AGP Executive Report

Climate & Water Stress: Greece’s Koroneia Lake has shrunk to a fraction of its size after years of low rainfall and over-irrigation, a stark warning of how drought and climate change are hitting farms and ecosystems. Farmer Distress: In Maharashtra, two farmers died by suicide within 24 hours after drought and failed crops left them unable to repay mounting loans. Drought Response: In Nashik, prolonged dry spells are affecting dozens of revenue circles and putting Kharif crops at risk, while Dhule officials inspected drought-hit fields and promised relief focused on drinking water and fodder. El Niño Watch: South Africa faces higher odds of extreme heat and shifting rainfall as El Niño strengthens into late 2026, with knock-on effects for dams and what farmers can grow. Crop & Market Signals: Corn futures slipped as US stocks rose, while rice harvests are being squeezed in parts of the world by El Niño-linked dry conditions. Policy & Inputs: Indiana extended gas tax relief and eased dyed-diesel rules for harvest-related farm use, aiming to cut operating costs. Innovation for Food Security: Ghana’s AgriTech challenge backed digital tools to connect farmers to buyers and reduce post-harvest losses.

Diesel Relief for Harvest: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun extended a gas tax holiday for 30 days and added new rules easing dyed-diesel restrictions for farmers, aiming to cut costs during fall fieldwork. Fuel Pressure Beyond Farms: Arkansas and South Dakota also moved to temporarily loosen dyed-diesel enforcement and harvest hauling limits as diesel prices stay high. Harvest Disrupted by Weather: Nebraska producers reported rain pausing harvest and forcing logistics changes, while Iowa’s wet September kept fieldwork behind pace. Farm Safety & Health: Iowa State urged drivers and operators to share roads safely as combines and grain trucks hit highways, and Illinois highlighted harvest-season mental health support via Farm SOS and FFA. Conservation & Food Access: Eastern Shore Land Conservancy permanently protected 116 acres in Kent County, while a Maryland “Farm 2 Table” program is routing locally raised meat to food pantries. Crop & Market Signals: USDA grain stocks showed corn supplies above expectations, and cover-crop adoption continues rising, with farmers citing erosion control and weed benefits. Global Ag Watch: El Niño planning ramps up in Zambia, and global cherry production is forecast to hit a record as U.S. output falls on frost and rain.

El Niño Fallout in the Philippines: The Department of Agriculture says El Niño is intensifying and has already damaged rice, corn, cassava and livestock across 14 regions, with losses put at P6.87 billion affecting 223,214 farmers and 249,028 hectares; officials are deploying pumps and interventions as recoverable land is still being assessed. Farmgate vs Retail Gap: In the Philippines, the National Food Authority’s P4 billion plan to buy palay at set prices is criticized as too small (about 1.7% of the expected 10 million tons) and mismatched to farmers’ lack of dryers and storage, leaving traders to buy at lower rates while retail rice stays high. Nutrition-Boosting Crops in Tanzania: Tanzania released three vitamin A-rich banana varieties (Bira, Lahi, Apantu) to tackle vitamin A deficiency, aiming to help farmers diversify and improve household nutrition. Pesticide-Free Bitter Gourd, No Premium: Bangladesh farmers using GAP for pesticide-free bitter gourd report good yields but weak prices because buyers don’t pay extra for pesticide-free produce. Diesel Refunds Admin Shake-Up (South Africa): SARS is requiring farmers to re-register for diesel refunds on a new eFiling system, with old VAT-linked claims continuing in parallel during the transition. Harvest Disrupted by Weather (US): Nebraska and Iowa coverage highlights persistent wet conditions slowing harvest progress and raising uncertainty for farmers’ costs and crop quality. Rabi Risk Warning (India): India’s rabi season is flagged as potentially tough for rainfed areas due to El Niño, with drought already declared in most of Maharashtra’s talukas and central teams set to assess impacts. Farm Safety Push: US reporting marks National Farm Safety and Health Week, stressing that harvest season remains one of the most dangerous times for agricultural workers.

