AGP Executive Report

Farm Infrastructure Boost (Philippines): Zamboanga del Sur signed a P345-million deal for farm-to-market roads funded through the 2026 General Appropriations Act, aiming to cut transport costs and connect growers to markets. Pest Watch (California vineyards): Contra Costa and Stanislaus counties warned Costco shoppers not to plant certain grapevines after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was detected on nursery stock sold across Northern California. Livestock Biosecurity (US): DTN flagged the new world screwworm cases in Texas as USDA continues testing additional herds, keeping eradication-era vigilance front and center. Policy & Water Management (India): ICAR-backed guidance urges canal water pricing in command areas to push farmers toward precision irrigation and reduce waste. Climate Stress (Pakistan): Reports say Sukkur Barrage’s canal system is running far below capacity, threatening Kharif crops amid governance failures and illegal water theft. Soil & Tech (US Midwest): University of Illinois researchers used satellite mapping to track tillage trends across corn and soybean fields from 2000-2022, helping quantify long-term soil impacts. Food Prices (Global): FAO data showed broadly stable food prices in May, but higher cereal costs underline weather and fertilizer-input risks.

Water Stress in India: Farmers along the Narmada belt in Madhya Pradesh say river levels are dropping after Omkareshwar Dam impoundment, leaving ghats exposed and pumps unable to draw enough water for maize and cotton. Plant Health Tech in Nagaland: ICAR-KVK Longleng showcased an eco-friendly ginger rhizome rot package using Trichoderma and Pseudomonas treatments, aiming to cut decay and boost yields. Farm Roads to Markets (Philippines): Catanauan, Quezon’s P120M farm-to-market road projects are nearing completion, with remaining line canals before turnover to improve produce transport. Solar + Livestock (UK): Square Roots Farm in Lanesborough plans a 5.3MW solar array spaced for cow shade, pairing clean energy revenue with heat relief for forage and animals. Hurricane Prep (Caribbean): CARICOM and FAO-backed webinars urged farmers and fishers to stock feed and supplies, protect assets, and harvest mature crops early ahead of the 2026 Atlantic season. Biosecurity Alert (US): California’s CDFA urged anyone who bought grapevines from Northern California Costco stores (Apr 21–May 21) to report after glassy-winged sharpshooter was found on shipments. Extreme Weather Hits Italy: Hail, wind and heavy rain damaged cereals, vegetables and fruit across northern/central Italy, with some vineyards losing up to 90% of bunches. Feral Pigs in Australia: Farmers and hunters in NSW say feral pig numbers are surging in cropping areas, calling for stronger incentives and control efforts. Agrifinance in Croatia: Croatia announced a €47M CAP-linked package offering loans/credits with principal write-offs up to 50% for farmers and food processors.

Food Prices & Input Costs: FAO says world food prices edged down in May, but cereals and sugar rose while vegetable oils fell—still leaving prices near a three-year high, with wheat supported by tighter supplies and higher fuel and fertilizer costs tied to the Iran conflict. Policy & Trade: In Wisconsin, President Trump told farmers energy and fertilizer costs should drop soon and pushed trade expansion; Iowa’s Grassley also urged tariff relief on fertilizer and more authority to police fertilizer supply and pricing. Water Stress & Crop Planning: Tamil Nadu’s PMK demanded help for delta farmers to plant kuruvai crops using groundwater as Mettur dam releases are uncertain; in Canada, Shellmouth Dam operations are blamed for flooding farmland and risking soybean seeding deadlines. Tech for Better Yields: UK strawberry growers are testing AI + bioacoustic sensors to manage pollination in real time, aiming to replace “assumption-based” hive handling. Local Market & Farm Support: New Ulm Area Foundation funded student river sampling; Bronson’s farmers market opens Saturday; Ireland launched a Fuel Support Scheme for specialist horticulture growers to offset rising energy costs. Global Ag Trade: Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic exports rose in the first five months, keeping a trade surplus.

