AGP Executive Report

Soil Health: A new report warns that heavy pesticide and chemical-fertiliser use in Bangladesh is degrading soils, reducing nitrogen and carbon levels and raising environmental concerns. Farm Logistics: FrieslandCampina plans to switch about half its milk-truck fleet to biomethane, including fuel made from manure at member farms. Farm Pressures: Pennsylvania lawmakers heard concerns over rising costs, labour shortages, animal disease and severe weather; Minnesota’s agriculture commissioner pointed to improved cattle markets and growing biofuel demand as reasons for optimism. AgTech: At India Mobile Congress, speakers urged agricultural AI developers to focus on farmers’ practical needs and expand rural connectivity. Women in Agriculture: The UN’s FAO named Emirati farmer Khadija Darwish Alqubaisi among its 100 women heroes, recognising her work in sustainable farming and youth education. Climate Resilience: England faces its worst harvest on record after extreme summer weather, while Irish reporting highlights regenerative farming’s strengths during drought. Market Access: Kenyan-founded Kahawa 1893 is expanding into Trader Joe’s, with a model that lets customers send tips directly to coffee farmers.

Fisheries Support: Malaysia’s 2027 budget adds funding for fishing licences, catch incentives and living allowances, with officials stressing that support must go hand in hand with sustainable resource management. Farm Carbon: South Africa’s regenerative-farming carbon market is growing: one programme says 29 farmers have helped store 39,207 tonnes of CO₂ in soil over three years. Heritage Crops: In northern Vietnam, a Muong entrepreneur and Thai villagers are reviving heirloom rice to build sustainable livelihoods rooted in local knowledge. Better Farm Advice: A Sudan project is developing practical guidance on fertiliser use and soil health after helping more than 100,000 farmers access inputs. Fertiliser Research: Saint Louis University scientists uncovered a new structure in a nitrogen-fixing enzyme, opening possible routes to reduce the cost and pollution of industrial fertiliser. Rural Land Concerns: Waterford residents and farmers plan to protest a proposed technology park and renewable-energy development, citing risks to farmland, water and the rural landscape.

Climate & Harvests: England is facing its worst cereal and oilseed harvest in records dating to 1984 after record heat and drought. Forecast crop output is 18.5 million tonnes, with the shortfall sharpening concerns about farm incomes and food security. Farm Support: Malaysia’s 2027 budget sets aside RM2.62 billion for paddy farmers and RM300 million for agrofood projects. Consumer advocates say aid must lift production and keep food affordable, backed by reliable irrigation and clear yield targets. Livestock: A Philippine Senate inquiry will examine low hog and chicken farmgate prices amid rising feed and production costs, warning small producers may cut output or quit. Farm Waste to Fuel: Uttar Pradesh approved a policy to attract sustainable aviation fuel investment using agricultural residues such as rice husk, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse. Local Food: A school-meal pilot in the Northern Mariana Islands is adding locally grown yams, taro and sweet potatoes, creating a steady market for island farmers.

Farm Economics: A Philippine senator is seeking an inquiry into low hog and chicken prices as feed and production costs climb, warning that small producers may quit and deepen import dependence. Farm Policy: NFU Cymru pressed Plaid Cymru to reshape Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme to bring more farmers in, while raising concerns about drought, bluetongue and trade standards. Urban Farming: An eight-year rooftop greenhouse study found that replacing worn roof panels lifted tomato yields by more than 56%; researchers also highlighted sunlight and recovered wastewater nutrients as key to efficient production. Land and Nature: A Tees-Swale programme restored or improved nearly 4,000 hectares of upland habitat, working with 200 farmers and building stronger local partnerships. Market Access: Karbi Anglong ginger growers may gain a route into European markets through Slovenia, whose envoy is exploring links with local producers.

Smallholder Resilience: Malaysia’s plantation ministry has accepted a proposal for a disaster and disease fund in Budget 2027, aimed at helping oil-palm, rubber and pepper growers recover from extreme weather, pests and crop diseases. The country has no dedicated income protection for El Niño losses. Climate-Ready Crops: India’s CCMB and rice research institute distributed new seed to more than 150 farmers. Trials will assess its resilience to disease, salinity and low-phosphorus soils. Farm Inputs: Indonesia has simplified fertilizer rules from 145 to three and cut subsidized prices by up to 20%, seeking to improve access and support food self-sufficiency. Sustainable Fisheries: India is gathering fishing communities’ views for a national plan to protect small-scale fisheries and livelihoods; a draft is expected in November, ahead of finalization in 2027.

