AGP Executive Report

Soil Pollution Breakthrough: German-led researchers say they’ve perfected a method to extract soil nanoplastics without damaging the particles, using an EU Horizon 2020 MINAGRIS project—an important step for measuring plastic contamination in farmland. Heat-and-Water Stress on Food Systems: Reports highlight how extreme heat and drought are drying European rivers and threatening fish and farm operations, while wider climate impacts keep pushing agriculture toward tougher resilience planning. Animal Health & Antibiotics: Ireland’s guidance is moving toward selective dry cow therapy instead of blanket antibiotics, pairing internal teat sealants with better herd management to cut unnecessary drug use. Livestock Nutrition Research: A Nigerian study finds tiger nut diets can improve rabbit reproductive outcomes, pointing to new feed options for smallholders. EU Farm Policy Pressure: Coverage also flags renewed debate around EU budget cuts and agriculture funding as drought and market pressures mount.

Severe Drought Hits European Fishing: AP reports persistent heat and drought drying rivers and lakes across Slovenia, Serbia and beyond, leaving fish farms and wild stocks under pressure and pushing damage into the millions of euros. Animal Health & Biosecurity: UK coverage flags growing bluetongue risk and urges farmers to stay vigilant as cases spread, while poultry leaders warn the sector must look beyond biosecurity alone to tackle bird flu resilience. EU Agriculture Policy & Trade: A TUV item highlights how cross-border VAT differences can distort local agriculture, and EU Commission state aid clears €285m for Italian agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture. Water, Heat and Farming Impacts: Research across Iberian headwaters links regional climate and geography to bacterial communities and nitrogen cycling, underlining how landscape-scale conditions shape water quality. Livestock Data & Services: CIS appoints a new head of field services in Great Britain to strengthen dairy herd testing and milk recording support for farmers.

EU CAP & budget pressure: Six net-contributor states (Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Finland) are pushing for major cuts to the EU’s 2028-2034 spending plan, warning the Commission’s near-€2tn proposal doesn’t go far enough—raising fresh uncertainty for farm funding. Organic supply-chain fix: Ireland launched the Organic Beef and Lamb Innovation Group (OBLIG) to reduce “leakage” of organic animals into conventional channels and improve coordination from hill farmers to finishers and processors, with EU co-funding. Drought and feed risk: France is easing rules for iconic protected cheeses after drought forced changes to grazing and cow diets, while broader heat and drought pressures are feeding into crop and fodder concerns across Europe. Grain market squeeze: Corn futures hit $5/bushel as weaker US yield signals meet global supply worries, with Europe’s heat-hit harvests and Black Sea export disruptions adding to the pressure. Black Sea export disruption: Russia’s Rostov region declared an emergency after port closures and shipping disruptions halted agricultural exports, leaving producers with growing stockpiles and storage problems. Animal health watch: Bird flu concerns are again in focus as poultry prices could rise even without wider spread, and bluetongue risk remains a live issue for farmers.

Heat and drought pressure Europe’s food system: A new report warns that record-low rainfall and heatwaves are cutting yields across crops from wheat to sunflower, with projected losses nearing €2bn and farmers forced to work at night as water stress deepens. Wildfire response near farms: Spain’s Region of Murcia moved quickly to stop an agricultural fire near Bullas (El Llano de Bullas), extinguishing flames after burning 500 sq m of forest and 1.1 hectares of farmland. Livestock rebuilding after outbreaks (Cyprus): Cyprus is urged to boost sheep and goat productivity and reorganise livestock areas after foot-and-mouth impacts, with plans to reduce congestion and reshape milk-meat balance. Dairy demand supports Arla results: Arla reported €7.6bn first-half revenue and €213m net profit, helped by branded volume growth and protein demand even as milk pricing fell. Protein and dairy market signals: Arla’s performance is echoed by broader protein demand trends, while Arla Foods Ingredients highlights whey-protein momentum. Animal activism tactics shift in the UK: UK livestock producers face more covert, tech-led farm targeting, including long-term hidden cameras and online coordination. Global grain power scrutiny (BRICS): BRICS competition authorities are probing potential monopolies in global grain trading, focusing on major players that dominate supply chains. Iceland EU vote tied to fisheries: Iceland’s referendum on restarting EU talks is framed as a make-or-break issue for fisheries, with the vote closely watched by EU fishing interests.