Precision Tech for Crops: Kansas State University says drones with RGB and multispectral imaging can cut early-season scouting time from hours to about 30 minutes for a 150-acre field, helping spot uneven germination and replant needs fast. Water Stress for Orchards: In British Columbia’s Vernon area, BC Fruit Growers is demanding an orchard survival plan after Stage 3 restrictions impose a 70% cut to agricultural water, warning mature apple trees could face “agronomic death” and losses could top $250 million. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf and is moving to contain it with quarantines, movement controls, and sterile fly releases. Market Pressure in Grain: CHS will close three southeast Minnesota grain elevators as margins thin and the region shifts toward processing markets. Farm Economics Shock: Egg producers face oversupply after bird-flu rebuilding, with wholesale prices falling sharply and squeezing returns. Horticulture Trade Watch: Bangladesh’s litchi sector is pushing preservation and cold-storage plans, while Rajshahi traders project Tk 56 crore in Bombay litchi sales amid strong demand. Small Processors Support: USDA released a Small Processors Action Plan highlighting fee reductions and expanded state inspection capacity to help small meat and poultry plants.

Screwworm Alert: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf near La Pryor, triggering livestock movement restrictions and roadside checkpoints as officials race to stop spread. Drought Pressure on Hay: In Virginia’s Northern Shenandoah Valley, groundwater is still down and hay losses are “tremendous” despite some recent rain, with drought levels easing only in parts. Soil Health Push: The Palouse Conservation District and University of Idaho Extension plan a free June 17 Soil Health Tour focused on dryland rotations, cover crops, and reducing synthetic inputs. Farm Support Infrastructure: Philippines’ DA-MIADP approved P278.76M for farm-to-market roads in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani to cut costs and improve market access. Climate Risk for Asia Crops: Reports warn El Niño–driven dryness is disrupting planting across Asia, threatening wheat, rice, and oil palm yields and lifting food-price risk. Ag Policy & Markets: Georgia corn producers voted to renew the Corn Commission marketing order through 2029, keeping the assessment at $0.01/bushel. Homegrown Food Strategy: Fiji’s agriculture ministry is promoting home gardening as a health and cost-saving safety net against climate shocks. Regenerative Angle: An opinion piece argues GLP-1 weight-loss jabs could shift demand toward vegetables, fish, and more protein-focused, sustainability-minded farming.

Biosecurity Alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, triggering quarantine and movement controls to protect livestock and wildlife. Input-Cost Pressure: Reports link soaring fertilizer and diesel prices to Middle East disruptions, warning higher costs could hit crop yields and food prices. Crop Progress Watch: Illinois corn and soybean planting is near completion (91% corn, 89% soybeans planted) with mostly favorable conditions, while Saskatchewan seeding reached 80% after a slow start. Water & Land Governance: Montana farmers and senior water-right holders are pushing back on exempt well proliferation, while Ireland faces EU legal action over weak enforcement protecting carbon-rich bogs. Trade & Policy: Armenia approved compensation for duties on fruit, vegetables and flowers exported to the EU/UK/Canada amid Russia-imposed restrictions. Sustainable Farming Data: A France-wide regenerative dataset finds drought yield losses were about three times lower on the most regenerative farms. Local Food Systems: Markets and farm-share programs keep expanding, from Augusta’s summer farmers market to VINES Farm Share weekly vegetable pickups.

Policy Shift: Malawi’s National Economic Recovery Plan 2025-2030 signals a move away from subsidies toward mega farms, contract farming, solar-powered irrigation corridors, and agro-processing clusters aimed at boosting exports and jobs. Climate Preparedness: PNG officials are urged to prepare now for possible El Niño impacts, with a focus on water security, irrigation backups, and contingency plans for rural schools and health services. Farm Income Pressure: Ireland’s CAP-linked income fell for Teagasc and Bord Bia, with reduced EU funding affecting promotion and school fruit/veg programs. Kharif Governance: India’s Kharif 2026 campaign calls for faster, farmer-first scheme delivery and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Input Shortage: Kenya’s Eldoret farmers protest delays in top-dressing fertiliser at NCPB depots, raising costs during maize top-dressing season. Labour Rights: Italy’s migrant farmworker deaths spotlight alleged exploitation in fruit-picking supply chains and renewed scrutiny of caporalato. Food Security Tech: China reports a second high-protein gene in corn that could raise feed-corn protein and cut reliance on imported soybean meal. Water Stress: Colorado farmers face sharply reduced irrigation flows as record-low snowpack cuts Gunnison Tunnel deliveries. Weed/Plant Health: Weld County warns about spreading rush skeletonweed and asks residents to report sightings early.