Farmland Market: Canadian farmland values rose 3.8% in the first half of 2026, slower than last year, as rising costs and market uncertainty make buyers more cautious. Farm Investment: Northern Ireland’s sustainable farming grants face heavy oversubscription: fewer than half of applicants are expected to win funding in the first round, with £15 million available. Livestock Emissions: Sea Forest named Teys Australia the exclusive SeaFeed distributor for beef in Australia and New Zealand, expanding access to a feed additive designed to cut cattle methane. Seeds & Resilience: The African Union is calling for a continent-wide network of seed and gene banks to protect crop diversity and improve farmers’ access to affordable, climate-resilient seed. Water Security: Cyprus plans more than €200 million in water and irrigation projects through 2030 as drought pressures farm production. Food Security: Ghana secured an $18.8 million grant to expand rice production, aiming to reduce imports and support more than 20,000 smallholder farmers.

Agrifood Investment: Malawi is calling for more private-sector funding to shift farming beyond subsistence, expand processing and raise farmer incomes. Farm-Waste Value: USDA awarded nearly $75,000 to help Louisiana businesses develop uses for sugarcane bagasse, linking the crop industry with energy and manufacturing. Seeds and Resilience: The African Union’s commission vice-chair urged sustained investment in research, seed breeding and distribution so farmers can access quality seeds. Digital Farming: A study found rural e-commerce in China helped spur farm technology and productivity, with gains equivalent to 0.35% of cultivated land in 2021. Urban Agriculture: Eight years of rooftop greenhouse research found sunlight and timely nutrient management were key to tomato yields; replacing aging roof panels sharply increased production. Farm-Fuel Markets: A new $3 million Michigan partnership will study sustainable aviation and maritime fuel supply chains, with potential to create long-term demand for corn. Climate Action: Food and agriculture companies are shifting from sustainability pledges toward practical questions: who pays farmers to change, how results are measured and what buyers will reward.

Farmer Stress & Policy Uncertainty: A new Farmdex survey finds 86% of British farmers say policy uncertainty is hurting operations, with erratic weather and rising costs adding pressure. Disaster Risk & Food-Livelihoods: The World Bank projects Nepal’s growth will slow to 3.7% after the August 26 Rasuwa flood, warning that while national farm losses may be limited, affected households face major livelihood impacts. Climate-Resilient Livestock: Mongolia launched the “SMART-Herders” project to help about 4,000 herder households adapt to desertification, harsh winters, drought, and dust storms using resilient pasture management tools. Carbon Markets for Agriculture: Nepal is moving to build a carbon-market ecosystem, launching a mission to develop bankable climate projects across forests, agriculture, renewable energy, and waste. Smallholder Support in Palm Oil: Malaysia says it will keep strengthening palm oil markets while backing smallholders with better planting materials, training, and MSPO certification to improve productivity and incomes. Livestock & Hunger Debate: A World Food Prize dialogue will tackle how livestock systems can meet rising demand while protecting the planet, pushing beyond “meat vs. plants” arguments. Water Security Funding: Iowa advocates want lawmakers to activate its Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund to tackle worsening water quality and soil conservation needs.

AI for farm diagnosis: Malaysia’s AcroSeeker lets farmers snap crop photos to identify problems and suggest pesticides, aiming to cut misdiagnosis and excessive chemical use. Food security planning: Malaysia’s agriculture ministry was urged to keep Cabinet updated on food security through the end of El Niño, with emphasis on water management and smart irrigation monitoring. Climate-smart waste cuts: A new UN push highlights how rescuing food and diverting organics from landfills can quickly reduce methane and slow warming. Farmer stress in the US: Purdue/CME’s Ag Economy Barometer shows sentiment slipping in September as input costs bite, despite higher corn and soybean prices. Sustainable fuel links: Minnesota launched a biodiesel “fire code variance” toolkit to expand B100 use in fleets, boosting a domestic market for soybeans. Nature-based finance: A report argues nature and social risk must shape lending decisions, because soil and watershed damage hits credit risk like infrastructure failures. Biofuel without deforestation: Indonesia says degraded land will be used for food and biofuel feedstocks, avoiding new clearing. On-farm tech for resilience: Michigan announced a $3m partnership to connect corn growers to sustainable aviation and maritime fuel supply chains.

