AGP Executive Report

Settlement Trade Sanctions: The UK moved first to ban goods from illegal Israeli West Bank settlements, targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion; now France and Canada have followed suit, with France saying it will end trade with settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories alongside a wider coalition of countries. Agri-Impact Watch: For Middle East agriculture, these measures matter because settlement-linked logistics, construction, and land services can ripple into regional supply chains and farm access. Jordan-Russia Economic Push: Jordan and Russia agreed to expand cooperation across trade, industry, investment, and agriculture and food security after their joint commission meeting in Moscow, signaling more cross-border work that could support regional food systems. Yemen Displacement Threatens Food: Fighting around Mokha has driven tens of thousands from Taiz and nearby areas, leaving farmers and livestock behind and pushing up prices for staples like flour and rice. Fuel Cost Pressure: Diesel price spikes tied to Middle East tensions are squeezing farm operations and harvest logistics, raising costs for growers and food supply.

West Bank Trade Sanctions: The UK, followed by France and Canada, moved to ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting companies and individuals tied to settlement expansion such as construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate—an escalation that could ripple into agricultural supply chains and cross-border inputs. Lebanon Farm Damage: In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes and demolitions are reported to have damaged over 22.5% of agricultural land, with residents watching drone attacks and the destruction of villages that include farms and rural infrastructure. Energy Shock Hitting Food Costs: With diesel prices hitting record highs amid Middle East escalation, farmers face higher harvest and logistics costs, raising pressure on food prices across the region. BRICS and Food Security: At the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, leaders emphasized resilience and cooperation in agriculture and food security, alongside maritime safety and energy stability—key themes for Middle East agri-trade planning. Jordan Exports: Jordan’s Amman Chamber reported export growth of 9.2% to JD 5.263bn in the first eight months of 2026, with major markets including India, Iraq, the US and Saudi Arabia.

West Bank Trade Sanctions: The UK, France and Canada moved to ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements, with the UK targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion and declaring the occupation illegal—an escalation that could ripple into agricultural inputs and cross-border supply chains. BRICS Agribusiness & Women Entrepreneurs: At the BRICS Business Forum, Iran and the UAE backed stronger networks for women-led businesses, including agribusiness, pushing for better market access and B2B matchmaking. Fuel Shock Hits Farms: Record diesel prices—linked to Middle East tensions and constrained fuel flows—are squeezing farm budgets and raising transport costs, with knock-on pressure on food prices. Black Sea Food Risk: Russia’s Black Sea blockade threat is again flagged as a global food security danger, with Egypt, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE mentioned in discussions. Water & Farm Resilience: Pakistan’s PM ordered a push to expand agricultural exports and value chains, while electricity load-shedding limits and Hormuz-linked disruptions underline how energy and water shocks can quickly become farm shocks.

West Bank Settlement Trade Sanctions: The UK said it will ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements and target specific companies/individuals tied to settlement expansion, including construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate; France and Canada Follow: France confirmed it will end trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, joining a wider coalition of countries. Fuel Shock for Farms: U.S. diesel hit a record $6.0556/gal, up sharply over the past year, with farmers and truckers facing much higher operating costs as Middle East tensions keep oil above $100. Egypt–France Ag Investment Talks: Egypt’s agriculture minister met French officials on expanding agricultural investment and technology cooperation, including irrigation, agro-processing, supply chains, fertilizer and cattle genetics. BRICS Business Forum (Agri angle): Iran’s president urged BRICS to move from “potential” cooperation to practical trade and joint financing, while the forum agenda included agriculture and food security. Southern Lebanon Farm Damage: AP reported Israeli drones and demolitions destroying homes and a public school in southern Lebanon, with displaced residents including tobacco farmers watching repeated destruction. Pakistan Digital Farm Records: Pakistan proposed digitising farmers and agricultural land records, including soil and water testing, under an AgriStack-style system to modernise agriculture and support exports. Livestock Traceability in Kenya: Kenya launched electronic livestock identification and traceability tagging in Isiolo to meet stricter domestic and international market requirements.

Fuel Shock for Farming: U.S. diesel prices hit a record $6 a gallon as Iran-war tensions and refinery disruptions tighten supply, raising costs for trucks, logistics and farm machinery. Fertilizer Push in Saudi Arabia: Samsung E&A won a $3.5bn SABIC Agri-Nutrients deal for a Jubail plant to produce ammonia and urea, with output aimed at export markets. Livestock Modernization in Nigeria: Nigeria’s livestock ministry says it will end uncontrolled slaughter and move animals through feedlots and modern abattoirs to meet traceability standards for domestic and export demand. Water and Land Pressure in Palestine: UN-linked reporting says Israeli demolitions and settler violence have displaced thousands in the West Bank, with Masafer Yatta highlighted for repeated destruction of homes and key infrastructure. Climate and Disaster Risk in Türkiye: Wildfires in Antalya forced mass evacuations and damaged homes, farmland and greenhouses, underscoring how heat and wind can quickly turn into agricultural losses. Global South Diplomacy with Ag Implications: As BRICS and SCO meetings ramp up, coverage flags fertilizer shortages and West Asia conflict as drivers of food insecurity for developing countries.

