AGP Executive Report

USMCA Uncertainty for Agriculture: The U.S. will not renew CUSMA/USMCA in its current form, shifting North America to annual reviews for up to a decade while the deal stays in force until 2036—prompting calls from U.S. farm groups for faster progress to protect corn, ethanol, and dispute-settlement stability. Cattle Health Priority: Texas A&M highlights the New World screwworm threat response, including quarantine and movement controls around detections, stressing that U.S. beef remains safe while sterile-fly efforts expand. Rural Credit Stress in Brazil: Brazil’s central bank reports rural loan delinquency for individual borrowers rising to 7.6% in May and troubled rural credit climbing to R$201.8B, raising pressure on farm financing. Food Safety Watch: Michigan is tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak with 225+ cases across 21 counties and Detroit, underscoring risks tied to contaminated produce. Labor Enforcement: Washington state cited a farm-labor contractor in Moxee for multiple farmworker protection violations affecting 1,000+ workers, with fines near $300k. Trade & Exchange Ripple: Mexico’s “superpeso” gains are weighing on remittances and dollar earners as USMCA review uncertainty and US jobs data move markets.

USMCA Talks and Ag Exports: The U.S. declined to automatically extend USMCA, starting a 10-year wind-down with annual reviews, while pushing for tighter rules of origin and a new “economic security” chapter—an issue Mexico says also includes opposition to U.S. seasonal agricultural import schemes. Trade Diplomacy: UAE Trade Days included meetings with Argentina to deepen private-sector partnerships in tech, renewables, logistics, and investment. Weather and Food Prices: A strengthening El Niño outlook is raising fears of major food-price pressure across Southeast Asia, with fertilizer and fuel costs already high. Cotton Supply Tightening: ICAC projects lower cotton production and acreage alongside higher fertilizer costs and drought risk, pointing to a supply deficit and upward price pressure. Caribbean Agriculture Education: Jamaica’s Titchfield High School expanded its broiler program with a major Sandals Foundation-backed investment, adding capacity, slaughter facilities, and cooling to support student nutrition and skills. Food Safety Watch: 2026 has seen 600+ food recalls in the U.S., including serious contamination and allergen issues.

USMCA Shock for Ag Trade: The U.S. declined to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in its current form, triggering annual reviews while the pact stays in force—raising uncertainty for farmers and agribusiness supply chains. Ag Policy Pushback: U.S. dairy and produce groups back targeted USMCA updates, including tighter enforcement on dairy tariff-rate quotas and better monitoring for fresh produce rules. Colombia Avocado Branding: Colombia’s Avocado Board launched “Avocados from Colombia” in the U.S., aiming to boost consumer trust and recognition after a surge to 85 million pounds of Hass exports in the first half of 2025. Cacao-to-Menu Innovation (Local): In Davao City, a cacao producer and a local café teamed up to spotlight Davao-grown cacao in both savory and sweet dishes, including mole-style beef. Corn Trade Upswing (Global): India’s corn imports are set for a three-year high as record output lowers prices and freight costs make Indian corn more competitive for Asian buyers.

Cuba Food Relief via Diaspora Online Shopping: “Cuban Amazons” like Supermarket23 are helping families in Havana get basics—beans, chicken, milk, oil, eggs, sugar—by delivering items ordered abroad as sanctions and power cuts keep shelves bare. Paraguay Trade Balancing Act: Paraguay signals openness to boost commerce with China while reaffirming it won’t break diplomatic ties with Taiwan, despite pressure from agricultural exporters. Mercosur-Japan Trade Push: Mercosur launches economic partnership talks with Japan, aiming to expand market access for farm and livestock products and cross-investments, with concerns about cheaper meat and sugar hitting Japan’s domestic suppliers. Cattle Health Alarm (Screwworm): The screwworm threat remains a live issue for livestock systems, with quarantine and inspection measures highlighted amid worries about economic strain. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Relief groups are mobilizing for shelter, food, clean water, and medical care as the death toll climbs and many people remain displaced or missing. Colombia Coffee Recognition: Colombia declares coffee its national beverage, underscoring the crop’s cultural and economic weight. Costa Rica Reforestation Model: A look at how Costa Rica reversed decades of deforestation through forest protection and large-scale planting, incentives, and regeneration.

