backed spineless cactus fodder to buffer herds against drought. Agriculture Education & Cooperatives: The Philippines Senate passed bills to strengthen agricultural and fisheries cooperatives and expand extension and training through a bureau.

Philippines Farm Policy: The Senate passed two agriculture bills on third reading—one to strengthen agricultural and fisheries cooperatives and create a bureau for modernization and training, and another to upgrade the Agricultural Training Institute into a Bureau of Agriculture. Land Rights Tensions: A Quezon priest is challenging President Marcos’ agrarian reform claims, pointing to farmers in Sariaya still facing risk despite land titles. Local Water Management: Michigan farmers and specialists are pushing “water districts” to collect groundwater and stream data so regulators can set irrigation permits with better local information. Market Integrity: Zimbabwe’s government warned farmers to compare private grain offers against the Grain Marketing Board price to avoid being undercut by unscrupulous buyers. Climate Pressure on Farms: Spain’s wildfires have forced mass evacuations and even suspended harvesting with agricultural machinery; Romania faces moderate-to-extreme soil drought hitting corn in key regions. Livestock Health: Bangladesh research links brucellosis to lower milk output, estimating major annual losses for commercial dairy farms. Agri-innovation: China’s Shundi Foods says it’s advancing regenerative agriculture in garlic supply chains with training and input support.

Sugarcane Sector Under Pressure: In Negros, farm workers and small sugar growers urged Marcos to deliver rural economic recovery, citing RSSI pest damage, higher costs, unstable prices, and the “tiempo muerto” income gap—plus calls for stronger pest control, inputs, rehab support, and transparent social protection delivery. Food Security Stress: FAO warns Europe and Central Asia face a shift from “enough food” to affordable healthy diets as climate shocks, conflict, water scarcity, and volatile markets squeeze households. Fertilizer Workarounds: Farmers in Missouri and Kansas are using food-processing residuals as a cheaper nutrient source, boosting soil biology and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizer. Weather Hits Crops: A west-central Indiana grower reports heat and humidity stressing corn and soybeans, with early gray leaf spot showing up after missed rains. Trade for Exports: Saskatchewan pushes to expand canola and peas exports to China, betting on diversified trade ties to stabilize agriculture’s growth. Water Relief for Growers: New York’s USDA disaster designation covers spring frost damage for multiple regions, enabling low-interest emergency loans for fruit and grape growers. Data Center Fight: Environmental groups filed a federal appeal to stop a Boulder City-area data center approval on BLM-managed land, arguing it bypassed proper environmental review.

Environmental Compliance Clash (Philippines): The acting DENR chief said the Pax Silica AI-and-manufacturing hub will face strict environmental rules despite protests over energy, water use, and possible displacement of residents and agricultural workers. Small-Scale Fisheries Pressure (Philippines): Fisherfolk groups staged a “State of the Fisherfolk Address” to warn that commercial fishing, reclamation, and military activity are squeezing municipal waters meant for local fishers. Climate-Smart Farming Push (Ghana): FON piloted gender-responsive climate solutions in Ghana’s Western Region, including climate-proof school roofing and fish-pond upgrades, while Upper East women farmers look to biochar to cope with fertiliser price hikes. Input Cost Squeeze (Spain): COAG says agricultural diesel costs are rising again as oil prices jump and VAT relief on energy products expires, hitting cereal and grape harvest budgets. Water Stress Warning (US): The Dungeness River system is tightening as less mountain snow reduces supply, raising alarms for farms and growing communities. Renewables for Farm Economies (New Zealand): Meridian won consent for a 110 MW solar farm near Morrinsville, aiming to boost reliable power and lower prices. El Niño Planning (Caribbean): Antigua farmers are shifting from planting to land preparation, bracing for water management if El Niño brings heat and irregular rains.

Agri-Trade & Land Rights: In the Philippines, an agricultural workers’ group opposed the US-led Pax Silica “economic security zone” in Central Luzon, warning it could accelerate land conversion, suppress wages, and harm the environment. Food Safety: The US FDA recalled nearly 1.6 million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services in Texas after potential salmonella contamination signs were found during routine monitoring; the eggs were sold under multiple brands across several southern states. Climate & Water Resilience: In England’s Upper Itchen chalk stream, farmers and citizen scientists are teaming up for more frequent water-quality testing and restoration action amid heatwave-driven algal blooms and pollution concerns. Renewables for Farming: Guam’s power authority is moving ahead with new solar power purchase agreements worth about $2.48B over 25 years to boost renewable capacity by 2028. Inputs & Productivity: Nigeria’s Kaduna State flagged off free fertilizer and tractor support for 150,000 smallholders, while India’s Telangana launched seed melas to push lower-water crop options under El Niño conditions. Biotech Regulation: India’s agriculture biotech roundtable urged faster, science-based approvals for GM and genome-edited crops with risk-proportionate rules.