Rare-Earth Self-Reliance: India is pushing domestic capacity for rare-earth permanent magnets to cut supply-chain risk and geopolitical dependence, signaling a broader “self-reliance” push in strategic manufacturing. Trade & Investment Linkages: India and Switzerland signed new pacts to expand market access, deepen investment ties, and cooperate on mobility, infrastructure, science, and nuclear/defence areas—aiming for concrete outcomes beyond diplomacy. Agroecology Caution: A study warns that high-rate green manure in flooded rice paddies can boost hydrogen sulfide emissions, potentially harming rice yields—another reminder that “natural” practices still need smart dosing. Soil Health for Cleanup: Field research suggests a fungus-based approach can reduce heavy-metal buildup in rice by reshaping root and soil microbial activity, offering a more practical route than costly soil replacement. Forestry for Jobs in Zambia: Zambia is courting forestry investment to unlock a “forest economy,” targeting large plantation expansion and wood-processing along key corridors like Lobito. Value-Add Coffee in Vietnam: Vietnam’s coffee sector is urged to shift from volume growth to higher-value quality, processing, and branding as export earnings fall despite rising shipments. Livestock Support in Nigeria: Nigeria’s L-PRES livestock project is being urged to strengthen implementation and extend benefits to more farmers and communities. Food Systems & Deforestation: Coverage frames Philippines deforestation as a food-systems crisis tied to grains, livestock feed, palm oil, and timber demand—calling for reforestation plus dietary and farming shifts.

Climate & Food Policy: A new push to make sustainability claims more evidence-based is reshaping how food companies talk about climate action, as extreme heat drives both regulation and product changes. Ag Tech & Resilience: Malaysia’s environment ministry is seeking Budget 2027 support for drone-operated cloud seeding to tackle haze and dry spells, alongside mapping rare earth deposits. Water for Farmers: Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Ministry has broken ground on a GH¢4.1m inland valley project at Aninkroma to deliver year-round water for rice and other crops under its Food System Resilience Programme. Low-Carbon Fuels from Crops: Michigan is partnering with the Corn Marketing Program to build sustainable aviation and maritime fuel supply chains, aiming to connect farmers to growing SAF demand. Sustainable Food Systems in Practice: Boise’s biosolids-to-farm model earned EPA recognition, highlighting how municipal waste streams can support crop production. Farm Education & Youth: U.S. “farm school” programs are drawing high tuition as parents bet hands-on rural work will strengthen college prospects. Local Land & Trees: Orillia’s Sustainable Orillia event gave away 225 trees and shrubs to boost biodiversity and climate benefits.

Food Security & Labor Rights: A new IPES-Food analysis says 416 million people in the global food system can’t meet basic needs, with widespread informal work and forced labor risks. Trade & Farm Costs: Trump’s tomato tariffs could hit restaurant “free chips and salsa” as higher prices and supply shocks squeeze margins. Energy & Agriculture: Diesel shortages tied to geopolitics are expected to drag into 2027, raising costs for tractors, freight, and farm operations. Circular Economy & Soil Health: Tasmania launches a waste-to-farm circular economy scholarship program, including a PhD on recovering nutrients from organic waste. Ag Tech & Inputs: Syngenta unveils EXORT, a plant microRNA-based biological tech aimed at boosting yields and quality at low application rates. Research & Food Systems Capacity: UMass’s $120m “Future of Food” initiative will expand food science facilities with a sustainability-focused research center and a food innovation hub. Policy & Local Food Access: Vermont opens a $150,000 Farm to School CSA grant to supply local food to early learners via farm shares.