USMCA Crossroads for Ag Trade: With July 1 reviews looming, reports say the Trump administration may decline to extend USMCA, raising tariff uncertainty for North American farm exports—while U.S. wheat groups warn Mexico is a key buyer. Tariff Relief for Inputs: Trump also temporarily suspended duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco for eight months, aiming to ease costs for U.S. farmers as global fertilizer competition tightens. Brazil Fertilizer Pressure: The Morocco move is expected to intensify competition for Brazil, which relies heavily on imported phosphate inputs. Livestock Biosecurity: Mexico and the U.S. inaugurated a sterile fly facility in Chiapas to fight New World screwworm as cases rise, while U.S. veterinary groups urge pet owners to stay informed, not alarmed. Climate Risk for Farmers: Coverage highlights El Niño-linked crop concerns and insurance as shocks intensify. Regional Food Systems: A Guyana livestock authority defended the Onverwagt abattoir as operational amid misinformation, underscoring the role of reliable slaughter capacity.

Agri-Tech & Breeding: Tropic acquired Rahan Meristem to scale gene-edited banana varieties aimed at cutting Panama disease losses and post-harvest waste. Aquaculture & Conservation: A solar-powered mobile lab in The Bahamas has achieved the first successful queen conch hatch, producing about 200 juvenile conch for later release into seagrass habitats. Trade Policy: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy introduced the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026, proposing higher tariff-rate quotas on shrimp, crawfish, and catfish imports (plus other farm goods) once country-specific limits are hit. Regional Politics & Markets: Mercosur’s June 29 summit in Paraguay highlighted deep fault lines as Argentina’s Milei canceled attendance amid bloc expansion talks and internal tensions. Disaster Impact on Food Systems: Venezuela’s earthquake response remains strained as the death toll tops 1,700 and farmers and residents report limited government help while communities organize supplies. Climate Risk for Farmers: World Food Programme climate insurance is helping farmers in places like Senegal and Syria recover after extreme weather shocks. Food Security Innovation Push: Leaders meeting in Nairobi urged faster scaling of proven ag innovations to boost productivity, jobs, and resilience against climate and economic disruptions.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: After twin quakes killed at least 1,700 people, residents in hard-hit towns like El Junquito say government aid is slow and uneven, with farmers and locals still supplying basics while tents remain in damaged areas. Coastal Impacts: The same quakes reportedly lifted parts of Trinidad and Tobago’s southwest coast by nearly 20 feet, leaving dead marine life along the Galfa coastline—an environmental hit that can ripple into fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Argentina Ag-Linked Growth: Argentina’s April economic activity rose 1.6% year-on-year, with agriculture, livestock, hunting and forestry helping drive the gain, even as manufacturing and trade lagged. Brazil Biofuel Supply Shift: In Mato Grosso, Girassol Agrícola is expanding eucalyptus plantings to feed booming biomass demand from corn ethanol plants, aiming to add 4,000 hectares over three years as grain margins tighten. Honduras Crop Damage Clarified: A study using camera traps in eastern Honduras found the endangered Baird’s tapir was not the main culprit behind cassava losses, helping reduce conflict between farmers and wildlife.

Agricultural Outlook: FAO-OECD projects global farm incomes rising 9% by 2035 on productivity gains, but warns volatility could cut incomes in 2035 by 25% if recent shock frequency continues; fertilizer-use drops tied to energy prices are flagged as a 2027 risk. Climate & Food Security: A report warns humid heatwaves are lasting far longer in parts of South America and Southeast Asia, with wet-bulb conditions pushing human cooling limits—an issue that can hit crop yields and livestock. Pest Control in the Region: The U.S. and Mexico opened a sterile fly facility in Metapa to fight New World screwworm, aiming to produce up to 100 million sterile flies weekly and protect cattle herds after reemergence in Mexico. Disaster Impacts: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes have triggered major coastal changes, including Trinidad’s coastline rising nearly 20 feet and leaving sea animals stranded. Rural Livelihoods: A Honduras piece highlights Indigenous guardians risking their lives to protect scarlet macaws in La Moskitia, underscoring how conservation and local economies collide.

