AGP Executive Report

Weather & Farm Losses: Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says habagat and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng and Pilandok damaged P4.38B in ag output, hitting nearly 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk and damaging 81,511 hectares, with rice the biggest share. Drought Pressure: Farmers in Bohol, Philippines, report rice fields cracking and withering as heat and dry spells persist, while northern Telangana, India, faces anxiety as paddy sowing runs 3.7% behind and rainfall deficits deepen. Water & Land Use: Aurora Water is set to buy more historic farm water in Colorado’s Lower Arkansas Valley, raising “buy and dry” fears. Food Safety: Qatar reports 97% compliance in its first-half 2026 food monitoring, with fresh fruits and vegetables showing a 98% compliance rate in pesticide and microbial checks. Policy & Markets: Kosovo imposes a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed to protect local producers as wheat prices stay low. Ag Research & Capacity: Oklahoma State University will build a $330M veterinary teaching hospital and a new Agronomy Discovery Center, relocating long-running wheat research plots. Crops & Inputs: India’s kharif paddy area is down 3.71% year-on-year, with pulses and oilseeds flagged as the bigger import-dependent worry.

Weather & Crop Losses: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture says habagat and multiple tropical cyclones damaged about P4.38B in farm output, hitting nearly 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk, with rice the biggest share of losses. Heat & Drought Stress: In Bohol, cracked fields and withering rice show how prolonged dry spells are shrinking yields and water supplies. Harvest Timing Uncertainty: A wet forecast in Ohio is leaving corn and soybeans uneven, with some drowned-out areas and harvest likely pushing toward late September/early October. Plant Health & Community Control: Michigan State University urges wheat growers to coordinate volunteer wheat removal to cut Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus spread. Input Costs Squeeze: Record diesel prices are driving up harvest costs for Indiana producers, with fuel surcharges hard to pass on. Global Grain Pressure: FAO reports August food prices at the highest since late 2022, citing heat, drought, and Black Sea disruptions; meanwhile Iran topped Russian grain purchases early in the 2026–27 year. Indoor Agriculture Innovation: Canada’s agriculture minister announced nearly $895k for SmartGRO to test cleaner, AI-controlled lighting for year-round indoor farming. Trade Access: South Africa signed a protocol to open China market access for cherries, a major export milestone.

Solar for farms in India: Torrent Green Energy commissioned 322 MWp of feeder-level solar across Nashik, Maharashtra, under PM-KUSUM/MSKVY 2.0, aiming to cut grid losses and power irrigation and other farm loads. Farm tech on the ground (US): Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Innovation Grant helped a Butler County dairy buy an automatic robotic milker, showing how grants are pushing labor-saving automation. Food safety research: USDA researchers are testing electron-beam “cold pasteurization” for poultry pathogens, targeting salmonella/campylobacter while assessing meat quality and sensory impacts. Water stress hits households (Sri Lanka): El Niño-linked dry weather has left 115,000+ people facing drinking-water shortages, underscoring how climate swings spill into basic food and health needs. Trade and market access: South Africa’s cherries gained a China protocol for duty-free entry, while Armenia’s fresh fruit/veg exports to the UAE are already moving up to 40 tons per week. Policy and pricing pressure (UK): UK carrot growers warn of 15–30% yield losses from heat and drought, with higher irrigation costs squeezing margins. Agri logistics watch: NPR reports Colorado River water use is heavily tied to irrigating agriculture, with evaporation losses and shrinking supplies complicating allocation decisions.

Biocontrol Breakthrough: Negros Occidental, Philippines, says its government-made red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) biocontrol is working in sugarcane fields, with fungi found infecting dead pests after initial releases. Farm Income & Risk: Queensland fruit growers are leaning on off-farm work after fruit fly and heat damage cut returns, while corn bids in the U.S. are rising pre-harvest but input costs still squeeze margins. Climate Pressure on Crops: Ireland’s grass growth remains below normal despite recent rain, and El Niño-linked drought and flooding stories keep piling up—from Waiahōle banana losses in Hawaii to rain-deficit damage in India’s Rayalaseema. Food Prices & Power: A South Africa op-ed argues hunger persists not from lack of food, but from concentrated “gateways” that shape prices and access. Energy for Farms: Australia is expanding solar for farms, and a Yorkshire pig operation added an electric slurry mixer plus slurry storage to meet environmental rules. Market Access: India’s “Farmer Prosperity Special” rail service hit its 100th trip, moving thousands of tonnes of produce to distant markets.