EU Deforestation Compliance Pressure: Cocoa traceability is getting harder as cocoa prices slump, with Ghana’s Cocobod facing about €800m owed to farmers while preparing for the EU’s EUDR. Heat & Water Stress Signals: Hungary’s “Rock of Starvation” on the Danube is reappearing as drought exposes hunger-stone markers across Central Europe, underlining how low water levels are becoming more frequent. CAP Budget Watch (Ireland): The Irish Farmers’ Association is holding CAP information meetings to warn farmers about proposed CAP budget cuts and push for the government to protect funding. Animal Health & Food Safety (Europe): A salmonella outbreak in Spain has sickened 29 people linked to contaminated eggs, adding pressure on controls across the supply chain. Precision Farming Tech (Europe): ZenaTech won “Drone Technology of the Year” for AI-powered precision agriculture drones, highlighting continued investment in farm monitoring and targeted inputs. Agri Trade Policy (EU-linked): The EU’s GSP+ access is back in focus as Sri Lanka plans to reapply by end-2028, tied to human rights, labour and environmental compliance.

Drought Pressure on Crops: Luxembourg’s potato harvest disappoints as heat and drought hit yields and fodder, with farmers warning about grassland damage and reserves. Animal Health Alert: Britain’s bluetongue risk is rising, with new confirmed cases in Shropshire and farmers stepping up vaccination ahead of autumn sales. Olive Sector Under Fire: Spanish olive growers in Almendralejo demand urgent government action as production costs soar and EVOO prices fall, calling for stronger enforcement to stop selling below cost. Aquaculture Tech Funding: WellFish Tech secured new backing as demand grows for predictive fish-health monitoring, aiming to cut preventable losses using physiological biomarkers. Fishing Support in Spain: Spain launched a €200,000 grant call to strengthen professional fishing and aquaculture organizations, co-funded via FEMPA. Agri-Finance & Energy: EIFO is financing a 94.5MW wind project in central Ukraine to support agro-industrial operations and export power to the grid. Market Outlook: Oxford Economics warns of further European food price pressure into 2027 as heat, drought, and energy and grain shocks feed through to supermarket costs. Wildfire Risk in Greece: Greece’s wildfire crisis continues, with fires spreading beyond forests into agricultural land and habitats, raising pressure on prevention and land management.

Heat & Drought Strain Crops: A new EU Commission JRC MARS bulletin warns persistent heat and low rainfall are hitting summer crops and fodder across western and central Europe, with the strongest impacts flagged in France, southern Germany, northern/central Italy, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and western Romania; limited irrigation is worsening stress. Hop Harvest Hit in Czechia: Czech hop growers forecast almost a 25% drop in yields versus the long-term average, with lower alpha-acid quality expected, blamed on prolonged drought and high temperatures—only about a quarter of plantations have irrigation. France Eases Cheese Rules: France is relaxing strict rules on iconic cheeses as drought dries conditions and production pressures mount. Diesel Cost Relief Extended in Italy: Italy has extended a diesel excise-duty cut until Sept. 5 to cushion farmers and trucking firms from higher fuel costs. EU Budget Fight: Germany’s Merz is pushing for major cuts to the EU’s next long-term budget and wants agriculture spending redirected toward defence and security, as Costa tours capitals to broker a deal. Accidental Farm Fires (UK): UK fire investigators say blazes that destroyed 19 homes were started accidentally in fields where farm machinery was being used. EU Climate Risk Warning: Another report highlights heatwaves putting crops across Europe at risk, reinforcing calls for faster resilience measures.

Extreme Heat & Drought Pressure: Europe’s crops and fodder are under mounting strain as record-breaking heat and dry spells bite, with the EU warning agriculture must get more resilient. Farm Waste Compliance: Ireland is tightening the rules on slurry and farm-waste storage from 2028, pushing farmers to plan capacity early to avoid environmental incidents. Animal Health Watch: Bluetongue is spreading in the UK, with farmers urged to stay vigilant as new cases are confirmed. Aquaculture Standards: France’s Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale has earned ASC certification for seabass and seabream, boosting confidence in responsible farming. EU Trade Controls: EU inspectors have started a two-week audit in Brazil ahead of new antimicrobial requirements affecting access to the EU market. Sugar Industry Reshuffle: Nordzucker plans to end sugar production at Nakskov in Denmark after 2026/27, potentially affecting up to 150 jobs. Water & Fruit Risks: Flooding in Ontario’s Niagara region threatens peach trees, with losses possible as waterlogged roots take time to fail. Northern Europe Energy Costs: Ofgem’s next UK energy price cap increase will raise typical bills in October, driven largely by higher wholesale gas costs.

