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World Farm Brief
EU–Mercosur deal divides farmers & Mozambique floods hit crops
Season 1, Ep. 3
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After 25 years of negotiation, the European Union and Mercosur have signed their landmark trade agreement — opening prospective new markets for South American agriculture while raising concerns among European beef, poultry and sugar producers.
In Mozambique, severe flooding has submerged tens of thousands of hectares of crops, leaving smallholders facing lost harvests and the cost of planting again. Canadian canola growers have been offered a route back into the Chinese market, while a parasitic plant is driving some Indian farmers out of mustard production.
Meanwhile, Greek farmers have moved from roadblocks into negotiations with the government as delayed payments and high operating costs continue to squeeze cash flow.
Plus, the Global Market Report examines a record US corn crop — and why extraordinary physical production is creating another problem for farmers as stocks build and prices remain under pressure.
Presented by Simon Morris.
This week's stories:
South America – EU-Mercosur agreement finally signed
After 25 years of negotiation, the European Union and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay have signed the EU–Mercosur agreement. For South American cattle, poultry, sugar and ethanol producers, it offers prospective access to a valuable European market. European farmers see the other side of the equation: potentially greater competition from producers operating under different cost and regulatory structures. The agreement is signed, but its farm-gate winners and losers are far from settled.
Africa – Mozambique floods submerge staple crops
Flooding in Mozambique has submerged rice, maize and other crops at a critical stage of the growing season. For smallholders, the damage represents not only lost food but seed, fertiliser, labour and expected income already invested in the crop. The immediate question is whether water will recede soon enough for farmers to replant — and whether they can afford to do so.
North America – China offers Canadian canola a route back
Canadian canola growers have a new date in their marketing calculations. A preliminary agreement with China is expected to cut the combined tariff on Canadian canola seed from about 85% to approximately 15% from 1 March.
Asia – Hidden parasite drives Indian growers out of mustard
Orobanche, or broomrape, attacks mustard underground by attaching itself to the crop’s roots. By the time farmers can see the parasite, much of the damage may already have occurred.
Europe – Greek farmers move from roadblocks to negotiations
More than a month of Greek farm protests has begun to give way to negotiations. The government has offered measures on electricity and fuel, but farmers continue to face a more immediate cash-flow problem.
Global Market Report – Record US corn crop weighs on returns
USDA has confirmed an extraordinary 2025 US corn crop of about 17 billion bushels. Record yields and increased harvested area have pushed projected ending stocks above 2.2 billion bushels.
Contributors
Simon Morris – presenter
María Fernández – South America correspondent
Samuel Njoroge – Africa correspondent
Daniel Mercer – North America correspondent
Ananya Rao – Asia correspondent
Lukas Fischer – Europe correspondent
Useful links
EU-Mercosur – full agreement and ratification process (European Commission)
Mozambique – flooding and agricultural impact (Fews Net)
Canada-China canola agreement (Canadian Government)
India – Orobanche threatens mustard production (Indian Express)
Greece – government response to farm protests (Greek Government)
United States – record corn crop (USDA pdf)
About World Farm Brief
World Farm Brief is a weekly international farming and farm business podcast, bringing together five of the most important developments affecting farmers around the world.
Covering Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America/Oceania, each episode examines the wider forces shaping global agriculture and food security – including markets, policy, trade, weather, animal and crop health, and technology.
We look at the world from the farm gate outwards — explaining not simply what has happened, but what it means for farmers, their businesses and the future of food production.
World Farm Brief uses AI-generated voices for some of its correspondents. All reporting is researched, written and edited before broadcast.