Screwworm Response: The U.S. and Mexico opened a new sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, aiming to ramp production to tens of millions of sterile pupae weekly to suppress New World screwworm after new Texas cases. Environmental Enforcement: Mexico’s Profepa is tightening action against illegal logging and land clearing in Quintana Roo, including property closures, machinery seizures, and moves to block land regularizations tied to deforestation. Quake Aftermath in Venezuela: Reports from Venezuela’s earthquake zone describe looting and theft adding to the disaster, while rescue efforts continue and international connectivity help arrives. Agribusiness & Markets: Brazil’s cachaça makers see a boost as the EU-Mercosur deal advances, cutting tariffs on hundreds of goods and opening new export paths. Caribbean Value Chains: Root crop producers in the Caribbean completed EU-funded training on post-harvest handling for dasheen, sweet potato, and yam, linking field practices to port and supermarket realities. Agri-Food Innovation: Quail farming in Yucatán is gaining traction as a low-space, fast-turn agro-industrial option as demand grows for alternative poultry products.

Screwworm Control in Mexico–US: Mexico and the U.S. inaugurated a new sterile-fly plant in Metapa, Chiapas, to curb the New World screwworm threatening cattle. The facility (about $61M) is set to produce up to 100M sterile flies weekly, building on an existing Panama plant, as cases have been reported since Mexico’s first detection in 2024. Farm Policy Pressure: Mexico’s sterile fly push also follows broader livestock trade concerns, with the pest capable of killing animals if wounds become infested. Water and Irrigation Costs: In California, vineyard owners warn a new groundwater sustainability fee could add roughly $98.74 per irrigated acre, raising pressure on growers already hit by market and regulatory costs. Agtech and Research: A Montana State University study published in Nature Cities maps urban demographic change to help governments plan resources—useful for long-term food system planning as cities grow and age.

Cross-Border Livestock Health: The U.S. and Mexico inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Metapa, Chiapas, to ramp up production of sterile New World screwworm flies and curb a outbreak that’s already triggered cattle movement restrictions and inspections. Ranching Impact: Texas livestock markets are bracing as new infestations expand “infested” and “surveillance” zones, raising compliance costs for producers. Regional Cooperation for Agriculture: France reaffirmed support for the OECS, highlighting collaboration in climate resilience and agriculture among other priorities. Caribbean Aquaculture & Value-Added: Saint Lucia’s Savannes Bay sea moss restoration program is boosting organization and training for farmers, with a push toward higher-value products. Markets & Weather Watch: Grain traders stayed defensive as corn and soy outlooks hinged on weather and export competition, with attention on upcoming USDA reports. Ag Trade Linkages: A look at how USMCA underpins North American ag trade and jobs, with the pact now in review. Specialty Crops Funding (U.S.): Rep. Adam Gray backed a proposed $10B supplemental request for specialty crop growers amid rising costs and trade uncertainty.

Agrifood Security & Technology: China reports summer wheat harvest at 91.44% of target (310 million mu) by June 16, signaling steadier grain supplies amid global climate and supply-chain stress. Livestock Health: Texas cattlemen packed a Hallettsville meeting as confirmed screwworm cases rise to 20, with new risks for calves in multiple counties. Deforestation vs. Farming Pressure: Honduras’ “Zero Deforestation by 2029” plan leans on an 8,000-troop environmental battalion, but experts warn militarized conservation may fail without stronger policy and enforcement. Trade & Food Systems in the Caribbean: Jamaica and Guyana signed agriculture-focused MoUs to boost food security via extension, trade facilitation, and human-resource development. Sugar Markets: Weak monsoon rains in India are pushing sugar prices higher, while Brazil’s mills shift more cane to ethanol, tightening the global balance. Local Food & Farming Resilience: Venezuela earthquake relief in Maracay is progressing with medical, psychological support, and distribution for damaged neighborhoods.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Back-to-back quakes hit Caracas, triggering panic and building damage, while families abroad struggle to make contact as the death toll rises and rescue efforts continue. Livestock Biosecurity: Texas officials urged ranchers to stay vigilant as New World screwworm spreads in an unusual pattern, pointing producers to updated USDA and state guidance. Trade & Farm Exports: U.S. farm groups are watching a proposed Iran crop-sales deal with skepticism from traders, while U.S. policy debates continue over tariffs and quotas that affect cattle and sheep supply chains. Regional Ag Policy: Mexico’s fruit fly quarantine expanded in San Diego County as pest risk grows, and Caribbean climate-smart farming training reached farmers and agricultural officers in St. Vincent. Agri-Food Systems: A new push highlights school lunch programs using local farm produce, linking fresh supply to student nutrition and local agriculture.