EU Budget Talks: EU Council President António Costa kicked off a tour in Slovakia warning that delays on the 2028–2034 long-term budget could create a funding gap hitting farmers and the wider economy. Climate & Water Stress: Europe’s extreme summer is pushing agriculture harder, with heat and drought damaging crops and fodder and drying waterways, while El Niño forecasts point to more volatile weather ahead. Livestock Health: Farmers in the UK are on alert as bluetongue cases rise, with new reports of infections across farms. Soil, Desertification & Pastoralism: At the UNCCD conference in Mongolia, pastoralists are demanding stronger recognition and funding for Indigenous land-management knowledge as land degradation accelerates. Aquaculture Standards: France’s Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale sea bass and bream farm became the first in the country to earn ASC certification, highlighting improved ecosystem and discharge management. Market Signals: Commodity coverage shows soybeans and corn supported by lower U.S. crop ratings, with traders watching yield updates and Black Sea export risks.

Wildfire after-effects: Spain’s big August blazes are easing, but experts warn the danger is shifting to “black rivers” as burned soils can’t absorb rain, risking polluted runoff into reservoirs, irrigation water, farmland and wildlife; recovery may take years and officials are pushing erosion-control works like terraces and embankments. Heat and drought pressure: Across Europe, extreme summer heat is compounding drought impacts on farming and water supplies, with insurers and food systems bracing for higher claims and price stress. Seed and pesticide power struggle: Italian farmers are fighting back against corporate control of seeds and agrochemicals, building a patent-free seed-sharing network to keep varieties in farmers’ hands. Livestock and disease watch: Bluetongue risk is rising in the UK and Northern Ireland, with farmers urged to prepare as cases spread. Archaeology meets farming history: Ireland’s “Kerry cow” bones have been reidentified as bear and wild boar, reshaping ideas about when farming arrived on the island. Market signals: UK wheat futures have climbed again above £200/t as Black Sea export worries support prices.

Heat & Water Stress: Extreme summer conditions are hitting European farming hard, with drought and heatwaves driving up costs and threatening yields and supplies, while record-low rivers deepen pressure across food and energy systems. Livestock Health Alert: Bluetongue is spreading in the UK, with new cases confirmed on farms and vets urging farmers to watch symptoms and prepare for welfare and movement restrictions. Crop Shock in France: France’s potato crop is forecast to fall about a quarter after heat and lack of water, raising fears of tighter supplies and higher prices across Europe. Trade & Food Security: Ukraine’s independence celebrations came with renewed calls for EU support to protect exports and withstand Russian strikes on ports and agriculture, as Kyiv also warns of a major defense funding gap. EU Neighbourhood Trade Risks: Russia’s expanded import restrictions could cut Armenia’s exports by around 2% of GDP, with summer-harvest timing expected to intensify the impact later in 2026. Agrivoltaics Momentum: More projects are pushing solar-plus-farming and agrivoltaics as a resilience tool, aiming to protect production while adding renewable energy capacity.

Ukraine Aid & Security: The EU approved a further €6.1bn for Ukraine’s air defence—missiles, ammunition and radar—while leaders meet in Kyiv to push for more protection against escalating Russian strikes. Drought Pressure on Farms: Ireland’s agriculture minister rejected fodder import subsidies, arguing Europe’s weather makes imports unlikely, as drought-hit farms report critically low feed stocks. Heat & Water Stress Across Europe: Multiple reports point to extreme summer conditions—drier rivers, higher costs and mounting pressure on crop and livestock production—raising food-price risks. Livestock & Disease Watch: Britain faces rising bluetongue concerns, with control zones and vaccination guidance in focus as outbreaks spread. Policy & Compliance: MPs pressed pesticide regulators over food-safety claims and residue concerns, while the EU continues tightening sustainability and packaging rules that affect agri supply chains. Rural Innovation: McDonald’s Spain’s Big Good Awards topped 100 farm-linked projects, spotlighting environmental and social initiatives in rural areas. Biodiversity & Farming Tech: New wildlife tagging work in the UK aims to protect rare harrier chicks as earlier harvests from climate change increase farm machinery risks.