Harvest Delays & Field Losses: Iowa farmers are far behind pace, with USDA reporting only 5% of corn and 3% of soybeans harvested by late September, a sign of wet-weather disruption. Fuel Cost Pressure: Indiana lawmakers are pushing for expanded dyed diesel relief for farmers hauling during harvest, as diesel prices stay at historic highs; similar dyed-diesel enforcement relief moves are also in the news. Soybean Harvest Efficiency: Michigan Extension says combine header settings, operator speed, and moisture can cost bushels—about four soybeans per square foot after a pass can mean a bushel per acre lost. Policy & Risk Management: EU agriculture ministers estimate extreme heat and drought damage at €14–€17 billion and call for more water storage, smarter irrigation, and stronger insurance coverage. Tech for Traceability: Wingsure launched COFFEA™ to capture and verify farm-level evidence for coffee, aiming to reduce repeated assessments and improve decision-grade intelligence. Drought Relief Gaps: Maharashtra is conducting on-ground inspections where crops failed but missed automated drought triggers, after farmers were excluded from full relief. Community Food Security: A West Virginia food pantry farm is expanding into a rural health clinic and community kitchen to serve 500+ families weekly.

Climate & Water Risk: Philippines research warns the 2026-2027 “Godzilla” super El Niño could bring floods first, then a sharp shift to drought—driven not just by ENSO but also Indian Ocean patterns. Export Crops & Jobs: Davao’s banana sector remains a major earner, with bananas dominating fruit output and export revenue in 2025-26. Fuel Costs & Farm Logistics: The US weighs wider sales of red-dyed diesel to curb record diesel prices, while Florida and Polk County move to protect nearly 1,000 acres of working farmland. Harvest Disruption: Wet weather continues to stall harvest progress in parts of the US Midwest and Nebraska, raising costs and delaying fieldwork. Food Prices & Feed Security: Nigeria sees imported rice prices fall by up to ₦15,000 per 50kg bag, but Kenya’s dairy sector warns that maize failures can quickly ripple into feed costs and milk output. Sustainable Inputs & Policy: EU-funded PROCEED backs home-grown protein feed via grain and forage legumes, and Brazil’s “AgTech Valley” pushes bio-inputs to cut fertilizer dependence. Waste & Farm Safety: Central Otago councils debate where to truck treated human effluent sludge, while silage effluent management is flagged as a winter water-quality risk.

Harvest Delays & Weather Stress: Persistent rains are keeping combines parked in eastern Iowa and slowing harvest in Saskatchewan, with farmers reporting soggy fields, quality downgrades (especially wheat), and even germination inside husks/pods. Diesel & Input Costs: Record diesel prices and uncertainty over fertilizer and fuel are weighing on 2027 planting decisions across the Midwest, squeezing margins as harvest ramps up. EU Heat-Drought Damage: EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen puts summer losses to farmers at about €14–€17 billion, citing grass shortages and calling for more water storage, smarter irrigation, and wider insurance. Biofuels Policy Boost: EPA’s higher renewable volume obligations are reviving biodiesel/renewable diesel demand, lifting feedstock needs and influencing farmgate soybean pricing. Grain Pricing in Ireland: Tirlán set 2026 harvest prices at €220/t for feed barley and €230/t for feed wheat (with bonuses), while noting lower intake than last year. Trade & Soybeans: ASA welcomed China’s commitment to buy at least 25m metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually, but urged tariff relief for better access. Local Impacts: A UTV driver damaged cornfields in Wisconsin’s Vernon County, and Kampala bakers are cutting cake sizes amid an egg-price surge. Women in Farming: India’s Sept. 30 Female Farmer Worker Conference in Delhi will spotlight women’s roles across sowing to animal husbandry. Research: USDA-backed work suggests more accurate sprayers could cut chemical costs by 30–85% by reducing drift and waste.

