AGP Executive Report

Disaster Recovery in the Philippines: Tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon (habagat) have damaged agriculture worth ₱1.03B, hitting 25,662 hectares and 30,073 farmers across multiple regions; rice took the biggest hit (₱589.44M, 16,105 MT), with high-value crops also badly affected, and the DA says more losses may surface as assessments continue while it prepares ₱177.67M in seeds and other inputs plus NFA rice aid. Crop Insurance Push: The Philippine House approved HB 10365 to expand the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s coverage for farmers and fisherfolk, adding protection for high-value crops, livestock, aquaculture, fishery products, agroforestry, and more against calamities, diseases and pests. Kenya Seed Crackdown: Kenya’s agriculture ministry announced a fresh crackdown on counterfeit seeds, warning fake maize inputs can fail months later and deepen farmers’ losses as weather stress grows. Liberia Solar Boost: Liberia’s electricity regulator issued a 20MW solar license to LEC for Mount Coffee, backed by a World Bank project, aiming to cut diesel dependence and add capacity for 200,000+ urban residents. South Africa Pecan Outlook: South Africa’s 2026 pecan harvest is progressing with strong quality—94% of exported nuts so far have kernel percentages above 55%, supporting export potential. Local Market Pressure in Benguet: In the Philippines’ Benguet, farmers dumped cabbage and carrots after low prices and weak buyer demand made transport to trading centers too costly.

Agricultural Insurance Push (Philippines): The House approved HB 10365 to expand and strengthen the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., aiming to protect farmers and fisherfolk from typhoons, floods, drought, crop/livestock/fish diseases, and pests—so one disaster doesn’t spiral into years of debt. Farmgate Pain (Philippines): In Benguet, vegetable growers dumped cabbage and carrots along a road after low prices and fewer buyers made it too costly to haul produce to trading centers, with heavy rains adding more damage. Right-to-Repair Pressure (U.S. farm equipment): A proposed $99 million FTC deal would require John Deere to provide farmers and independent repair shops better access to diagnostic software, manuals, and repair tools, targeting delays that can hit planting and harvest. Drought and Water Stress (U.S.): Lake Powell dropped to a new record low, raising alarms for power generation and downstream water supplies that also affect California farms. Border Tensions Over Farm Policy (India): Haryana sealed the Khanauri border to stop a planned farmers’ march tied to India-US trade and MSP procurement demands. Solar Water for Food Security (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe is expanding solar-powered community gardens with boreholes to keep vegetables growing year-round during drought. Ag Tech for Harvest Labor (UK): A University of Essex spin-out, Versatile RobotX, secured £1m+ to scale crop-picking robots tested with major growers. Local Support & Events: Farm Bureau held a fall market outlook meeting, while Ireland’s Virginia Show gears up for its 83rd edition focused on “Harvesting the Future Together.”

Drought Relief & Trust in the UK: UK PM Andy Burnham unveiled a £65m drought support package as farmers warn heat and low rainfall are pushing yields down and costs up, with Burnham also facing criticism that help is arriving too late and that government must rebuild farmers’ trust. Input Support in the Philippines: In Batac City, Ilocos Norte, 555 registered farmers received foliar fertilizer to sustain high-value crops and cut production costs during costly input pressures. Onion Self-Sufficiency in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture aims to boost local big onion output to cover about half of national needs in the upcoming Yala season, using training to raise yields and manage expenses. Hop Farmers Turn to Solar: Germany’s hop sector is shrinking fast as climate stress and falling beer demand drive closures; one Bavarian grower is trialing solar “hats” to protect harvests and stabilize income. Pollinator Focus: National Honey Bee Day highlighted how extreme heat affects hives, with bearding and wing-fanning used to cool colonies and protect pollination. Aquaculture Water Management: Zimbabwe’s aquaculture guidance stresses oxygen-first pond management for El Niño conditions, including reduced stocking, deeper water, aeration, and careful feeding. Disaster Calls in Ilocos: A farmers’ group urged comprehensive aid after monsoon flooding damaged crops, fishponds, irrigation, and equipment, warning livelihoods were already strained before the storms. Food System Resilience: A separate push in Zimbabwe links value addition to competitiveness as the country targets agro-industrial growth by 2030.