EU Food Exports Pressure: Zelenskyy urged the EU to raise quotas for Ukrainian food exports, arguing war blocks shipments while quota limits still bite. Trade Shock for Agriculture: The US-Canada trade talks collapsed and 50% US tariffs kicked in; Canada says it will retaliate dollar-for-dollar from Sept 8, with agricultural equipment and dairy among targeted sectors—raising uncertainty for farm-linked supply chains. Heat, Water and Crops: Europe’s “exceptional” heat is drying rivers to record lows (Rhine at breaking point), threatening inland transport, power generation and water supply—while drought and wildfires keep piling pressure on farming. UK Fruit Supply Warning: A UK Food Foundation warning says heat-stressed growing regions abroad underpin much of the UK’s fruit and veg, risking future price spikes and shortages. Animal Health Watch: Scotland reported rising bluetongue cases, with control zones introduced as outbreaks spread. Farm Safety: A Spanish cattle farmer in Cantabria died after being gored by his own bull, underscoring ongoing risks on livestock farms.

Heat & drought on farms: Italy’s apple belt is harvesting early as extreme heat and low rainfall shrink fruit and cut fresh-market quality, with growers warning of income pressure. Livestock disease controls: Scotland has confirmed new bluetongue (BTV-3) cases, tightening movement rules and licensing for ruminants to slow spread. Wildfire fallout: Across Europe, this season’s fires are exposing and sometimes detonating buried WWI/WWII munitions, forcing bomb-disposal responses. Agri-solar push: The Vatican is moving ahead with a ~€100m solar-and-agriculture (agrivoltaic) plant near Rome, aiming to power Vatican needs while crops grow under panels. Water governance: Greece’s new national water strategy admits the crisis is as much about weak execution and fragmented management as it is about low supply. EU energy & renewables: Romania’s Dama Solar farm has received an establishment authorisation, targeting commercial operation by 2030 and helping Romania catch up on solar. Aquaculture investment: Germany’s Oceanloop secured up to €38.5m to scale giant grouper farming in Europe.

Heat & drought hit UK orchards: Cider makers brace for a “worst year ever” as record temperatures and dry spells shrink and deform apples, with some smaller growers abandoning orchards and warnings of knock-on food shortages. Wildfire fallout in Europe: This summer’s blazes are exposing and sometimes detonating buried WWI/WWII bombs and mines across France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, forcing bomb-disposal teams into fire zones. EU fraud crackdown on vineyards: Bulgaria faces an EPPO charge over a suspected attempt to claim nearly €350,000 in EU vineyard restructuring support using false harvest declarations. EU rules pressure exporters: The EU’s packaging rules are now biting Vietnamese exporters, pushing redesign for recyclability, recycled content and chemical safety. Agrivoltaics in Italy/Vatican: The Vatican is set to build a large solar-and-crops agrivoltaic plant near Rome, aiming to cut electricity needs using shaded farmland. Water & connectivity investment: Ireland reports major broadband gains from its National Broadband Plan, while Nigeria advances satellite capacity with NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B to extend connectivity to underserved areas.

Wildfire Safety Shock: Europe’s record-breaking summer is exposing buried World War I/II bombs and mines as heat and drought help detonate and uncover rusty munitions, forcing bomb-disposal teams to respond in places like France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Water Stress & Farm Crisis: In Sudan, El Niño-linked rainfall delays and falling Nile levels are leaving farmers unable to irrigate, with war, fuel and fertilizer costs compounding the collapse in production. EU Farm Policy Watch: Estonia’s finance ministry says fears of losing over €100m in EU farm funding are unfounded, pointing to a proposed €2bn agriculture envelope for 2028–34 and more national flexibility on spending. Agrivoltaics Move: The Vatican plans a ~€100m solar-plus-crops agrivoltaic plant near Rome, aiming to cut evaporation and protect crops while supplying power. Livestock Trade: Organic sheep producers in Ireland will hold an inaugural organic sheep sale at Maam Cross Mart, with 700+ store lambs and online bidding via MartEye. North Sea Shift: Warmer seas are helping cephalopods (including squid) establish permanent stocks in the North Sea, changing the marine food picture.