Dryland cowpea push in Kenya: KALRO is running cowpea and fodder trials in Wajir’s harsh drylands under a World Bank-backed Food Systems Resilience Project, aiming for varieties that handle heat, poor soils and erratic rain. Drought relief planning in India: Maharashtra has declared 265 talukas drought-affected and started crop inspection reports, with loan restructuring, land revenue concessions and power bill subsidies lined up as El Niño risks rise. Harvest hit by weather: Nepal reports rain and strong winds flattening ripening paddy in Dang and Kapilvastu, delaying harvest and drying. Local food distribution expands: Harvest Link has started delivering locally grown food to grocery stores across five counties in Indiana, with plans for a regional co-packing kitchen to cut waste and add value. Farmers face fuel pressure: U.S. President Trump says he’s “very seriously” considering a diesel export ban as prices climb, while growers and truckers warn costs are squeezing harvest operations. Crop and market stress: India’s poultry farmers warn maize diverted to ethanol is pushing feed costs higher, threatening chicken and egg prices. Climate risk warning: WFI urges Australian farmers to prepare for El Niño-driven extreme heat and fire risk during harvesting, including haystack safety.

US Biofuel Policy Update: The IRS and DOE moved to clarify the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, updating emissions-rate data and the 45ZCF-GREET model so regenerative farm practices can be reflected—commodity groups say it gives farmers more value and the industry more certainty. Harvest Season Reality Checks: Farmers in Virginia report a challenging pumpkin year with late ripening after dry-to-wet swings, while Illinois growers are watching corn and soybean harvest progress and worrying about specialty pumpkin set. Farm Costs Under Pressure: New Brunswick producers say diesel prices are up sharply, squeezing both tractors and delivery costs. Livestock Risk Support: India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying plans a new Livestock Insurance Portal to streamline policies and claims in multiple languages. On-Farm Tech for Loss Prevention: Pune-area pomegranate growers are using CCTV (including solar and night-vision) to curb theft during the harvest window. Local Governance vs Livestock Rules: Wisconsin towns face legal pressure over CAFO ordinances, with farm groups seeking records tied to the advisory group that shaped rules. Aquaculture Welfare: A new manual lays out practical animal-welfare checks for commercial shrimp farming, translating the “Five Freedoms” into field-ready observations.

Wildlife-friendly haying: A Virginia farmer is switching from standard hay cutting after a machine killed fawns and destroyed turkey nests, using an NRCS EQIP “delayed haying” practice to protect wildlife while keeping forage production going. Crop disease watch: Corn tar spot is spreading across Virginia’s counties, with growers urged to learn symptoms and respond early as the fungus threatens yields. Harvest disruption from weather: Iowa harvest is being delayed by wet fields and soil compaction risks, while Nepal’s Banke reports wind and rain flattening paddy across thousands of hectares. Drought pressure at harvest: Mid-South farmers say worsening drought is cutting expected output just as harvest ramps up. Farm economics squeeze: Record diesel prices are driving up the hourly cost of running combines and raising fears for farm viability. Market hit for grapes: California wine growers say changing drinking habits have slashed grape demand, pushing some toward tearing out vineyards. Pollinators on the job: An Ohio solar site is supporting 3 million honey bees across 50+ hives, showing how energy land can double as habitat. Food security risks: India’s floods and Nigeria’s flood alerts are both threatening crops and supply chains. Soil carbon angle: A Yale-led study finds agricultural liming in the Mississippi River Basin can store more carbon than it emits.