Climate Risk & Crop Timing: Europe’s crops are maturing 10–20 days earlier than in 2000, with 2026 heatwaves pushing harvests forward and raising uncertainty for growers. Weather Extremes in Africa: NOAA warns a very strong El Niño is likely in 2026/27, with southern Africa facing drought and extreme heat while parts of East Africa could see flooding. Drought Relief Needs: South Sudan’s VP Taban Deng urged communities to stop relying on humanitarian food aid and boost local farming, while Sudan’s Aweil East appealed for urgent drought assistance after crops failed and water sources dried up. Pest Pressure: In Massachusetts, spotted lanternflies are spreading across 130+ communities; officials say “squish on sight” isn’t enough for large infestations. Farm Economics & Policy: U.S. taxpayer farm subsidies are rising, but critics question whether they mainly help wealthier operations. Ag Tech & Market Support: Korea’s aT is using AI to help flower farmers pick varieties and time shipments based on auction data. Local Food & Supply: South Africa’s agricultural exports jumped 10% in Q2, but El Niño could still threaten future harvests.

Pest Crisis in Sugarcane: Passi City in the Philippines has declared a state of calamity after red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations spread across about 3,338 hectares, threatening the livelihoods of more than 8,000 sugarcane farmers and workers while officials validate the full damage. Climate Risk for Grains: South Africa’s summer grain and oilseed planting is starting with decent soil moisture, but farmers are bracing for an El Niño-driven dry spell later in the season as deliveries lag behind expectations. Heat Stress on Soybeans: University of Missouri Extension is warning that drought plus prolonged high temperatures are cutting soybean yield potential as soil moisture drops and heat accelerates stress near final growth stages. Food Safety Push at Home: After fruit and vegetable recalls, an organic gardening class in Tampa is seeing more interest in growing food at home, with lessons focused on soil and fertilizer. Farm Finances Under Pressure: USDA forecasts U.S. net farm income will fall in 2026 as expenses—especially fuel, fertilizer, and marketing—climb faster than revenues. Biosecurity + Tree Loss: Australia’s shot-hole borer threat may be quieter than before, but authorities stress it’s still present while bird flu takes center stage.

Food Safety Watch: A new Farm Forward report says dangerous salmonella strains are rising in chicken and turkey and that antibiotic resistance is increasing, renewing calls to tighten poultry rules after USDA withdrew a proposed anti-salmonella safeguard. Market & Trade: A U.S. farm-opinion piece argues the USMCA helps keep corn demand steady for Illinois growers, but warns farmers face more uncertainty as reviews replace the longer extension many expected. Grain Systems: Zimbabwe’s Grain Marketing Board expanded to 1,804 mobile grain buying points as deliveries surged 122% after strong rainfall, aiming to cut transport costs and boost formal sales. Ag Innovation & Inputs: Pune researchers say an organic produce-wash solution can remove up to 99% of pesticide residues in about two minutes, offering a household-level fix beyond plain rinsing. Climate & Disruption: Flash floods from cloudbursts hit Gilgit-Baltistan, damaging crops and orchards and closing parts of the Karakoram Highway. Local Land & Livelihoods: In Australia’s Barossa, canola growers are blasting tourists for entering private paddocks to snap photos, trampling crops and leaving gates open. Ag Policy & Energy: Zimbabwe’s Gweru council is pursuing a 200MW solar joint venture to diversify revenue and reduce reliance on the national grid.

Global Food Prices: FAO says August food prices hit the highest level since late 2022, with cereals, sugar and vegetable oils rising as weather shocks and Black Sea shipping disruptions tighten supply expectations. Climate & Labor Impacts: Japan farmers are shifting fieldwork to night hours as heat worsens, while extreme heat is also killing livestock and forcing schedule changes across agriculture. Pest & Disease Solutions: A new study highlights a soybean-root bacterium (Pseudomonas sp. JDE115) that suppresses southern blight through multiple mechanisms, pointing to biological alternatives to fungicides. Farm Support & Risk Management: USDA extended the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program application deadline to Sept. 30, 2026, and added flexibility for documenting quality losses. Local Food Systems & Training: Nigeria’s NEPC trained 70 smallholders on pesticide management in Adamawa, and Yemen launched school-based agriculture and afforestation projects, including a plan to plant 20,000 seedlings across hundreds of schools. Trade & Market Infrastructure: Ukraine changed settlement deadlines for key grain and oilseed export contracts to help producers meet deals amid Black Sea attacks and rerouted logistics.