Water Security: Israel’s Mediterranean desalination plants remain disrupted after an algae bloom shut intakes for nearly two weeks, forcing heavier pumping from the Sea of Galilee and aquifers; within 10 days the Kinneret fell about 10cm, reaching the lowest level for Sept. 9 since 2018, with extra pumping adding to seasonal evaporation and raising pressure on supplies for domestic and agriculture. Food & Trade Policy: Iraq’s pork sales case highlights a legal gap: experts say Iraqi law doesn’t explicitly ban pork, but selling disguised or mislabeled meat can trigger fraud and safety rules; authorities detained a butcher in Najaf over alleged wild-boar meat sold as minced meat. Agrifood Tech: Oman signed an agreement to build a fishing port in Al Wusta’s Mahout to improve landings, handling, marketing, and spur fish processing and related investment. Market Pressure: Oil pushed above $100 amid U.S.-Iran escalation, lifting diesel and gasoline costs and feeding into higher transport and farm input pressures across the region. Regional Diplomacy & Agrifood: India is using the BRICS summit in New Delhi to stress Global South priorities including food and energy security and resilient supply chains. Humanitarian Risk: Sudan’s Tawila camp faces severe shelter shortages, with IOM saying hundreds of thousands of displaced people need far more tents as rainfall threatens to worsen conditions.

Digital Agriculture: Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture is studying a digital marketing platform to link farmers with local and international buyers, offering real-time price data, secure payments, and delivery guarantees to cut intermediary exploitation. Fertiliser Pressure: Lobbying in Ireland is pushing for a €30m national top-up to fertiliser support, citing higher fertiliser and fuel costs tied to Middle East conflict. Nuclear Oversight: The IAEA Board unanimously closed Syria’s “non-compliance” case after inspectors gained access to key sites, urging continued cooperation. West Bank Land Control: Israel has expanded its 1984 “state land” declaration by adding about 48 acres near Jalud and Al-Mughayyir, raising concerns for Palestinian farming and grazing access. Settlement Trade Fallout: UK, France and Canada moved to ban imports from Israeli West Bank settlements, with Israel ordering the UK consulate in East Jerusalem to close within 30 days. Energy-Cost Squeeze: Oil prices pushed back above $100 amid US-Iran escalation, keeping diesel and farm input costs under strain across the region. BRICS & Food/Energy: BRICS sherpas are drafting a New Delhi summit declaration as West Asia tensions flare, with food and energy security expected to be central.

UK Food Security Pressure: The Food and Drink Federation warns UK food inflation could hit 3.9% by Dec 2026, then peak at 6.4% in July 2027, with Iran conflict shocks and El Niño/drought effects still feeding through supply chains. Farm Finance & Costs: UK farmers’ groups say the “hardest summer in a generation” has left producers needing crisis loans and tax/planning reforms to protect long-term food security. Middle East Water & Trade Risk: Qatar condemned attacks on Saudi/Kuwaiti targets and Red Sea shipping, warning they threaten navigation and regional stability. Israel-UK Settlement Fallout: Israel ordered the UK consulate in occupied East Jerusalem to close within 30 days after London banned imports from West Bank settlements and imposed related sanctions—raising new friction that can spill into agricultural trade. Saudi Water Tech: Saudi Arabia will host IDRA 2026 in Riyadh (Nov 1–5), spotlighting desalination and water reuse solutions for water-scarce agriculture. Regional Agrifood Markets: South Africa and Egypt concluded veterinary requirements for red meat exports, opening another outlet for SA producers amid major FMD pressures. Qatar Falconry & Rural Culture: Doha’s S’hail 2026 falconry exhibition runs through Sept 12, blending breeding farms, veterinary clinics and modern tracking gear—showing how rural traditions are adapting.

Fertiliser & food security shock: Disruptions tied to Middle East escalation are pushing up fertiliser costs and raising risks for rice and other staples, with the Philippines facing higher urea prices plus tighter irrigation water ahead of the 2027 season. Global food prices up: The FAO reports August food prices at the highest since late 2022, citing climate shocks and war-related trade disruptions, with wheat and maize pressured by Black Sea logistics and Hormuz-related input concerns. Trade policy hitting farm margins: Canada-U.S. tariff retaliation is squeezing agricultural exporters and input costs, with farmers warning profits are getting harder to predict as fuel and logistics stay volatile. West Bank settlement trade bans: The UK, France and Canada moved to ban imports from Israeli settlements, while Israel retaliated by planning to close the UK consulate in East Jerusalem—an issue with direct knock-on effects for regional agribusiness and supply chains. Regional conflict impacts on agriculture: Houthi strikes on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery underline how energy disruptions can quickly ripple into farming costs and food logistics across the region. Water & climate resilience: Africa’s negotiators are calling for stronger climate finance and adaptation at COP31, warning that gaps between pledges and delivery are undermining food systems. Pest threat to cash crops: Thailand’s Chiang Rai coffee farms are battling a long-horned beetle outbreak, with officials rolling out farmer support to protect Arabica plantations.