Climate Shock to Food Systems: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut GDP across affected African countries by 1%–2% (about $10–$20B) and trigger migration, with farmers already facing major income losses. Water Infrastructure as Growth Strategy: Zimbabwe is pushing to finish major dams under its “Dam as an Economy Model,” arguing stored water must be converted into irrigation, livestock support, fisheries and livelihoods—not just construction milestones. Budget Watch for Stability: Ghana’s mid-year review is under scrutiny as economists set six tests for sustaining its “economic reset” beyond IMF oversight, including keeping central bank financing off the table. Farmers Demand Real Reform: In the Philippines, a peasant group urges Marcos Jr. to deliver genuine agrarian reform and social justice for agrarian reform beneficiaries ahead of his SONA. Farm Policy Meets the Court: Punjab’s farm stay policy is challenged at India’s NGT, with petitioners arguing it sidesteps environmental safeguards and restrictions on commercial activity. Soil Health Basics: A new explainer highlights how healthy soils store carbon and why mulching matters for climate-smart farming. Drought Risk Alert: FAO flags Botswana as facing high agricultural drought risk tied to strengthening El Niño. Rural Access Boost: Fiji commissioned a new $460k farm road to improve market access for more than 200 farmers. Biodiversity & Livelihoods: Bangladesh’s Sundarbans mangroves are losing recovery capacity under climate stress, threatening coastal protection, fisheries and household income.

Climate & disaster impacts: New York’s spring storms have triggered USDA disaster funding for farmers in 32 counties, with losses topping $30M and growers able to apply for low-interest emergency loans. Farm resilience & planning: Western Queensland researchers say 50 years of weather records point to hotter summers, warmer nights and shifting rainfall—prompting producers to adjust breeding and operations. Organic support: Fiji’s Pacific Community-backed program delivered equipment to nearly 200 organic farmers to cut tool costs and strengthen sustainable, cluster-based production. Food security policy: Labuan is pushing greenhouse farming to reduce its heavy dependence on Sabah imports after past shortages of essentials like eggs and cooking oil. Agri-tech debate: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed his push for a special session to rein in AI data center growth, warning about farmland loss, grid strain and water use. Nigeria insecurity hits food supply: Farmers in Kaduna and Zamfara have been targeted in deadly attacks, with groups warning violence is becoming a direct food system problem. Diversification for income: India’s Mahabubabad district urged farmers to diversify into pulses and less water-intensive crops amid El Niño-linked erratic rains. Value-add & local markets: Benue’s citrus processors are asking farmers to stop exporting raw oranges so local processing can expand and jobs can grow. Sustainable industry example: Kuwait’s Soof Wool Mill highlights how local wool processing can turn research into a circular, energy-efficient green manufacturing model.

Coastal Resilience: Great South Bay oyster farmers say the brutal winter cut plantings and gear hard, but the season is rebounding after repairs; local officials warn overfishing, fertilization, waste disposal and climate change threaten the bay’s future. Plant-Based Policy Push: The EU’s new Protein Action Plan targets more plant proteins for livestock supply chains and schools, but stops short of shifting away from animal agriculture. Weather Risk for Farmers: Kenya Met forecasts El Niño effects starting in October, with above-average rains likely but rainfall still hinging on the Indian Ocean Dipole—while Asia’s rice belt faces worsening dry conditions as El Niño deepens. Fertilizer Security: India approved a new urea investment policy to boost self-reliance and manage foreign-exchange risk as demand rises and overuse concerns grow. Water & Drought Funding: A £1.3M grant scheme in Cambridgeshire backs farmers to improve water efficiency and drought resilience. Dairy Pressure: NFU Scotland urges higher milk prices as hot weather tightens supply and spot prices jump, widening the gap with farmgate returns. Aquaculture Setback: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova shelved its planned commercial octopus farm after regulatory delays. Trade & Value Chains: Nepal and South Korea signed a grant to strengthen fruit and vegetable value chains and legal information access for farmers. Local Tech for Farms: A case-sealing automation upgrade helps a UK salad potato supplier keep up with seasonal labor and output demands.