Drought & water stress: Fiji’s agriculture minister warned Super El Niño could keep drying into next year, urging farmers to store rainwater, cut waste, and make early livestock decisions. El Niño losses: In the Philippines’ Bicol region, the Department of Agriculture put El Niño-related farm losses at P97.67 million, hitting rice hardest, with drought forecast for October. Irrigation fixes: In India’s Telangana, a diversion project aims to route floodwater into a reservoir to support thousands of acres, with advice to shift to short-duration crops. Crop damage from weather swings: In Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur, continuous rain waterlogged fields and damaged soybean and urad, with calls for an impartial survey and compensation. Diesel squeeze: U.S. diesel prices pushed above $6 a gallon, raising costs for farmers and truckers and fueling calls for relief measures. Succession tech: An Irish startup, Furrow, uses an AI-linked, WhatsApp-style system to preserve farm “living memory” and guide successors through compliance and records. Farm safety & community: As harvest ramps up, farmers in multiple regions are being urged to plan for safety and emergencies, while local markets and harvest events continue despite delays.

Drought Relief Moves in Maharashtra: India’s Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas, covering nearly three fourths of the state, after rainfall deficits hit Kharif crops; officials will run crop-loss surveys (panchnamas) to trigger land revenue waivers, loan restructuring and later compensation. Harvest Disrupted by Wet Weather (Iowa & Saskatchewan): Iowa farmers face delayed corn and soybean harvests after heavy rain, while Saskatchewan producers report slow progress and rising costs as wet conditions drag operations. Fuel Costs Bite Hard: Across the US, farmers and truckers warn record diesel prices are squeezing harvest budgets and raising food supply costs; lawmakers in Ohio backed a 90-day gas tax suspension to cut fall fuel bills. Crop Risk Beyond Borders (El Niño): Philippines’ DA reported El Niño-linked farm losses in Bicol, and West Africa lawmakers warned climate-driven land and water shrink is intensifying farmer-herder conflicts. Ag Tech & Inputs: Dhanuka Agritech launched Polin fungicide for paddy blast control, while researchers advanced AI crop monitoring and greenhouse microplastic detection. Policy & Markets: Punjab farmers worry about paddy procurement timing versus early-maturing varieties, and Arkansas approved a $5m bridge loan to keep Delta Peanut processing moving. Local Farming Stories: Volunteers dismantled a 40-year-old Palestinian farm under demolition threat; and in the UK, SFI funding glitches left some farmers missing application deadlines.

UK Farm Support Rush: England’s SFI 2026 scheme saw a frantic first application window open Sept. 22 at 10am and close at 3:48pm as the £253m pot was snapped up, leaving many farmers waiting until 2027 for the next chance. Harvest Moon Spotlight: The Harvest Moon peaks Sept. 26, giving extra evening light for fall fieldwork and earning the “Corn Moon” name. Diesel Shock Hits Farms: Diesel prices topping $6 a gallon are squeezing U.S. farmers and rural businesses, with some states moving to ease dyed-diesel rules and trucking limits to keep harvest moving. Weather Disruptions: Heavy rains and gales in India’s Andhra Pradesh flooded or damaged crops across about 34,000 hectares, while north Iowa growers report harvest delays and risk of soybean losses if wet weather continues. Farm Safety Push: U.S. farm safety groups are urging extra caution during harvest—especially around PTOs, grain bins, and power lines—after renewed training days for students and families. Beef Welfare Uptake: Ireland’s Beef Welfare Scheme 2026 drew 24,821 applications worth €28m, targeting improved animal health and husbandry on suckler farms.

Diesel Relief Push: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency to help farmers and timber crews cope with record diesel prices, temporarily suspending fines so farm vehicles can use dyed diesel through Oct. 22. Input-Cost Pressure: A Pivot Bio CEO warned high diesel costs could trigger a “vicious cycle” of higher production costs and food prices, while Ohio lawmakers backed a 90-day fuel tax suspension aimed at the fall harvest crunch. Harvest Disruptions: Wet weather and late-season heat are delaying harvest and raising drying bills in parts of the U.S., including central Illinois, where corn is still running high moisture. Targeted Support for Crops: Arkansas approved a $5M bridge loan to Delta Peanut to buy and process the peanut harvest after USDA pulled its warehouse bond, aiming to save most of the state’s crop. Tech for Smarter Farming: SIU researchers unveiled an AI-and-robot approach to detect soybean diseases before symptoms show, aiming to cut late fungicide losses. Policy & Rights: A seed-saving debate resurfaced as advocates argue patented seeds have made saving and sharing seeds illegal, calling for a “Fair Seeds for Farmers” act. Local Harvest Culture: Fall festivals and harvest markets continue to roll out, from Lewiston’s Harvest & Hops to Wayne County’s Apple Tasting Tour.