Crop Threats & Pest Pressure: Moroccan locust swarms are sweeping eastern Iran, threatening grain and fruit crops and prompting pesticide spraying as drought and shifting weather help the outbreak spread. Farm Labor Abuse: A deadly attack on migrants in southern Italy has reignited scrutiny of labor exploitation in fruit-picking supply chains. Wheat Innovation & Food Security: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan are launching a wheat innovation initiative, starting with an 18-month “bridge phase” to tackle rust, soil-borne diseases, and Fusarium head blight. Policy & Payments: USDA finalized new payment-limit rules for pass-through farm entities, letting eligible owners qualify for separate limits starting with the 2026 crop year. Input Costs & Farm Income: A new survey finds most U.S. farmers expect lower income, with input prices and Iran-linked uncertainty weighing on sentiment. Regional Weather Watch: India’s monsoon forecast points to a potentially deficient season, raising stakes for rainfed farming. Market Signals: Brazil’s strong corn outlook could boost global competition for U.S. corn, depending on weather and China’s buying. Minnesota Ag Compliance: Dicamba restrictions for 2026 take effect in June for over-the-top use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans. Local Resilience: North Dakota’s APUC approved grants for corn, dry bean inoculants, and value-added processing projects.

IMF-Linked Policy Backlash: Sri Lanka’s farmers’ union warns agriculture could “collapse” as IMF/World Bank-influenced policies push imports over local production, squeezing growers who rely on farming for a big share of livelihoods. Pest & Biosecurity: Texas rebuilt a major USDA livestock-insect lab to tackle screwworms and cattle fever ticks, while California’s Glenn County urged residents to contain a glassy-winged sharpshooter find tied to Costco grapevine shipments. Climate Stress on Food: Guatemala’s Maya communities in the Dry Corridor fear El Niño-driven drought could trigger hunger, and India’s agriculture ministry is putting monsoon and El Niño risk on “alert mode” with advisories for kharif farmers. Food Safety Alarm: Kenya warned markets are flooded with cereals containing aflatoxins far above safe limits, raising public health concerns. Farm Economics & Inputs: Australia faces mouse-plague pressure as growers seek emergency bait permits, and fertilizer supply/cost shocks keep tightening margins for grain producers. On-Farm Risk & Safety: Grain bin incidents and training highlight how larger bins are changing rescue tactics. Local Resilience: 4-H is helping save a fair’s Clover Café by growing food for meals, and Nepal reports organic farming boosting vegetable income for smallholders.

Coffee Supply Chain: India shipped advanced Arabica coffee seeds to Nepal, aiming to diversify a sector long reliant on one variety and strengthen the crop’s future. Farm Data Modernization: USDA’s Farm Service Agency will scan farmers’ acreage maps into spreadsheets in North Dakota and Maryland first, with a longer-term push toward more real-time reporting. Policy & Funding: Iowa’s bipartisan Farm Act is now law, pairing ag support with animal disease preparedness and water-quality funding through the “Farm to Faucet” package. Fertilizer Tariffs Under Fire: A coalition of farm groups urged the Commerce Department to end countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer, saying they’re raising costs as farm margins tighten. Research Investment: Texas wheat leaders approved $400,000 for 16 research projects focused on breeding, disease resistance and farm management. Weather Pressure: Heavy rain in Alberta delayed seeding for some farmers, while Kenya’s tomato prices jumped sharply after flooding disrupted production and transport. Global Outlook: China released its 2026-30 plan to accelerate agricultural and rural modernization, targeting higher grain capacity and improved product quality.