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17:35||Season 1, Ep. 44Cyclone Arnab has struck India's Andhra Pradesh at harvest, leaving rice fields submerged, banana plantations flattened and coconut palms uprooted.In Argentina, prolonged flooding has forced the evacuation of more than 147,000 cattle and buffalo.Meanwhile, the Netherlands has introduced nationwide poultry housing restrictions following three bird flu outbreaks in three days.In Kenya, the closure of the sea-export season for major avocado varieties leaves growers with late fruit facing fewer buyers and potentially weaker prices.And in North America, changes to US tariffs on Canadian agricultural products are reducing costs for some farm businesses while imposing new barriers on others.Plus, the Global Market Report examines rising Vietnamese rice export prices as supplies tighten ahead of the next harvest.Hosted by Simon Morris.This week's stories:00:33 Asia: Cyclone Arnab devastates India's harvestCyclone Arnab has struck coastal Andhra Pradesh with winds reaching up to 135km/h.04:33 South America: Argentina evacuates 147,500 cattle and buffaloMonths of flooding have forced Argentine livestock producers to move more than 147,500 cattle and buffalo from threatened grazing land.07:29 Europe: Netherlands orders poultry indoors after bird flu outbreaksThree avian influenza outbreaks in three days have prompted a nationwide poultry housing and shielding order in the Netherlands.10:14 Africa: Kenya closes avocado sea-export seasonKenya has closed sea exports of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo avocados after an official survey found insufficient export-ready fruit to sustain bulk shipments.13:12 North America — US–Canada tariff changes divide farm suppliersChanges to US tariffs on Canadian products have removed duties from certain agricultural grading and packing machinery while introducing a 50% tariff on other packaging and orchard materials.15:49 Global Market Report — Vietnamese rice prices climbVietnamese rice export offers have risen by approximately $30 a tonne in one week, reaching $470-$480 for 5% broken rice — their highest level since January 2025.Correspondents:Samuel Njoroge – AfricaAnanya Rao – AsiaDaniel Mercer – North AmericaClaire Mitchell – OceaniaLukas Fischer – EuropeUseful links:Cyclone damages Andhra Pradesh crops (New Indian Express)Argentina evacuates livestock due to El Niño (Argentina's animal health authority, SENASA)Netherlands bird flu restrictions (Dutch government)Avocado sea-export season closes (Kenya News Agency)US tariffs on Canadian agricultural supplies (US Customs and Border Protection)International rice prices (UN Food and Agriculture Organization43. Sudan’s devastating drought, US farmers await $8bn relief, India’s planting dilemma
18:37||Season 1, Ep. 43Sudanese farmers struggling with the consequences of civil war face another devastating setback as drought destroys crops and weaken livestock.In the United States, the government has announced an $8 billion agricultural relief programme to help farmers cope with record diesel costs.Meanwhile, drought-hit farmers in India face a difficult decision: whether to delay winter planting until soil moisture improves or risk sowing into dry ground.In Australia, biodiversity agreements are offering farmers regular environmental income in exchange for permanent restrictions on land use. And in Europe, proposed changes to organic regulations could reduce certification costs for smaller producers while protecting established international trade.Plus, the Global Market Report examines a growing divide in Canada’s barley market, where poor grain quality is creating winners and losers despite a substantial national harvest.Hosted by Simon Morris.This week's stories:00:45 Africa: Sudan’s drought destroys harvest expectationsSudanese farmers who have survived or returned after years of civil war are confronting the weakest rainfall in more than three decades.04:06 North America: US farmers await $8 billion in fuel reliefThe US government has announced an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief programme to help farmers cope with exceptionally high diesel prices.06:52 Asia: Indian farmers face a winter planting dilemmaAfter losing monsoon crops, growers must decide whether to plant their rabi crops into dry soil or wait for better conditions.10:19 Oceania: Australian farmers weigh permanent biodiversity agreementsFarmers in Central West New South Wales are entering agreements that provide annual environmental income in exchange for permanent restrictions on land use.13:43 Europe – EU organic reforms offer relief for smaller growersNegotiators have reached a provisional agreement to simplify organic certification for smaller producers16:51 Global Market Report: Canadian barley quality divides the marketCanada’s barley harvest is estimated at approximately 9.7 million tonnes, but poorly timed rain has damaged grain quality.Correspondents:Samuel Njoroge – AfricaAnanya Rao – AsiaDaniel Mercer – North AmericaClaire Mitchell – OceaniaLukas Fischer – EuropeUseful links:Sudan – food security and humanitarian assistance (World Food Programme)USA – agricultural relief programmes (USDA Farm Service Agency)USA – diesel prices (US Energy Information AdministrationIndia – agricultural weather and planting advice (India Meteorological Department’s Agrometeorological Advisory Service)India – agricultural drought monitoring (India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare)Australia – biodiversity conservation agreements (NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust)Australia – Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (EnergyCo NSW)European Union – organic farming regulations European CommissionEuropean Union – organic trade and certification (Council of the European Union)Global Market Report — Canadian grain quality (Canadian Grain Commission)Global Market Report — Canadian barley production (Statistics Canada)42. El Niño, Japan’s rice market, Canadian Prairies, French drought support