Drought Relief in the UK: UK PM Andy Burnham announced a £65m support package for drought-hit farmers, including help for environmental schemes and new on-farm reservoirs, after the driest July on record raised fears of lower yields and higher food prices. Crop Progress in Canada: Saskatchewan’s harvest is still only about 2% complete, with cooler, scattered showers easing some stress but dry conditions continuing to limit topsoil moisture. Heat Stress in Pakistan: Date workers in Sindh say extreme heat is becoming “unbearable,” with reports of heatstroke and fainting during the peak harvest. Disaster Aid Push in CNMI: Senate VP Corina Magofna is urging local agriculture officials to pursue more disaster funding for CNMI farmers and ranchers after super typhoons damaged livelihoods. Food Security via Gardens: Philippines Sen. Francis Pangilinan wants community and school gardens institutionalized through the Gulayan sa Barangay at Paaralan Act to fight hunger and malnutrition. Oil Palm Expansion in Ghana: TCDA says it will boost Ghana’s palm oil output through regulation, plantation growth, and value-chain development to close the production gap. El Niño Warning for Latin America: NOAA says there’s a 95% chance of very strong El Niño by late 2026, raising risks for rainfall and farming across the region. Flood Damage in the Philippines: A peasant group in Ilocos Sur is calling for urgent government assistance after monsoon flooding damaged crops, fishponds, and farm infrastructure. Fisheries Focus in Bangladesh: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman highlighted fisheries as key to food security, jobs, exports, and sustainable growth, urging a modern, science-based sector. Ukraine Harvest Hit by Drone: A Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia killed a harvest worker and damaged a combine harvester and wheat field. Palm Oil Self-Sufficiency in Ghana: TCDA’s roundtable aims to turn policy into practice for the “Red Gold” push.

Drought Relief in the UK: Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £65m package for drought-hit farmers, adding £50m to the Sustainable Farming Incentive and £15m for on-farm reservoirs, as England faces official drought and livestock producers are already burning through feed reserves. Heat and Water Stress: Farmers across Europe and the UK report harvest damage and animal feed shortages as heatwaves and dry spells intensify, while Oklahoma drought worsens and ranchers are forced to buy extra feed. Crop and Livestock Risk: In the Philippines, the PCIC approved P36m in payouts for 5,005 farmers after monsoon flooding, with rice the biggest insured loss. Farm Policy and Peacebuilding: The Philippines’ agriculture and peace office are designing a livelihood program to move former rebels into plantation-style farming tied to private buyers. Local Farming Impacts: In India’s Warangal, deficient rainfall cut rice sowing sharply and the state expanded farmer support and insurance; in Kashmir, torrential rain and hailstorms damaged paddy and orchards. Land Use Pressure: A Midlands report flags a massive housing plan that could swallow good crop-growing land, raising fresh questions about farmland protection. Innovation and Research: Scientists identified a wheat gene variant (TaSCE1-A1) that boosts drought resistance, pointing to new breeding options.

Storm Claims & Crop Damage: The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. will pay about P36M to 5,005 farmers after typhoons and southwest monsoon rains, with rice taking the biggest hit (P25.6M) and Ilocos and Central Luzon leading losses. Drought Pressure & Harvest Uncertainty: Germany’s drought is blamed for roughly 3 million tons of grain and rapeseed losses since mid-June, while Missouri soybean yield forecasts slid as heat and dry soil hit key reproductive stages. Feed Security Worries: In Ireland, Sinn Féin and farm groups are urging the government to prepare for a fodder crisis after hot, uneven rainfall cut grass growth and threatens next spring’s feed supply. Input Costs & Farm Cashflow: U.S. farmers are bracing for higher 2027 costs as fuel and fertilizer stay elevated, and UK lender Lloyds is rolling out tailored support as dry weather strains yields, feed, water use and cashflow. Biosecurity & Orchard Risk: A New Zealand orchardist reflects on lessons from Psa, warning growers to treat biosecurity like insurance and manage what moves on and off farms. Trade Disruption: Ukraine’s export logistics problems could leave more than half of planned 2026/27 exports stuck, threatening farmer liquidity and the next sowing season. Market Access & Partnerships: The USDA is moving to better integrate seafood into federal funding and services via a new partnership with the University of Maine, while the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria launches “Freedom 250” to deepen agricultural trade and livestock investment.