Highland Veg Price Crash in the Philippines: Atok, Benguet used a rescue-buy push (Project UBBO) to move about 79,236 kilos from 146 farmers after oversupply crushed farm-gate prices, while organizers renewed calls for fair long-term pricing reforms. Food Security Under El Niño in Guatemala: In Quiché’s Dry Corridor, drought and drying wells are driving fears of hunger as subsistence corn struggles and 2023-style crisis memories return. Garlic Trial Boosts Kavango West in Namibia: President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Sikondo Green Scheme’s first garlic production on one hectare, highlighting low-maintenance, seed-saving potential alongside other crops. Climate-Proofing Wine in France: French growers are experimenting with “vitiforestry,” mixing vines with trees and fruit species to blunt heat, drought, and extreme weather impacts. Water for River Health in Australia: The Campaspe received precautionary environmental flows from Lake Eppalock starting June 1 to protect fish and reduce downstream low-oxygen and salinity risks. Input-Cost Pressure and Fertilizer Alternatives: Farmers in multiple regions are turning to cheaper, lower-impact options—from nano fertilisers to organic compost—amid fertilizer price shocks. Farm Labor Safety in the U.S.: North Carolina advocates warn heat stress is still killing or injuring H-2A workers, pushing for stronger protections as summer ramps up. Market Signals in Grains: CBOT corn, soybeans, and wheat slid on favorable U.S. weather and ample global supplies, even as condition ratings stayed slightly weaker than a year ago. Invasive Pest Control in Colorado: Mesa County expanded free Japanese beetle grub treatments to protect turf and reduce adult emergence, especially as drought weakens plants. Local Food Access via Markets: New Ulm’s farmers market returns June 11 with SNAP/EBT and Sun Bucks, plus transport support to keep fresh produce within reach.

Fertilizer Pressure: The FTC opened an industrywide probe into fertilizer price hikes as spring planting costs squeeze farm margins, with urea and nitrogen jumps cited and growers weighing what they can afford. Water Stress & Risk Management: Kona coffee farms in Hawaii are still reeling after a May earthquake destroyed water tanks, while in Virginia drought-stricken growers are weighing federal disaster aid after recent rains offered only partial relief. Crop Loss Decisions: Iowa farmers are facing the tough “to replant or not” call as wet/dry swings and soil crusting complicate corn emergence. Climate-Smart Soil: A Bangladesh report spotlights “hidden” climate benefits from healthy soil—more carbon storage, better moisture, and lower fertilizer dependence. Tech for Growers: A Binghamton University greenhouse “digital twin” uses VR plus real-time sensors to let people monitor crops remotely. Local Food Systems: Utah won a $350,000 USDA Farm to School grant to expand locally grown fruit in school meals. Agri-innovation & Inputs: Cambodia’s NISTI is working with cashew processors to upgrade harvesting and processing to meet international standards.

Post-harvest tech funding: India’s Impensus Electronics raised Rs 1.6 crore to scale controlled-environment ripening and storage aimed at cutting fruit and veg spoilage and improving shelf life. Drone spraying rules: Agriculture Victoria reminded operators that drone chemical spraying needs the right licences and must follow both aviation and ag-chemical requirements to protect people, animals, and crops. Soil moisture data for farmers: Victoria is pushing a soil moisture probe network and a regional e-newsletter to help growers interpret deep water levels for sowing, pasture growth, and grazing decisions. Regenerative tree push: LandLife SouthWest launched in Victoria with a goal of planting 1 million trees and restoring 400 hectares, linking regenerative farming with biodiversity and coastal resilience. Supply-chain training for fruit: Australia’s avocado industry rolled out a global-first VR training program with Woolworths to standardize orchard-to-retail handling. Bees and research lab closure risk: A report warns USDA plans to close the Beltsville bee research hub, just as beekeepers face varroa-driven losses. Monsoon uncertainty: India’s IMD forecast a below-normal monsoon, with El Niño concerns raising stakes for crop planning. Trade and farm access: The India-Oman CEPA starts June 1, offering duty-free access for many tariff lines and potential lift for Kashmir horticulture and dry fruits.