Market Access & Exports: The Philippines’ DA-11 says Philippine Saba (Cardava) bananas are set for new international markets after Asia Fruit Logistica Hong Kong 2026 deals, including a Saudi-bound 20-ton shipment and new distributor/importer links for Hong Kong and New Zealand. Seed Saving & Resilience: In Palawan, the DA collected 300 heirloom rice varieties from indigenous communities, sending them to PhilRice to identify original strains and return pest-resistant options back to farmers. Climate Stress on Crops: Northern England growers warn drought and heat are threatening brassicas, with flea beetles blamed for potentially shrinking Brussels sprouts for Christmas. Farm Safety & Health: Imperial County, California issued a smoke advisory after an agricultural fire involving hay bales, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure and protect lungs. Food Security & Water: England’s drought coverage is expanding, with growers pushing lawmakers to treat water storage as strategic infrastructure. Value-Added Training: Guam’s UOG will host a tilapia workshop covering raising, processing, curing, and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Farmers Under Pressure: An Adilabad farmer in India allegedly died by suicide after crop losses and mounting debts, including pesticide poisoning after selling land.

Global Food Prices: The UN FAO says August food prices hit the highest level since late 2022, driven by extreme heat and drought in Europe, Black Sea disruptions, and El Niño worries. Fuel Costs & Farm Margins: Diesel has surged to record highs in the U.S., adding major pressure to harvest-season operations—while USDA projects 2026 net farm income down as fuel and fertilizer costs keep climbing. Beef & Trade Policy: Trump’s tariff-free beef import move is sparking anxiety in cattle states like Wyoming, as ranchers warn tight supplies and processing constraints may keep prices elevated. Water Stress & Irrigation: In India’s Nellore, officials are demanding faster releases from the Srisailam reservoir, warning delays could hit irrigation, drinking water, and livestock. Pest & Plant Health: California faces heightened risk from the glassy-winged sharpshooter, which spreads Pierce’s disease; Ohio is also funding local spotted lanternfly control. Local Resilience: Arizona’s urban agroforestry workforce program is training the next generation of growers, while Arkansas is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning as wildfire risk spans all counties.

Climate & Water Stress: Northern Mindanao flagged 141,000 hectares as vulnerable to El Niño-driven dry conditions, urging farmers to decide whether to plant or skip as September rainfall looks below normal. Drought Fallout: Cambodia reports drought easing after late water pumping and rain, but some rice farmers still face damaged crops, debts, and costly replanting. Weather Early Warnings: In Pakistan, farmers who followed meteorological advisories say better timing helped protect wheat and peanuts, while flood alerts prompted evacuations. Global Food Prices: The UN FAO says world food prices rose in August to the highest since late 2022, driven by heat, drought, El Niño fears, and Black Sea/Gulf disruptions. Fertilizer Independence: The US Ag Secretary highlighted new Louisiana fertilizer plants aimed at reducing farmers’ reliance on imported inputs. Trade Pressure on Farms: A US-Canada tariff fight could raise costs for US agriculture, including fertilizer-linked impacts. Black Sea Grain Disruption: A drone strike damaged ADM’s grain terminal in Odesa, with the company assessing next steps. Local Market Support: Virginia Agriculture Week spotlights the state’s farm economy and pushes residents to buy local. Biosecurity on the Farm: NSW feral pigs are multiplying and damaging crops, splitting opinion over government culling powers.

Drought and water stress: Northern Mindanao, Philippines officials flagged about 141,000 hectares as vulnerable to El Niño-linked dry conditions, with corn and palay areas prioritized for guidance as farmers weigh whether to plant or skip. In Bukidnon’s Valencia City, below-normal rainfall has left rainfed rice struggling to move from vegetative to reproductive stages, pushing the National Irrigation Administration toward scheduled deliveries. Farm risk management: Canada and Saskatchewan announced 2026 AgriStability changes for producers hit by excess moisture and localized flooding, including late participation for Saskatchewan farmers and a higher interim payment rate. Input and policy shifts: California will phase out paraquat over health concerns, while Michigan researchers say farmers can start planning now for the 45Z clean fuel tax credit by tightening nitrogen management and other practices. Precision ag and safety: ZenaTech unveiled the IQ Octo autonomous drone prototype for spraying and seeding, and Saskatchewan’s power utility urged harvest-season caution after hundreds of farm-machine contacts with overhead lines. Markets and margins: USDA’s September outlook lifts 2026 farm income but warns costs and debt are squeezing farmers, while Illinois economists see 2027 profitability improving yet still tight. On-the-ground realities: North Carolina updated school rules to excuse absences for farm work and equestrian events, and a Wisconsin grain-bin tragedy highlighted ongoing harvest safety risks.