Glyphosate Legal Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court backed Bayer/Monsanto, limiting state-by-state glyphosate label lawsuits and potentially reshaping how Latin American growers and buyers watch chemical risk and compliance. Farm Profit Pressure: Florida’s farm losses to development are accelerating as labor, fertilizer and fuel costs squeeze margins, pushing the debate toward higher produce prices to keep growers afloat. Climate on Crops: A Brazil-led study warns that combined heat, drought and higher CO2 could boost soybean bean counts but cut starch and protein—an issue for feed quality across the region. Soy and Milk Signals: WASDE lifted U.S. milk production estimates, while other market coverage points to weather-driven shifts in soy and corn outlooks. Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath: Search and rescue continues after deadly quakes, with reports of looting and major disruption—an immediate threat to food supply chains and rural recovery. Trade and Exports: Trump floated Iran as a new buyer of U.S. wheat, soybeans and corn, while broader trade coverage keeps attention on how tariffs and market access ripple into farm prices. Pest and Biosecurity: Reports highlight ongoing New World screwworm threats and responses, underscoring the need for fast detection and coordinated control.

Cocoa Agroforestry in Brazil: In Pará, smallholders manage native cocoa under dense floodplain forest canopy, boosting resilience to pests and extreme weather while meeting rising demand for ethical chocolate. Food Security & Climate Risk: A WMO report warns Latin America and the Caribbean are entering a more dangerous “new normal” of record heat, extreme rain, droughts, and higher food-security risks. Water Infrastructure Boost: Antigua and Barbuda secured a US$9M grant (CDB/FAO) to build dams and water catchment ponds to expand irrigation and cut reliance on costly desalination. Livestock Pest Alert: Texas confirmed a new cluster of New World screwworm cases on one property, with more detections raising pressure on quarantine and control efforts. Trade & Farm Policy: Soybeans gained support from stronger China demand, while broader market coverage flags weather pressure on corn and regional harvest progress in Argentina and Brazil.

Fruit Fly Watch: California expanded a Mexican fruit fly quarantine in San Diego County after new detections in El Cajon and Spring Valley, widening the restricted zone to about 111 square miles and mobilizing state and federal eradication efforts. Food Safety & Trust: A debate over strawberry safety is intensifying after viral claims and a consumer test alleging pesticide and PFAS findings in conventional Driscoll’s berries, with organic samples reportedly showing no detections. Aquaculture & Seafood: FAO’s SOFIA reports global fisheries and aquaculture production hit record levels in 2024, but warns sustainable stock shares continue to slip. Livestock Health: Texas confirmed additional New World screwworm cases on the same property, bringing U.S. detections to 19 since early June and keeping quarantine and sterile-fly response plans in focus. Trade & Policy: The U.S. White House requested $87.6B in emergency supplemental funding tied to the Iran conflict, including support for U.S. farmers—while Iran disputes the “farmers’ payday” framing. Regional Cooperation: Venezuela and Vietnam set a late-2026 Intergovernmental Commission meeting to deepen cooperation, including agriculture among other sectors. Postharvest Innovation: Scientists are testing an ethylene-binding clay to slow ripening and cut produce waste before it reaches markets.