Weather & Harvest Losses: Typhoons and southwest monsoon rains are driving fresh farm damage claims in the Philippines, with PCIC set to pay P36M for insured losses affecting 5,005 farmers, led by rice in Ilocos and Central Luzon. Drought & Feed Pressure: Ireland’s farm groups are warning of a coming fodder crunch as hot, dry weather cuts grass growth, pushing calls to reconvene the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. Water & Logistics Stress: Ukraine’s grain exports could be sharply constrained if Black Sea shipping problems persist, threatening farmer cashflow and raising global food price pressure. Farm Finance & Risk: UK lender Lloyds says it’s stepping up support for drought-hit farmers, offering working capital, repayment holidays and other tailored relief. Policy & Inputs: Tamil Nadu poultry producers are asking for power tariff concessions and subsidy support to keep new sheds viable, while Cebu is pushing to expand corn production with better market access and post-harvest facilities. Ag Tech & Knowledge Transfer: Spain’s IVIA is rolling out plant health, digital livestock and sustainable crop training through workshops, including recovery guidance after extreme weather.

Storm Damage in the Philippines: Tropical storms Maymay and Luis plus the southwest monsoon have battered farms in Pangasinan and Oriental Mindoro, with initial damage estimates reaching P127M in Pangasinan (palay worst at P89.5M) and P56M in Oriental Mindoro (heaviest in Naujan at P26.4M), including losses to rice, vegetables, corn, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate Pressure on Farming: Europe’s heatwaves are forcing emergency energy steps and worsening drought impacts, with farmers warning of yield losses and feed shortages. Wildlife Conflict and Crops: Nepal’s human-wildlife conflict is intensifying as rhinos, tigers, and elephants raid farms, while Southern Africa faces higher elephant crop-raiding risk as farms and settlements expand and protected areas dry out. Policy and Inputs: California moves to phase out paraquat after manufacturers withdrew health data, while India’s Kerala expands certified wild boar shooting statewide to speed responses to crop and safety threats. Water and Resilience: UK farm leaders stress food security depends on water storage and infrastructure as drought deepens. Ag Tech Caution: A Chinese farmer reportedly lost nearly 25 acres after trusting an AI-generated pesticide/weedkiller plan.

Ag Tech & Farm Management: Saskatchewan’s AG360 pitches an “operating system” that links books, grain marketing, bin inventory, machinery, labor/HR and agronomy in one place for faster decisions. Harvest & Field Safety: As harvest nears in southeast Saskatchewan, Redvers Fire & Rescue urges drivers to watch for wide headers, power lines and unexpected equipment movement. Drought & Food Supply: UK organic supplier Riverford warns drought is creating major vegetable gaps, with write-offs and lower potato yields; salmon shortages also loom as water stress worsens. Irrigation Under Pressure: India’s Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme is feeding reservoirs on an on-off basis to protect tail-end fields and discourage fresh paddy. Value Addition: Wokha’s Thchutho Cooperative FPO opened a food processing unit for banana chips, banana beverages and lemon products to cut post-harvest losses. Horticulture Shortfalls: Ghana faces big tomato and ginger supply gaps, with researchers pointing to weak seed systems, limited irrigation and disease pressure. War & Exports: Ukraine’s farmers say Russia’s Black Sea blockade is trapping harvests as ports shut and grain sales stall. Security Risks to Farmers: A Kogi State farmer in Nigeria was killed by suspected bandits while working his farm, raising fears for rural safety. Policy/Payments: Ireland reports €17.7m in TAMS 3 payments to women farmers so far, with more approvals under the Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme.

Drought Response: South Korea’s southeast is mobilizing fire engines, tankers and even Army water trucks to keep crops alive as agricultural water shortages hit thousands of hectares in South Gyeongsang Province. Heat Damage: South Korea’s record heat is leaving some potato fields “boiled” in the ground, with farmers in Gangwon digging up spoiled harvests. Monsoon Losses: In the Philippines, Zambales reports preliminary ag damage of about P4.83M from monsoon rains, with rice taking the biggest hit. Sugar Industry Tension: Fiji’s NFU rejects proposals to close western sugar mills and concentrate production in the north, warning growers face growing uncertainty. Pest Threat: Mindanao sugarcane farmers ask for emergency cash help after red-striped soft-scale insect infestations spread across multiple provinces. Innovation & Inputs: Nepal is testing AI to detect crop-raiding macaques and alert farmers faster, while New Zealand speeds up approvals for hazardous substances so growers can access pest-control products sooner. Policy & Mechanisation: Nigeria unveils a mechanisation policy aiming for a tractor assembly push and a shift toward private, service-based machinery access. Food Processing Boost: India’s Thchutho FPO opens a food processing unit to cut post-harvest losses and add value to bananas and other crops. Agrivoltaics: A Virginia community farm shows how agrivoltaics can pair food production with clean power.

