AGP Executive Report

Agricultural Research Partnerships: India’s ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Ministry signed an MoU plus a 2026–2031 work plan to boost climate-smart farming, horticulture, post-harvest work, livestock development, and food security through joint research and technology transfer. Farm Policy & Water Quality: Northern Ireland’s revised Nutrients Action Programme is out for consultation, with Ulster Farmers’ Union calling it “significantly improved,” and a new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme set to fund soil and nutrient-loss reduction gear, including a phased push toward low-emission slurry spreading equipment. Input Costs & CAP Pressure (Ireland): Ireland’s tillage sector is asking for €105.5m in pre-budget support, citing higher fuel and fertiliser costs, weaker prices, and reduced CAP support, while also urging policy support for low-carbon tillage. Dairy Rights Fight (US): Wisconsin dairy farmers sued USDA over changes to the Dairy Checkoff Program, arguing funds are being redirected toward environmental and sustainability initiatives beyond what Congress authorized. Shrimp Disease Crisis (Thailand): Thai shrimp producers urged urgent government action and a 2026–2030 national marine shrimp action plan to tackle disease and restore exports after years of production and export declines. Cocoa Seed Boost (Nigeria): Nigeria launched a 1 million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings rollout aimed at rebuilding productivity, farmer livelihoods, and export earnings under the national cocoa development plan.

TVET for Aquaculture: Malaysia’s PTSS will run a six-month training push for a commercial belut (catfish) farming project, pairing hands-on student learning with community enterprise support. Supply-Chain Sustainability: Syngenta, McDonald’s China and McCain China signed a partnership to modernize potato farming using soil health, precision fertigation, integrated pest management and digital monitoring for traceable fries. Ag Logistics Shock: South Africa’s Port of Cape Town was flagged as the worst-performing terminal for table fruit exports, pushing about 55,000 tonnes of grapes to Eastern Cape routes and costing the sector roughly R3.2bn. Value-Added Opportunity: Ghana’s avocado sector is projected to generate €1.5–€2bn annually and 150,000 jobs if the country shifts from raw exports toward processing and branding. Circular Fertiliser Push: Rovensa Next joined a €6.4m EU Horizon Europe project to scale circular biofertilisers and microbial inputs by 2029. Food Security Policy: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet highlighted price-stabilisation funding and irrigation support to help farmers keep more income after harvest. Climate-Smart Farming at Scale: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, urging accessible tech for smallholders facing rising costs, soil and water stress.

USDA Support for Ube Research: Officials visited Bohol to discuss a 2027–2031 USDA-backed program to strengthen the province’s purple yam industry with pest/disease research, molecular characterization, and a crop protection center. Market Access for Indigenous Farmers: In Davao, DA-Davao is training Indigenous Peoples on ube propagation and crop management through its 4K program to tap rising global demand. Soil Health Push in Punjab: Punjab’s “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” is urging farmers to cut imbalanced fertilizer use and rely on soil testing to rebuild soil structure and reduce costs after decades of intensive wheat-paddy farming. Regenerative Ag Field Day: Nebraska’s Bazile Groundwater Management Area hosted a regenerative agriculture field day focused on soil health, nutrient cycling, and input reduction. Olive Sector Milestone: Pakistan took its seat as a permanent member of the International Olive Council, highlighting a growing farm-to-fork value chain and quality labs. Circular Economy Cooperation: Georgia’s agriculture and environment officials joined an ADB/JICA meeting in Japan on sustainable solid waste management and circular-economy projects.

Water Security & Irrigation: Pakistan’s Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says lasting peace with India depends on restoring the Indus Waters Treaty, calling water a food-security and national-lifeline issue. Regional Water Investment: A report flags India’s water sector could attract ₹20 lakh crore, warning demand may nearly double by 2030 as groundwater falls and agriculture strains supplies. Agri-Food Systems & Waste: Georgia and Türkiye signed MoUs to boost irrigation, drainage, and forestry cooperation, while Georgia also pushed for cutting post-harvest losses and strengthening phytosanitary systems at the Zero Waste Forum. Clean Energy for Farms: An IISD/Idam study finds village-level planned solar can beat grid costs in rural India even without subsidies, depending on local demand and storage needs. Biological Inputs: INERA and CropNXT ink a multi-year deal to expand biological crop inputs to smallholders across five eastern Indian states, targeting ~65 lakh farmers via thousands of retailers. Farmer Support & Livelihoods: In Pangasinan, fisherfolk associations are receiving P3.732M in livelihood grants under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, including aquaculture and farm supply businesses. Sustainable Mechanisation: AutoNxt’s electric tractor X45H2 wins “Electric Tractor of the Year 2026,” aiming to cut fuel costs and emissions while easing maintenance and labor pressures. Youth & Value Addition: Ghana backs youth agribusiness with fruit-juice processing start-up kits, linking training to equipment and local jobs.