19:19||Season 1, Ep. 42El Niño is moving from forecast to farm-level reality. Corn and vegetable growers in the Philippines are counting their losses, Malaysian producers are seeing slower crop growth as haze reduces sunlight, and South African farmers face difficult decisions as the summer planting season approaches.In Japan, rice growers who increased production during the recent shortage are struggling to find buyers as prices collapse. Canadian Prairie farmers face a different problem: a promising harvest has been damaged by September rain, leaving growers with expensive drying bills and downgraded grain.Meanwhile, South Australian farmers are preparing for a potentially record-breaking grain harvest after years of drought. But much of the expected income will go towards paying accumulated bills rather than funding expansion.In France, emergency drought support is beginning to reach farms, although the speed of payments could determine whether growers can afford the inputs needed for their next production cycle.Plus, the Global Market Report examines strengthening Asian rice export prices – and why growers in India and Vietnam face a very different market from their counterparts in Japan.Presented by Simon Morris.This week's stories:Global — El Niño begins to reshape farming decisionsA strengthening El Niño is affecting agricultural production across Asia and southern Africa.Asia — Japan’s rice shortage turns into a surplus problemAfter shortages and high prices encouraged farmers to expand production, Japanese growers are now harvesting into a challenging market.North America — Rain damages Canada’s Prairie grain harvestSeptember rain delayed harvesting across Western Canada, leaving spring wheat sprouted, lentils damaged and grain requiring extensive drying.Oceania — Record South Australian harvest offers drought recoveryFor farmers who have endured years of drought, an exceptional grain harvest is expected to produce about 13 million tonnes.Europe — French drought support reaches farmsEmergency agricultural support is beginning to reach drought-hit French farmers.Global Market Report — Asian rice export prices strengthenRice export prices have risen in India and Vietnam, supported by concerns about supply, currency movements and renewed Philippine import demand.Chapters:00:00:52 – Global: El Niño hits farming across three continents00:04:51 – Asia: Japan’s rice market reverses00:08:18 – North America: Canada’s rain-damaged grain harvest00:10:52 – Oceania: Australia’s record harvest offers hope00:14:32 – Europe: France’s drought support reaches farms00:17:26 – Global Market Report: Asian rice prices strengthenCorrespondents:Samuel Njoroge – AfricaAnanya Rao – AsiaDaniel Mercer – North AmericaClaire Mitchell – OceaniaLukas Fischer – EuropeUseful linksEl Niño – international climate monitoring (World Meteorological Organization)South Africa – summer crop planting prospects (South Africa’s Crop Estimates Committee)Japan – rice production and markets (Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)Canada – Prairie crop conditions (Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture)Canada – grain quality and grading (Canadian Grain Commission)Australia – South Australian grain harvest Grain Producers SA)France – agricultural drought assistance (France’s Ministry of Agriculture)Global Market Report – international rice markets (UN Food and Agriculture Organization)41. Thailand’s floods, US diesel relief, Australia’s harvest
17:01||Season 1, Ep. 41Flooding across 42 Thai provinces has submerged more than 260,000 hectares of farmland, leaving rice growers facing the loss of two cropping seasons and livestock producers counting the cost of millions of dead or missing animals.In the United States, farmers question whether emergency diesel measures will make much difference after much of the harvest fuel bill has already been paid. South African dairy producers are confronting the possibility that foot-and-mouth disease vaccination and biosecurity will become permanent business costs.Meanwhile, Australia is heading towards a sharply divided harvest. Drought-hit northern growers are cutting failed cereal crops for fodder and selling cattle, while farmers farther south prepare for potentially exceptional grain yields.In Europe, new EU emissions rules give larger pig and poultry businesses a clearer timetable for investment in housing, feeding and manure management.Plus, the Global Market Report examines an 18-month high in sugar futures as Brazilian harvest disruption, higher oil prices and El Niño concerns combine to