Heat and crop losses: A new University of California study warns that irrigation can’t fully protect processing tomatoes from extreme heat, cutting both yield and quality and hitting grower revenue. Biosecurity and trade: Hokkaido potato farmers are alarmed by Japan’s review of lifting U.S. fresh potato import bans, fearing long-lasting soil pests like potato cyst nematodes. Drought relief and assessments: Maharashtra leaders visited drought-hit villages in Akola and Marathwada, promising financial help and crop-damage assessments as rainfall deficits strain tur and soybean. Water politics in India: Telangana urged Karnataka to release Krishna River water (5,000 cusecs for a month) to save standing crops, amid protests around the Jurala project. Farm finance: Nigeria’s NADF has started validating a non-interest finance framework to expand agricultural lending options for farmers and agribusinesses. On-farm tech for sustainability: Manitoba farmers are using soil sampling and variable-rate fertilizer to cut costs and reduce environmental impacts in the Lake Winnipeg Basin. Harvest-season pressures: Iowa Corn Growers Association is pushing for diesel relief as fuel prices surge during harvest, adding major stress to operations.

Diesel squeeze hits harvest budgets: Iowa Corn Growers urged federal action to cut record diesel costs, warning fuel is doubling versus last fall and raising hauling and harvest expenses; South Dakota farmers are even considering locking in diesel through year-end as prices could climb another $1–$2. Fuel relief in Louisiana: Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency and temporarily expanded use of dyed, tax-free off-road diesel in some highway vehicles for farmers and timber workers through Oct. 22. Harvest timing and quality pressure: In Illinois, corn and soybean harvest are running ahead of average, but Ohio agronomists warn wet, cool soils and disease are hurting stalk integrity and lodging risk. Farm safety push: Michigan marked National Farm Safety and Health Week with reminders for rural road sharing and safer machinery practices. Local food and markets: Pierpont CTC is hosting two Fall Harvest Farmers’ Markets in Fairmont and Clarksburg, while a community garden in Waubaushene held a harvest festival featuring garden produce and kids’ activities. Global ag conflict: Reuters reports Israeli bulldozers uprooted Palestinian olive trees days before the annual harvest, threatening farmers’ livelihoods.

Water Stress in India: Telangana ministers asked Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of Krishna river water for a month to save standing crops across Jurala, Nettempadu, Bhima and Koilsagar projects, as farmers protest water shortages and political tensions flare. Drought Relief in Maharashtra: CM Devendra Fadnavis toured Latur after six weeks of dry weather, promising continued farm loan waivers, drinking-water and fodder support, and a drought notification plus longer-term water diversion plans. Monsoon Hits Farm Inputs: Reuters reports weak monsoon rainfall is already pushing Indian farmers to cut spending on pesticides, fertilisers and seeds, with Rallis India warning of compression in crop-protection and input use. Fuel Costs at Harvest: Diesel price spikes are squeezing harvest budgets in the US, with Nebraska reporting a sharp jump in fuel spending and farmers scrambling to lock in on-farm fuel. Climate Extremes Abroad: China highlights typhoon and heat resilience steps for grain harvests, while El Niño strengthening raises global drought and flood risks for food production. Tech & Farm Logistics: Mizoram is testing a 3-km monorail to move vegetables from steep hillsides, and Kenya rolled out new bulk milk coolers for 18,500 dairy farmers to cut post-harvest losses.