Climate-smart farming support: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is ramping up food and farm input stocks, storage, and targeted interventions ahead of a “super El Niño,” including advance purchases of rice and fertilizer and a shift toward bio-based soil and foliar ameliorants. Composting & circular food systems: Fairbanks, Alaska is getting a commercial in-vessel composting facility to divert food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, backed by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service funding. Soil and water stewardship: Ontario’s Grey Sauble Conservation Authority won a $30,000 Greenbelt Foundation grant for “Green Fields, Clean Streams,” funding livestock exclusion fencing and cover crops to protect waterways and improve soil health. Natural farming wins on the ground: A Palnadu tenant farmer in India is cutting chemical input costs and boosting resilience through natural farming and diversified crops, including papaya and vegetables. Aquaculture hatchery innovation: Researchers in Andhra Pradesh found that using dextrose in biofloc systems can improve survival of Pacific white shrimp larvae raised in non-exchanged water. Market stability for growers: Malawi’s SMEDCO is buying surplus tomatoes to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize prices as farmers call for sustainable markets and affordable financing.

Sustainable Farming Incentive Fallout (UK): England’s SFI funding window closed in just six hours, leaving drought-hit farmers scrambling and threatening wildlife gains as plans go “up in the air.” Climate-Smart Research (India): A new deep-learning model maps desertification risk with 92% accuracy, aiming to track land degradation as conditions change. Local Water Governance (UK): Somerset’s River Brue has been granted “rights” via a town charter to help secure funding and cut pollution. Illegal Fishing Diplomacy (Sri Lanka–India): A key meeting on illegal bottom trawling was postponed at India’s request, as mechanised trawlers continue to cross into Sri Lankan waters. Market Access for Value-Added Food (Guyana): UMAMI shipped its first commercial order to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket, signaling stronger export momentum for Guyanese agro-processing. Soil & Conservation Recognition (US): A Minnesota farm won a conservationist award for cover crops, no-till, and careful nitrogen and irrigation management. Community Food Systems (US): Rochester’s Foodlink festival marked its first full year at a renovated community farm, expanding education and local growing.

Sustainable Ag Policy: Mallorca’s ecological farming group Apaema says a new agrarian law moves in the right direction but still needs stronger guarantees for organic production and clearer limits on farm building expansions. Food Security Finance: Haiti’s North and Northeast get a $38.7M IDB boost (plus IFAD support) to expand irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and support smallholders and rural youth through training and grants. Waste-to-Value Innovation: A new review highlights how fermentation can turn food scraps into shelf-stable foods, probiotics, biofuels, and other products—cutting waste while reducing pressure on landfills. Water & Rural Resilience: Tanzania pushes water science and management as a foundation for sustainable development, linking safer water services to agriculture and long-term resilience. Market Access & Exports: Guyana’s UMAMI ships its first commercial container to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket, aiming for steady Gulf exports of sauces and seasonings. Conservation & Land Stewardship: Scotland’s 3Sixteen Ranch earns a major conservation award, spotlighting soil-first practices that support healthy livestock and natural fertility cycles. Ag Tech & Inclusion: Tanzania’s digital agriculture push is expanding access to weather, advice, payments, and buyers—but the key question is whether smallholders truly benefit. Climate & Energy for Farms: Arunachal Pradesh explores geothermal power for remote needs, including potential agricultural drying uses.

Farm Policy & Water Security: South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy says farmers are still reeling from inheritance tax uncertainty, drought-driven water stress, rising costs, and the chaotic Sustainable Farming Incentive rush that left many missing nature funding. Renewables for Rural Services: Norfolk and Norwich Hospital is planning a solar farm near Little Melton aimed at supplying power directly to the hospital to stabilize long-term energy costs. Conservation Funding in the US: USDA’s NRCS in Tennessee is accepting applications for conservation programs (ACEP, CSP, EQIP) for FY2027, with a Nov. 20, 2026 deadline. School Food Systems: South Dakota is marking October “Farm to School” Month, highlighting local procurement, school gardens, and nutrition benefits for students and farmers. Agroforestry Transition in Vietnam: Nam Tra My residents are shifting from low-return acacia “lazy trees” to cinnamon, areca palms, and fruit orchards supported by seedlings and technical guidance. Soil & Yield Research: Kerala rice trials found that pairing an aquatic fern with compost boosted yields by about 50% versus other organic approaches. Livestock & Climate Debate: Scotland’s climate-rural leadership argues for “thriving livestock” rather than cutting herd numbers, stressing locally produced food and emissions reductions. Poultry Export Push: South Africa’s Rainbow Chicken urges government help to unlock poultry exports by tackling veterinary and regulatory barriers. Water Governance for Resilience: Saudi Arabia’s Water Regulation Exchange (WREx) will convene global water regulators in Riyadh starting Nov. 1.