USDA Crop Watch: USDA cut its 2026 U.S. sorghum outlook to 296.44 million bushels as drought trims both yield and acreage, and also lowered wheat production estimates to 1.531 billion bushels, the smallest combined crop in decades. Market Signals: Corn and soybean futures bounced after USDA’s August WASDE lowered yield guesses but lifted harvested area, keeping supplies tighter than last month. Budget Pressure: Farmers in north Alabama say summer rain helped corn, cotton and soybeans, but high fertilizer prices and trade uncertainty are squeezing 2027 budgets; agronomists also stress managing seed and nitrogen efficiently to protect margins. Drought & Feed Safety: North Dakota warns drought-stressed forages can spike nitrate levels, urging producers to test before feeding. Water Aid: Oregon announced drought mitigation grants and water infrastructure support for eligible rural bodies, tribes, nonprofits and small businesses. Ag Tech Cautionary Tale: A Chinese farmer reportedly lost 25 acres after following AI pesticide advice, underscoring the need for expert checks. Policy & Innovation: Nigeria unveiled a national mechanisation policy aimed at boosting private investment and reducing reliance on imported farm machinery. Conservation: New York AG Letitia James awarded $505,000 for pollinator projects in underserved communities.

Public Health & Livestock Biosecurity: Texas faces fresh concern after the New World screwworm was reported to have returned after 44 years, with experts warning ranchers and veterinarians about the flesh-eating threat to cattle and raising questions about human health impacts. Science Trust: A UK commentary argues that public trust in science stays high but must be protected through clearer, more local communication of scientific benefits. Food Safety: The FDA finalized guidance for fresh-cut produce, urging sanitation controls, supplier checks, safe water, and refrigeration to reduce contamination risks amid recent cyclosporiasis and salmonella outbreaks. Farm Policy: Kentucky farm leaders and officials pushed for Farm Bill progress and expanded ag markets, while USDA reminded producers of Sept. 1 and Sept. 30 crop insurance deadlines for fall-planted crops. Climate & Harvest Risk: Europe’s heat and drought are threatening harvests and could drive food shortages and higher prices, with UK drought conditions already widespread. Water & Conflict Mitigation: Nigeria’s government outlined plans to rehabilitate grazing reserves and build modern ranching settlements to curb farmer-herder clashes, targeting key conflict states and the FCT. Agriculture Infrastructure: Philippines’ Sultan Kudarat signed off on nearly ₱2.4B for farm-to-market road projects to cut travel time and transport costs for coffee and other farm goods.

Monsoon damage in the Philippines: Tropical storms Luis and Maymay plus the southwest monsoon left Zambales with about P2.15M in initial farm losses (rice, fisheries, and irrigation infrastructure) and La Union with around P70M, including 1,041 hectares flooded across 17 towns and major hits to high-value crops, rice, corn, and livestock. Water stress and irrigation cuts: Idaho irrigators warn this year’s water demand is running at ~140% of the historical average while reservoirs are low, forcing crop-by-crop decisions; in India’s Siddipet district, officials say key reservoirs will cover drinking only, not irrigation, and urge farmers to switch crops. Crop progress and weather risk: Iowa corn and soybeans are ahead of last year’s pace after recent rains, but drought persists in parts of the west; India’s monsoon is forecast to be below average in western/central/southern regions, threatening cotton, soybean, corn, and pulses. Food safety: The FDA finalized fresh-produce guidance as outbreaks linked to salmonella and cyclospora continue, while Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products tied to illnesses across 27 states. Ag policy and support: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley says $12B in farm aid could move without controversy, and USDA extended supplemental disaster relief application deadlines to Sept. 30, 2026. Regenerative agriculture push: Heineken UK is partnering to shift barley sourcing to regenerative methods, targeting 50% by 2027.