Desert Fruit Breakthrough (UAE): An Emirati farmer in Al Ain is using worm castings, grafting, and farm-waste recycling to grow and propagate non-native fruit trees in harsh desert conditions. Food Security & Irrigation (Namibia): Namibia’s Ekoka Green scheme is expanding maize and vegetables with irrigation, aiming to boost local jobs and food security through trial plots and community labor. Farm Support Payments (Philippines): DA-Davao released nearly P13M in cash aid to 5,600 rice and corn farmers in Marilog to cushion rising costs and market shocks. Fertilizer Shock & Organic Shift (Senegal): As fertilizer prices jump amid Middle East-linked supply disruptions, Senegalese farmers are turning to compost and manure to protect yields and cut dependence on chemicals. Soil Health Push (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s soil degradation crisis is getting attention, with emphasis on soil testing and better sustainable management to restore productivity. Disaster Relief Request (US—New York): New York is seeking a USDA disaster declaration after April frost damaged fruit crops, with losses estimated up to 100% in some areas. Climate Stress on Crops (Europe): Heat waves are affecting egg quality and shrinking fruit sizes, while water scarcity is worsening orchard stress. Pest Pressure (Australia/Iran): Australia faces a mouse plague threatening grain crops, while Iran is battling a locust swarm that could devastate young fields. Market & Policy Signals: Russia set zero export duties on wheat, barley, and corn to encourage grain exports, while India-Oman CEPA starting June 1 could expand duty-free access for agricultural trade.

Irrigation Breakthrough in Coffee: Austria’s Komet Rain Gun sprinkler system irrigated 100 acres of a Sakleshpur coffee estate in 24 hours, drawing thousands of growers and spotlighting faster water delivery for plantation crops. Weather Tech for Farmers: Telangana launched an AI weather-advisory program delivering alerts to 15 lakh farmers via the Rythu Bharosa phone network, aiming to cut climate-driven crop losses. Procurement Tensions in Wheat: In Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh, thousands of farmers escalated a wheat procurement dispute by briefly blocking the Bikaner–Hanumangarh rail line, demanding longer procurement and higher targets. Farm Inputs Under Fire: Farmers in Kulaura (Bangladesh) blamed poor-quality DAE-distributed seeds for weak germination and low yields in watermelon and tomato fields, calling for investigation and compensation. Pest Watch at the Border: U.S. officials intercepted a rare leafhopper species in a leafy greens shipment into Arizona, quarantining it to protect crops and prevent disease spread. Cold-Chain Expansion: Ethiopia inaugurated a $30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize fruit, vegetable, and animal product supply. Regenerative Restoration Push: Oleifera International launched a regenerative agriculture initiative across 10 African countries targeting nearly 100 million hectares of degraded land.

Farm Policy & Inputs: India’s fertilizer fight is heating up as Prime Minister Modi pushes chemical fertilizer cuts, while Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra restrict subsidized urea/DAP sales to products that don’t match the government’s “discouraged” list, raising alarms for specialty-crop growers. Weather & Crop Losses: Oklahoma wheat faces hail damage and late rain risks, while Eastern Panhandle growers report severe April freeze losses to peaches, apples, plums, and cherries. Procurement & Farmer Support: Telangana officials and critics clash over paddy procurement delays; meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh’s Hemanta Keshav Patil says wet paddy will still be procured at MSP with relaxed quality rules, and lorry shortages are being addressed. Pests & Biosecurity: U.S. CBP found a rare leafhopper pest in leafy greens at Nogales, and Northern California warns about glassy-winged sharpshooter on plants sold at Costco. Ag Science & Sustainability: Chinese researchers map sugarcane genetics for higher sugar and resilience; Ghana’s entomologist warns pesticide use is driving mosquito insecticide resistance. Community & Agritourism: South Dakota launches an Agritourism Adventures Passport, and Iowa’s farmers markets and fairs gear up for summer.