Animal Health & Trade: France culled 7,600 Mulard ducks after an early H5N1 bird-flu detection in Maine-et-Loire, a fresh hit to foie gras supply as more towns ban the product at public events. Food & Processing Industry: Bangladesh’s BAPA FoodPro International Expo 2026 opens Thursday in Dhaka, showcasing processing, packaging, cold chain and logistics tech for 24,000 expected visitors. Fertilizer Supply: Turkey is seeking a new fertilizer deal with Russia to secure nitrogen and phosphate inputs as Gulf disruptions and Hormuz risks squeeze urea and raw-material availability. Farmgate Pressure in Iraq: Wasit farmers blocked highways with tractors over diesel price hikes and delayed crop payments; lawmakers cite 1.5tn dinars owed. Policy & Market Access: The UK plans to restrict trade in goods made in Israeli West Bank settlements, with potential knock-on effects for settlement agricultural exports like dates, mangoes, avocados, grapes and herbs. Livestock Disease Watch: Foot-and-mouth disease’s SAT-1 serotype is reappearing across new Middle East and Europe areas, raising alarms for cross-border spread via people, vehicles and animal products. Water & Irrigation: Egypt’s water crisis push is gaining momentum toward drip irrigation, with claims of major water and fuel cuts in trials. Regional Livestock Value Chains: African ministers agreed to strengthen livestock value chains and investment through regional trade and partnerships at AU-IBAR/ILRI’s Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 session.

Fuel Shock for Farms and Food Logistics: Record Labor Day diesel prices (about $5.90/gal nationally) tied to Iran-war disruptions and Strait of Hormuz volatility are squeezing trucking and farm budgets, with analysts warning higher transport and harvest costs will feed through to food prices. Middle East Food-Security Pressure: The IMF says the Middle East conflict will hit oil-importing developing countries hardest via higher energy bills and slower growth, raising inflation risks and worsening food insecurity. Iraq Farmland Under Threat: Baghdad officials face calls to stop demolitions and removals of homes on agricultural land, as disputes grow over unplanned housing expansion and the clearing of orchards. West Bank Tensions and Rural Impacts: Reports describe renewed settler violence and Israeli raids, including injuries and court moves affecting demolitions of residential and agricultural structures. Agribusiness Inputs and Markets: Cocoa prices keep climbing amid El Niño-linked harvest worries, while corn markets show an unusual pre-harvest rally as conflicts and energy costs keep input spending high. Policy and Water: Iraq’s local residents in Tafga warn winter is approaching with shortages in water, roads, and heating fuel, highlighting how basic services can quickly become agricultural constraints.

West Bank Violence & Food Security: Israeli forces and settlers escalated raids and attacks across the occupied West Bank, including a settler stabbing and a village raid that killed a Palestinian, while reports also flagged settler sabotage of farming areas and fencing off land in the Jordan Valley—direct hits to cultivation and livelihoods. Gaza & West Bank Raids: Additional arrests and raids continued across Gaza and the West Bank, including attacks on farming-related sites and assaults on Palestinians near Nablus. Fuel Shock for Farmers: Diesel prices in the US hit a fresh record around $5.90 a gallon as Iran-war disruptions damage Gulf refinery output, raising costs for agriculture and transport. Egypt Sugar Exports Resume: Egypt lifted restrictions and resumed sugar exports through end-2026 after domestic producers faced surplus pressure and competition from cheaper imports. Water & Irrigation Resilience: A microalgae bloom disrupted most Israeli desalination plants, but reservoir-based storage helped protect irrigation in peripheral regions. Fisheries Governance: FAO opened COFI37 and marked the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement to curb illegal fishing. Türkiye Industrial Push: Türkiye’s 2027-2029 Medium-Term Program adds incentives and credit tools aimed at boosting domestic production and export-ready high-value sectors.