Policy & Funding: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered early drafting of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy, set up an Agriculture Apex Forum, and launched a push to expand farmers’ access to the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme, with emphasis on seeds, water, fertilizers, value addition, and modern storage. Health & Farm Safety: Nigeria’s FEC approved upgrading Gombe’s Kaltungo snakebite centre into a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre, citing 43,000+ cases annually and the heavy burden on farmers and herders. Water Security: GCC ministers discussed a regional water interconnection network to share surplus desalinated water and improve crisis resilience. Soil & Input Smarts: New Zealand’s Sustainable Vegetable Systems project was named a finalist for helping growers optimize nitrogen management via a free decision tool. Ag Skills & Extension: Pakistan and Italy signed a €20m concessional loan to strengthen agriculture TVET and extension, targeting high-value crops and agro-food value chains. Nature-Friendly Farming: Nagaland’s ICAR-backed research initiative aims to modernize jhum cultivation with a hybrid agroforestry model to cut deforestation and erosion while protecting yields. Community Development: A mining-focused piece argues CSR should shift toward community ownership so projects keep delivering after companies leave.

Climate Risk for Farmers: A Philippine peasant group urged urgent action as El Niño could intensify to very strong levels and last into early 2027, warning of crop failures, income loss, and deeper food insecurity. Market Stabilization: Malaysia’s FAMA launched a 2026 seasonal fruit plan for durian, aiming to prevent farmgate price swings by expanding sales channels, setting up temporary purchasing centres, and boosting processing to absorb surplus. Regenerative Agriculture Scrutiny: A FAIRR report says big FMCGs often fall short on credible regenerative farming targets, with few firms setting measurable, outcome-based goals. Sustainable Farming Support in Northern Ireland: DAERA opened Year 2 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme (applications 30 June–31 July), expanding actions for arable farms and offering up to £20,000. Food Security at Community Level: The Bangsamoro government monitored backyard and communal gardens under Gulayan sa Barangay/4Ps to strengthen local vegetable production and nutrition. Agri-Trade Push: Pakistan signaled plans to expand agricultural exports to Bangladesh (rice, pulses, fertilizer, edible oil) while increasing imports of high-quality jute products.

Market Access for Small Producers: Tawau, Malaysia is positioning itself as a Singapore export hub after a STTOS and SCE assessment and a “Market Readiness Seminar,” with visits to seaweed, tropical fruit, snacks, staple food and palm/cocoa processors. Agri-Value Addition & Rural Jobs: UAE’s Khorfakkan Mango Festival drew 40,000+ visitors, expanded its exhibition space by 70%, and added a mango-based innovation category alongside new mango-and-honey products. Water Leadership for Climate Resilience: On Bangladesh’s CharLata island, a six-month program trained 60 women to lead water governance as salinity and dry-season shortages worsen. Cocoa Production Support: Central Province in Papua New Guinea is deploying agriculture volunteers after a pre-service orientation focused on boosting cocoa livelihoods. Protein Innovation: Noumi and FaBA are scaling bovine lactoferrin production using precision fermentation, aiming for a more efficient, sustainable supply. Farm Tech for Rice Self-Sufficiency: Papua New Guinea’s Norikori Rice Project received eight modern tractors from South Korea via KOICA to cut reliance on imported rice. Food Security Planning: PNG UOT will host a July 1–3 conference on transforming food systems for nutrition and climate resilience. Desert Farming Reality Check: A UAE study finds closed-loop hydroponics can pay off, but results depend on what crops are grown, not just on saving water.

Climate Risk for Farmers: India’s monsoon uncertainty is back in focus as forecasters warn a strong El Niño could mean weaker rains, pushing Punjab and other regions toward costlier irrigation and added pressure on groundwater. Food & Farm Policy Transparency: In the Philippines, an advocacy group says Oriental Mindoro’s GMO ban review lacks public drafts and clear consultation, raising fears local safeguards could be weakened. Organic Seafood Standards: Scotland’s Soil Association says it may strip organic status from salmon firms over “unacceptable” mortality and environmental concerns. Farmer Safety Nets: Uttar Pradesh expands support through the Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana, covering accidental death/disability for farmers and sharecroppers with faster, digitized payouts. Agri Skills & Jobs: A new horticulture degree in Ireland (with Teagasc) targets rising demand for trained growers, including sustainable production and protected crops. Blue Economy Leadership: Seychelles honors India’s PM Narendra Modi as “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” spotlighting climate action, ocean governance, and sustainable development.