Farm Policy & Costs: Nebraska farmers warn of deep losses as low crop prices and high input costs squeeze margins, with projections pointing to major row-crop damage in 2026. Specialty Crops Under Pressure: Farm groups say specialty growers are feeling the squeeze too, pushing lawmakers to expand easier-to-access USDA specialty crop assistance. Trade & Inputs: New U.S. tariffs are lifting crude and adding uncertainty for farm input costs, while American soybean leaders urge more tariff exemptions for key agricultural supplies. Disaster Support: USDA is offering Louisiana producers technical and financial help after flooding, including livestock and feed loss programs. Climate Resilience Investing: Singapore’s GIC says it’s stress-testing climate risks and backing adaptation businesses as markets still miss key climate opportunities. On-Farm Climate Tech: A Kansas Wheat “Wheat Rx” program will share conservation-linked research to help growers plan for winter wheat. Biodiversity in Renewables: PacifiCorp and partners are studying whether painting wind turbine blades black can cut bird fatalities. Ag Innovation & Value Chains: Kenya’s tea sector gets a Ksh 65.2M grant for factory modernization, aiming to boost quality and returns for farmers. Sustainable Aquaculture: Greenwave Aotearoa launches a regenerative seaweed farm in New Zealand using modular Norwegian cultivation tech.

Irrigation Boost: Philippines President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, a P866.2m system expected to supply year-round water for 1,072 hectares and stabilize planting for 425 farmers. Heat & Water Stress: Europe’s cereal outlook is worsening after June heatwaves, with Coceral cutting the 27-country grain forecast by about 9 million tonnes and warning of further losses. Soil Health & Natural Farming: India reported 25.89 crore soil health cards issued and natural farming expanding to 8.8 lakh hectares, alongside more soil demonstrations and school programs. Agroecology for Resilience: Kenya says at least five counties have adopted agroecology policies, but implementation and funding are still lagging. Farm Support Payments: Malaysia’s Penang approved a RM500 one-off cash grant for 6,572 padi and vegetable farmers to ease living costs and protect food supply. On-Farm Water Efficiency Funding: Cambridgeshire opened a £1.3m grant pot for farmers to improve water resilience and drought-proof production. Livestock & Climate Debate: Scotland’s wildfire-grazing discussion is back in focus as researchers question simplistic claims about sheep emissions versus wildfire carbon impacts. Tech in Agriculture, With Scrutiny: Namibia faces calls for transparency over a N$39.5m AI crop-monitoring contract awarded to a foreign firm. Aquaculture Innovation: Hatch Blue invested $2m in an Irish startup developing on-site oxygen generation for fish farms to cut reliance on trucked liquid oxygen. Sustainable Mulching Tip: The Philippines Coconut Authority is promoting coconut husk mulching to retain moisture, cool soil, suppress weeds, and add organic matter during El Niño heat and drought.

Irrigation Boost (Philippines): President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, a P866.2M, year-round water system expected to steady harvests on 1,072 hectares and support 425 farmers. Climate Reality Check (US): A new look at Colorado’s record-low snowpack and warming-driven aridification argues the climate threat is no longer theoretical. Land Conservation & Jobs (US): Idaho land trusts are credited with nearly $190M in annual economic activity and 800+ jobs, linking conservation to rural prosperity. Farmland Protection Vote (US): Henderson County residents will likely decide a Nov. 3 bond measure up to $25M to preserve forests, fields, and farms. Renewables vs Land Rights (South Africa): Researchers warn solar expansion on communal land must avoid repeating dispossession, stressing consent and fair governance. Pest Control Innovation (US/Global): Pairwise licensed Fulcrum® CRISPR tools to Agragene for more targeted, biological sterile-insect pest control against spotted wing drosophila. Organic Push (Nepal): Nepal’s PM directed steps to certify organic products domestically and resume certification subsidies while tightening chemical fertilizer and pesticide control. Farm Health & Safety (US): Kansas State University highlights farm dust risks, including organic dust toxic syndrome from moldy grain and hay. Wildfire Response (Ireland): Tipperary farmers are backing emergency efforts as the Slievenamon fire continues, with ongoing concern for upland land management. Aquaculture Uncertainty (Spain): Nueva Pescanova withdrew plans for a commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria amid environmental-permitting delays. Controlled Environment Agriculture (US): NDSU will host a North Dakota CEA conference focused on year-round greenhouse and indoor farming tech.