Israel-Lebanon Strikes: Israeli attacks hit Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, killing at least four and injuring 20, with reports of damage to a historic building and nearby agriculture and finance offices. West Bank Settlement Pressure: Netanyahu ordered evacuation of some West Bank outposts deemed illegal under Israeli law, with officials citing U.S. pressure—an issue that directly affects land and farming communities. Israel Water Risk for Agriculture: Israel’s desalination system remains strained after marine contamination fears shut multiple plants, with agriculture still receiving water via partial output from operating facilities. Iraq Dates Boom: Iraq’s Diyala province expects about 150,000 tonnes of dates in 2026, up from last year, as cultivation expands with new Barhi and Medjool orchards and more than 60,000 palm offshoots planted. Food Supply Watch: Global food prices surged to the highest since 2022 as war and weather threaten supplies, keeping pressure on Middle East import bills and farm inputs. Farm Inputs & Costs: Reports highlight farmers’ strain from higher feed and energy costs, including grain-market competition from cheaper palm kernel feed.

Iraq–Jordan Trade: Amman Chamber says exports certified to Iraq hit $585M in the first eight months of 2026, with 1,912 origin certificates issued and total certified exports up 20.7% year-on-year. Agri-Fish Stocking: Iraq’s Nineveh Agriculture Directorate released 400,000 common carp fingerlings into the Tigris to boost fish stocks, support fishing livelihoods, and stabilize local food supply. West Bank Livelihood Pressure: PNN highlights how Palestinian farmers and women face expanding settler pressure, including alleged livestock targeting and attacks that threaten rural production and heritage markets. Lebanon Ceasefire Strain: Lebanon reports 4 killed and 20 injured in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, with damage to civilian infrastructure including an out-of-service hospital—raising risks for food and farming continuity. Energy Costs for Farmers: Reports on record diesel prices tied to Iran-war disruptions point to mounting pressure on farm operating costs and transport. Solar Cooking for Forest Protection: A Spain-backed project in Burundi is rolling out solar cookers to cut reliance on firewood/charcoal and reduce deforestation. Iraq Wheat & Dates: Iraq’s agriculture ministry reiterates self-sufficiency in wheat and dates for 2026, signaling progress in staples security.

Iraq Food Security: Iraq’s Agriculture Ministry says the country hit self-sufficiency in wheat and dates in the 2026 season, helped by new salinity- and stress-tolerant wheat seeds and subsidized irrigation sprinklers via long installment plans. West Bank Water & Land Pressures: Israeli forces raided multiple West Bank villages and settlers grazed sheep on Palestinian farmland in the Jordan Valley, damaging crops and olive trees while stealing water barrels—raising fresh alarms for livestock and irrigation-dependent farming. Israel–Lebanon Farm Safety: Reports from southern Lebanon and Quneitra describe ongoing strikes and incursions that obstruct workers in agricultural areas and disrupt local land use. Middle East Trade & Inputs: EU GSP+ talks put Pakistan at a “very critical” implementation-focused juncture, with preferences tied to measurable progress on labor, human rights, environment and governance—directly affecting export agriculture planning. Regional Climate Risk: Somalia’s drought-hit pastoralists and farmers are again moving toward cities as yields collapse and El Niño-linked extreme weather threatens renewed hardship. Energy Costs for Agriculture: Rising fuel prices tied to Iran-related supply disruptions are squeezing farm logistics and costs, with diesel at record levels in the US and political pressure mounting over longer-term impacts.

Global Food Prices: The UN FAO Food Price Index rose 1.9% in August to its highest level since late 2022, with sugar up 11.9% and wheat up 2.6%, as El Niño, higher fertilizer and diesel costs, and war-linked trade disruptions keep supply risks elevated. Fuel Shock for Farms: Diesel hit a new US record average of $5.85 a gallon, a direct hit to freight and farm machinery costs across the region’s import-dependent supply chains. Middle East Water & Desalination: Israel’s desalination system remains under pressure after algae and turbidity issues shut down most plants, raising fears for irrigation and vegetable production; the wider desalination debate is also resurfacing as water scarcity tightens. Jordan Trade Signals: Amman Chamber certificates of origin for exports climbed 20.7% to JD1.031bn in the first eight months, including JD153m in agricultural products, with Iraq the top destination by value. Iraq Agri Self-Sufficiency: Iraq’s agriculture ministry says the country achieved self-sufficiency in wheat and dates for 2026. Oman Diplomacy: Oman and Rwanda reaffirmed ties ahead of President Kagame’s visit, with potential knock-on interest for investment and ag-linked cooperation. UK Farm Cyber Risk: A UK report warns Chinese-made connected farm tech could expose food security, including risks of data tampering or remote disruption. South Africa Animal Health: South Africa’s foot-and-mouth vaccine supply chain faces scrutiny after the agriculture minister suspended the acting CEO of Onderstepoort Biological Products over alleged vaccine pricing misconduct. Agribusiness Markets: ADIHEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi is in its final weekend with record-setting falcon and horse auctions, reflecting continued high-value livestock and breeding trade momentum. Banana Export Push: Philippine Saba bananas are set for new international markets after supply deals signed for shipments including Saudi-bound Cardava bananas.