Farm Funding Accountability: Fiji’s Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says government-funded farm programmes will face tighter monitoring, with assessments focused on whether recipients used funds to raise productivity, and with added emphasis on boosting women and youth participation. Market Access Boost: The same budget package includes $2.5m for the Agricultural Marketing Authority to improve market access for underserved smallholders, plus $102m for non-sugar agriculture development. Climate-Smart Planting Prep: Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province is already preparing for the 2026/27 summer season, with farmers laying out Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots to build resilience against erratic rains and climate shocks. Local Food Economy: Canada’s Morden Farmers Market opens another season, running weekly through early October and highlighting growing shopper interest in buying local. Alternative Crops for Livelihoods: Myanmar is urging opium poppy farmers to switch to coffee cultivation as part of an “alternative development” push, alongside drug seizures and destruction. Pest Control at Scale: Mexico and the U.S. inaugurated a sterile fly production plant in Chiapas aimed at combating screwworm across borders. Sea Moss Standards: Saint Lucia is moving to upgrade sea moss farming at Savannes Bay with sustainability-focused plans and a marine debris removal project using sustainable raft systems.

Circular Waste-to-Value: Malaysia’s Dalat is turning water hyacinth into organic fertiliser and animal feed using Black Soldier Fly technology, cutting a river nuisance while creating local income. Regenerative Farming Win: Andhra Pradesh’s community-managed natural farming (APCNF) has won the 2026 Food Planet Prize, spotlighting lower chemical dependence and stronger climate resilience for smallholders. Ag Tech for Yields: Chandigarh University researchers unveiled an AI transformer model that predicts crop yields from satellite, climate, and farm records—aimed at better decisions before harvest. Input Pressure & Policy Debate: A new wave of heat across Europe is intensifying scrutiny of pesticide-heavy farming and pushing arguments for more sustainable, soil- and biodiversity-friendly approaches. Food Export Boost: India’s GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes have begun commercial exports to the UAE, backed by APEDA and farmer producer sourcing. Livestock Feed Security: Botswana launched a national fodder strategy targeting an extra one million tonnes annually by 2030 to narrow the feed gap and strengthen drought resilience.

IFC & Poultry Exports: The International Finance Corporation is backing Sri Lanka’s New Anthoney’s Farms Group with up to $10M to scale antibiotic-free poultry, create 900+ jobs, and expand contract farming for smallholders. Farm Bill Watch: U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee chair John Boozman released a draft 2026 Farm Bill, but critics flag gaps on SNAP, fertilizer support, and pesticide-labeling rules. Water & Food Security: Cuba’s WFP-backed Nutrivida project is restoring productive soils and boosting urban gardens with irrigation and solar-powered greenhouses, aiming to improve nutrition for vulnerable families. Local Food Systems: Idaho’s Parents Promoting Ag received a $10,000 boost to expand youth ag clinics and leadership camps. Ag Innovation & Learning: Home Farm Nacton earned LEAF Demonstration Farm status, highlighting practical ways to balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Sustainable Practices: A local permaculture potluck in Kent County promoted regenerative, small-scale “permanent culture” growing and aquaponics. Pollinators: New York highlighted Pollinator Week efforts, including encouraging honey producers to join NYS Grown & Certified.

Livestock Health & Trade: South Africa rolled out a new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) management framework to replace patchwork rules, aiming to curb spread while keeping vaccinated, non-quarantined animals tradable under normal conditions. Clean Energy for Farms: Tiger Brands signed a renewable electricity wheeling deal to cut emissions and shift more manufacturing power away from Eskom, starting in 2028. Animal Disease Vaccine Rollout: The Philippines expects commercial approval of Vietnam’s African swine fever (ASF) live vaccine by Q3 2026, targeting faster hog-sector recovery after years of losses. Climate-Resilient Diets: Gambia’s DiGES project wrapped up with a push for diversified, climate-resilient fruits and vegetables, linking diet variety to both health and household affordability. Value Addition & Markets: Uganda launched a national coffee brand, “Uganda Coffee: It’s in Our Nature,” to strengthen quality systems and expand premium access to Europe. Water Security Infrastructure: Namibia committed N$200 million equity toward its second desalination plant to secure climate-independent water for industry and communities. Sustainable Ag Finance: ADB approved $42.2m for sustainable bamboo value chains in India’s northeast to boost jobs, processing, and women’s livelihoods. Soil & Dairy Innovation: CAFRE invited Fermanagh dairy farmers to a Netherlands innovation visit focused on soil health, carbon sequestration, and resilient dairy systems.