UK Drought & Food Security: Britain is bracing for what analysts call the worst food security crisis in decades as drought spreads across England, with wheat and oat output falling and farmers warning of knock-on pressure on feed and consumer prices. Water Stress: The UK’s “flash drought” is now tied to heat health alerts and water use restrictions for tens of millions, while officials urge farmers to cut water use and prepare for longer impacts on livestock and forage. El Niño Hits the Pacific: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are warning of worsening dry conditions as a strong El Niño develops, with contingency planning for water shortages already underway. Farm Bill Push in the US: Kentucky ag leaders are urging action on Farm Bill 2.0 after it stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee, keeping crop insurance, research and nutrition support in limbo. Farmers Under Heat in Wales: Welsh farmers can apply for drought support for boreholes, water harvesting and livestock ventilation as hot, dry weather strains crops and grassland. Montana Forage & Wildfire Smoke: In Montana, lingering wildfire smoke may still affect perennial forage recovery and quality, even after some harvests are finished. Global Trade: Vietnam’s pepper exports surged in the first seven months, while China’s zero-tariff policy is expected to open new horticulture opportunities for Zimbabwe. India Support for Small Farmers: India’s PM-KISAN is helping farmers in Kathua invest in seeds, fertiliser and irrigation, boosting potato and vegetable output and sales. Protests & Policy Pressure: India’s Samyukta Kisan Morcha warns of a nationwide “Jail Bharo” agitation from Nov 26 over labour and farm demands, including MSP guarantees.

Drought Pressure Hits UK Farms: England’s driest July since 1836 has pushed about 45 million people (three-quarters) into drought conditions, with hosepipe bans spreading and water levels falling across rivers, reservoirs and groundwater—raising alarms for crop yields and wildfire risk. Irrigation Revival Plan: Kenya’s former cabinet minister Linah Kilimo says she’ll push to revive the stalled Tot-Kolowa irrigation project to restart food production and peace-building in the Kerio Valley. Crop Risk and Compensation Calls: In India’s Kalaburagi, drought-hit farmers appealed for compensation after monsoon failure damaged sown crops and forced replanting. Water-Smart Tech for Work Safety: Weathernews launched an AI agent for businesses and farmers to translate forecasts into practical “when to stop outdoor work” guidance. Farm Insurance Gap: Oregon hazelnut growers are moving to add federal crop insurance after being one of the last major tree nuts without it. Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms-linked Salmonella concerns expanded to ready-to-eat meals with jalapeños, prompting recalls across 24 states. Aquaculture Disaster: South Korea reported 277,000 farmed fish deaths after marine heat, underscoring climate risk to seafood supply. Local Farm Recognition: Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family honor went to Lee County’s Garrett and Robin Dixon.

Water Stress in Pakistan: Sindh says about 18 million acres of farmland sit uncultivated due to water scarcity, and rice farmers face severe shortages from the Rice Canal, sparking months of protests along the Kakool Wah branch near Mehar. Rural Value Addition in Zimbabwe: Lusulu villagers in Binga District are moving beyond subsistence with community agro-processing—grinders, threshers, peanut butter and honey equipment—backed by government and MCC partners. Farm Security in Nigeria: A Benue farmer reportedly abandoned his crops after bandits demanded N500,000 before harvest, highlighting how insecurity is directly cutting food production. Climate-Driven Crop Risk: El Niño-linked price shocks are raising food vulnerability across Asia-Pacific, with reduced rainfall expected to hit farm output and food inflation. Cold-Chain Boost in India: Himachal Pradesh will subsidize 70% of costs for 5 MT cold storages, freeze-dry units and refrigerated vans to cut fisheries post-harvest losses. GI Wins for Fruit and Limes: Thailand granted GI status to Ratchaburi Damnoen Saduak limes and Nam Dok Mai mangoes, protecting growers and supporting higher-value sales. Ag Tech for Feed: Kenya farmers are being urged to expand azolla farming as a low-cost, protein-rich livestock feed that can cut feed costs. Agri-Processing Finance in Pakistan: Karandaaz and Kissan Gudam plan digital financing tied to electronic warehouse receipts and hermetic storage to help smallholders reduce losses and access credit.