Climate Resilience & Water Security: Europe’s drought is worsening as extreme heat evaporates water fast, with farmers facing disrupted planting and harvests and officials bracing for major crop impacts. Renewables on Farmland: England is consulting on relaxed rules for small wind turbines, but farmers warn food production must stay the priority and local consultation should be strengthened. Agri-Tech & Carbon Accounting: Ireland tillage farmers are using new tools to measure carbon footprints, tying farm records to emissions per tonne of crop. Sustainable Energy for Irrigation: In India, utilities are accelerating feeder segregation for farms and pairing it with solarisation to improve power reliability for irrigation. Blue Economy & Green Finance: Sri Lanka is pushing a Blue Economy agenda and green finance to back ocean-based growth, jobs, and climate resilience. Biodiversity in the Economy: A global push to mainstream biodiversity across sectors like agriculture and fisheries is gaining traction through voluntary commitments. Animal Health: Nepal reports bird flu hitting 162 poultry farms, with compensation paid to affected farmers. Food Prices: South Africa’s ample crop reserves helped slow food inflation in June, easing pressure even as risks remain. Farm Research & Learning: Illinois’ Dixon Springs Agricultural Center hosted a farm-to-table field day featuring research on specialty crops, heat stress, and natural pest control. Renewable Infrastructure: Offshore wind supply chains keep moving, with new davit crane orders supporting major UK projects.

Food Safety & Supply Chains: Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of bagged iceberg lettuce after a cyclospora link was flagged, then a positive test was later called a false positive by the FDA—still, officials say no samples are confirmed positive as of July 19 while the source investigation continues. Climate & Nature Governance: A third UK Climate and Nature Emergency Briefing returns to Salisbury on July 28, with backers pushing for a prime-time, independent expert broadcast and highlighting impacts on farmers and community resilience. Renewables & Land Use: Scotland’s Whitelee wind farm near Glasgow is set for a full repowering—replacing 215 older turbines with about 124 taller models to boost output and keep the site accessible during the rebuild. US Policy & Farm Programs: A federal court ruling says USDA can’t terminate existing grant agreements just because priorities changed with a new administration, a key win for multi-year conservation and farm research funding stability. Urban/Indoor Agriculture Research: East Texas A&M greenhouse work is exploring practical methods for growing food in urban and indoor settings. Water & Health: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson leads states opposing EPA PFAS rollbacks in drinking water, warning of health risks tied to “forever chemicals.” Regenerative Farming in Practice: ADM, General Mills, and Walmart are backing regenerative wheat practices across 40,000 acres in the Midwest with incentives and technical help for farmers. Livelihoods & Fertilizer Access: Nigeria’s free fertiliser programme is set to reach 12,000 Edo farmers, with distribution tied to state farmer profiling and planned televised accountability. Heat Stress & Oceans: A new report reiterates that the ocean absorbs most excess heat, driving warming impacts that eventually hit land, fisheries, and food security.

Solar vs farmland & water: In Ireland, a councillor warned data centres could consume a huge share of electricity and drive more solar and wind projects, risking arable land loss and future food security. Community solar expansion: Illinois approved four Warren County community solar projects (16.7MW) expected to power about 5,000 homes and generate $1m+ in local tax revenue. Farm energy trade-offs: In California’s Central Valley, drought and pumping limits are pushing some growers toward solar-plus-storage deals to keep land productive. Policy & inputs pressure: France’s emergency farm bill passed with a waiver allowing bee-harming pesticides, prompting the environment minister’s resignation. Livestock modernization: Kenya launched a digital animal traceability push (ANITRAC) aimed at unlocking export-ready meat markets. Regenerative credibility check: FAIRR says big food firms talk regenerative farming but often lack pesticide reduction targets and outcome-based goals. Farm incomes & risk: Ireland’s Teagasc survey shows farm incomes rising in 2025, while England reports farm support scheme errors up 82% to £73.4m. Water for smallholders: South Sudan and Kenya-linked initiatives highlight climate-smart agriculture and irrigation investments to protect yields and livelihoods.