Soil & Waste: A new guide urges summer households to compost food scraps and yard waste instead of sending them to landfills, cutting methane and turning organics into soil. Ethiopia’s Reform Push: Ethiopia’s PMO says the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda is driving transformation, with agriculture still the backbone plus new focus on mining, manufacturing, ICT and digitalization. Food Security Diplomacy: Kuwait and Kazakhstan discussed ways to strengthen food security cooperation, including agricultural production and supply-chain partnerships. Water for Farming: Ghana’s farmers’ association says consistent rains are a chance to invest in water harvesting and storage, warning that rain-fed farming remains vulnerable. USDA Seafood Move: Oregon welcomed a new USDA Office of Seafood, arguing fishermen should get fuller access to grants, marketing support and disaster help. Crop Protection Research: South Dakota State University researchers are working to boost wheat disease resistance as growers face major annual losses from pests and pathogens. Livestock Biosecurity: South Africa approved updated national Foot and Mouth Disease control measures aimed at clearer rules and less economic disruption for producers. Agrifood Logistics: Rotterdam’s Food Hub is expanding with 38 hectares for chilled and frozen agrifood storage and transshipment. Circular Economy Materials: Cuba and Spain are teaming up to study durable materials for tropical conditions, supporting circular-economy and recycling goals.

Climate & Water Risk: India is bracing for a weaker monsoon as El Niño threatens rainfall, with contingency plans for 111 low-irrigation districts and a push to protect water-stressed farms. Drought Response: Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay is already seeing El Niño-linked drought after cyclone recovery, prompting intensified food crop support for atoll communities. Livestock Resilience: Kenya launched a 10-day vaccination drive targeting 250,000 animals against FMD, PPR and CCPP, alongside deworming and treatment. Climate-Smart Finance: South Africa’s Standard Bank pledged R3.4bn to help farmers adopt solar, water-efficient irrigation and precision tools to cut climate risk. Market Access & Trade: Uganda set up an AfCFTA implementation committee to help farmers and firms reach duty-free regional markets. Agri Innovation & Infrastructure: Oman’s Foster + Partners unveiled a self-sustaining Al Najd Agricultural City masterplan designed to build resilient food systems and jobs. Food Waste & Consumer Behavior: Japan’s evening supermarket discount culture is growing as households seek savings while reducing edible food waste.

Coastal Resilience: South Wairarapa has begun extending the EcoReef coastal defense at Whatarangi, adding 96 metres of HEX-LOC blocks to protect Cape Palliser Rd after storm damage cut the road to one lane. Sustainable Farming & Food Systems: Pope Leo XIV formally opened Borgo Laudato Si, a 55-acre regenerative, organic farm near Castel Gandolfo, with its first Cabernet Sauvignon vintage already bottled and sold via a short supply chain. Ag Tech & Traceability: Coles Supermarkets is partnering with Ever.Ag to speed up meat supply-chain planning using automated data modeling and compliance rules. Dairy Resilience: Vermont’s Franklin County Cheese is set to reopen a shuttered dairy facility this fall, offering a rare lifeline amid recent plant shutdowns. Policy & Rural Development: The 2026 U.S. farm bill is framed as a rural jobs and services boost, with major focus on credit, broadband, healthcare access, and workforce support. Animal Health: Heifer International’s Dilip Bhandari received the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award for building community-based animal health systems for smallholders.

Smart Water Use in Jordan: Jordan Valley Authority backed an automated irrigation and fertilization station in Shuna/Al-Karameh, calling it a model for smarter water and fertilizer use. School Greenhouse Income in Zimbabwe: A Mutumba Primary School greenhouse is generating over US$2,500 per cycle for tomatoes and cucumbers, funding school fees for 45 vulnerable learners. Water Harvesting for Climate Resilience: Jordan and Japan will fund small-scale rainwater harvesting in Wadi Araba to boost water for farmers and herders. Irrigation Upgrades in India: Punjab inaugurated bridges and lined watercourses/canal outlets in Faridkot to strengthen irrigation infrastructure. Regenerative Push from Nestlé: Nestlé and Wildfarmed will supply regenerative wheat for KitKat in the UK, scaling soil-focused practices. Food Waste as Climate Action: Cambodia’s food-waste warning highlights methane impacts and urges mindful buying and eating. Policy/Markets Watch: Ghana’s Tree Crops Development Authority rejected cashew price misinformation, reaffirming official producer-price figures. Composting Gap in Hawaii: A county study found 26% of landfill material is organic waste, but composting infrastructure is missing. Animal Welfare Scorecard: Canada’s cage-free progress lags at 21% in Mercy For Animals’ latest scorecard. Peat Crisis in Ireland: Growing Media Ireland warns 18,000 horticulture jobs face risk without workable rules for sustainable peat harvesting.