Water Stress & Food Security: In Bukidnon, Philippines, below-normal rainfall is stressing rainfed rice across about 80% of a 300-hectare area, with farmers running out of options as water sources dry up. Flood Disruption: Monsoon flooding in Benguet, Philippines, is turning a normal trip to Metro Manila into a 12-hour gridlock, forcing traders to miss key Divisoria selling hours and risking spoilage. Climate Risk Watch: Sri Lanka’s El Niño drought is drying wells and shrinking water for crops and livestock, with rainfall deficits reported at 85% to 100% below normal. Policy & Trade: Moldova is considering temporary licensing for cereal and oilseed imports to protect domestic producers, while Armenia approved continued support for agricultural exporters facing Russian restrictions. Plant Health & Innovation: UF researchers’ citrus greening–resistant rootstock (CarriCea T1) is cleared for rollout, offering a longer-term alternative to antibiotic injections. Ag Tech & Inputs: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 saw strong demand for new fertiliser products, signaling continued farmer focus on soil and nutrient performance. Market Signals: Wheat prices rose about 5.2% on Black Sea supply concerns.

Climate & Water Stress: Farmers in Benguet, Philippines, are losing money as monsoon flooding and highway gridlock stretch trips to Metro Manila to 12 hours, spoiling vegetables and forcing missed Divisoria selling windows. Weather Damage: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture reports P3.39B in farm losses from the enhanced southwest monsoon and Typhoons Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, hitting rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, and livestock. Cover Crops Momentum: Iowa’s Greater Des Moines Watershed program is enrolling over 300,000 acres of cover crops this fall, with statewide cost-share enrollment topping 1 million acres for the first time. El Niño Planning: New Zealand farmers are bracing for a very strong El Niño-driven spring of warmth, wind, and dryness, with warnings to cut livestock and protect soil moisture. Input Costs & Trade Pressure: Nebraska farmers say U.S.-Canada trade tensions are adding uncertainty to potash supplies and prices, just as fertilizer and diesel costs stay high. On-Farm Safety: Kashmir walnut harvesting has turned deadly, with multiple workers killed after falls from trees. Local Food Systems: Hannaford is bringing back in-store farm stands, partnering with 125+ Northeast farms as fall harvest ramps up.

Smart Agriculture Funding: Malaysia’s Perak is pushing for 2027 Budget money to expand its Smart Agriculture Development Programme, aiming to help agro-entrepreneurs adopt tech like smart irrigation, robotics, automation and controlled-environment farming. US Crop Data Overhaul: USDA is launching a technology-heavy pilot to improve acreage and yield estimates after farmer complaints about staffing cuts and data reliability. Invasive Pest Alert: Georgia has confirmed pasture mealybug, a grass-killing invasive that could hit grazing and livestock economics, raising biosecurity urgency. Drought and Crop Damage: Karnataka’s deputy CM inspected drought-affected fields in Nanjangud as farmers report failed sowings and seek relief. Water Stress for Crops: Israel’s desalination plants are shutting down again due to seawater turbidity, with guidance to limit agricultural activity as vegetable production faces disruption. Orchard Resilience: Thatchers Orchard in the UK began its earliest apple harvest in 122 years after a punishing summer, with smaller fruit but strong flavor. Farm Safety & Community Learning: West Virginia State University opened a hands-on demonstration garden to teach composting, small-space growing and habitat-friendly practices. Livestock Policy Fight: Virginia farmers pushed back on a plan to lower beef prices via imports, arguing it could worsen pressure on local cattle producers. Climate Cost to Farmers: A UK analysis estimates three extreme-weather harvests could cost farmers nearly £5bn in lost revenue.

USDA Data & Crop Monitoring: USDA is moving to use more satellite and AI tools to improve acreage and yield estimates after farmer criticism, aiming for faster, steadier crop tracking. Plant Health Watch: Missouri soybean growers are being urged to scout for expanding red crown rot, with confirmations reported across multiple Midwestern counties. Disease Research Funding: LSU AgCenter won a $1.5 million grant to untangle hidden genetic links among Cercospora crop diseases, targeting better control strategies. Biofuels Cost Pressure: Philippines agriculture and energy officials are looking for cheaper ethanol feedstocks to raise the blend from 10% to 15%, citing higher local feedstock costs versus imports. Farmers Market & Local Food: Davao’s “Kadiwa on Wheels” is launching a Metro Manila run to move durian, mangosteen, pomelo and other produce from growers to consumers. Trade & Farm Equipment Stress: Southwestern Ontario businesses brace for higher costs and weaker sales as Canada-U.S. tariff and counter-tariff moves hit farm equipment parts. Water & Weather Reality: Iowa’s latest crop progress shows corn development advancing with limited statewide rain, while northwest Iowa saw the week’s heaviest rainfall.