tighten market expectations.Presented by Simon Morris.This week's stories:Asia — Thailand’s floods threaten two cropping seasonsSevere flooding across 42 Thai provinces has affected approximately 263,000 hectares of farmland, predominantly rice.North America — US farmers question late diesel reliefPresident Donald Trump’s emergency diesel measures are intended to ease the impact of fuel prices more than 70% higher than a year ago.Africa — South African farmers confront permanent FMD costsSouth African dairy and cattle producers are increasingly treating foot-and-mouth disease as a recurring business risk rather than an occasional emergency.Oceania — Australia’s harvest divides north and southAustralia is approaching harvest with two very different agricultural economies.Europe — New emissions rules reshape livestock investmentThe European Commission has adopted common operating conditions for larger pig and poultry farms under its revised emissions directive.Global Market Report — Sugar prices reach an 18-month highSugar futures have climbed to approximately 20.73 US cents a pound, their highest level in 18 months.ContributorsSimon Morris — presenterAnanya Rao — Asia correspondentDaniel Mercer — North America correspondentSamuel Njoroge — Africa correspondentClaire Mitchell — Oceania correspondentLukas Fischer — Europe correspondentUseful linksThailand – flooding and agricultural damage (MOAC)United States – emergency diesel measures (White House)South Africa – foot-and-mouth disease (South African Department of Agriculture)Australia – crop conditions and harvest prospects (Australian government)European Union — livestock emissions rulesGlobal Market Report — sugar production and trade (International Sugar Organization)40. Europe’s drought double blow: less crop, less feed
17:22||Season 1, Ep. 40Europe’s drought leaves mixed farms with less crop to sell and less winter feed, Namibia’s livestock producers are cut off from premium markets after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, and Australian citrus growers look to the United States as existing export markets become increasingly crowded.Also this week: US grain farmers confront sharply contrasting corn and wheat supplies, while India looks to turn millions of hectares of rice-fallow land into a second crop of pulses.Presented by Simon Morris.This week’s stories:-Europe — Drought delivers a double blow to mixed farmsEurope’s exceptionally hot and dry summer is showing up in harvest results and winter forage stocks. Grain maize yields are forecast below the five-year average, while green maize grown for livestock feed has suffered even larger losses. We examine why mixed farms face the double pressure of lower crop income and higher livestock feed costs — and whether some producers will have to reduce herd numbers.Africa — Foot-and-mouth disease disrupts Namibia’s export livestock sectorAn outbreak in Namibia’s southern commercial farming zone has led to livestock movement restrictions and the suspension of the zone’s internationally recognised foot-and-mouth disease-free status. With premium export markets affected, farmers face delayed sales, additional feed costs and the possibility of market-ready animals backing up on farms.Oceania — Australian citrus growers push for US market accessCitrus producers in Queensland, inland New South Wales and Western Australia want access to the US market as production expands and existing export destinations become increasingly competitive. Citrus Australia estimates that up to A$150 million in annual export earnings could be at stake.North America — US corn piles up as wheat production fallsUS farmers entered autumn with old-crop corn stocks 35% higher than a year earlier, including 787 million bushels still held on farms. Wheat growers face the opposite problem: 2026 production was 23% lower. We examine what the contrast means for storage, marketing, prices and 2027 planting decisions.Asia — India targets a second crop from rice-fallow landIndia wants paddy growers in eastern states to use residual soil moisture after harvest to establish pulses such as lentils and chickpeas. The potential prize is another saleable crop from otherwise idle land — but success will depend on seed availability, field conditions and reliable procurement.Global Market ReportThe widening contrast between abundant US corn and a much smaller wheat crop takes centre stage. Large corn carryover is increasing competition for storage and putting pressure on farm marketing decisions, while reduced wheat production presents a different problem: potentially stronger prices but considerably less grain for some growers to sell.Chapters00:00 Introduction and this week’s headlines00:45 Europe – Drought, maize losses and the winter feed squeeze03:56 Africa – Foot-and-mouth disease hits Namibia’s livestock trade06:38 Oceania – Australian citrus growers target the US market09:59 North America – US corn stocks rise as wheat production falls12:33 Asia – India pushes pulse production on rice-fallow land15:45 Global Market Report — Corn abundance versus tighter wheat suppliesContributorsSimon Morris – PresenterLukas Fischer – Europe CorrespondentSamuel Njoroge – Africa CorrespondentClaire Mitchell – Oceania CorrespondentDaniel Mercer – North America CorrespondentAnanya Rao – Asia CorrespondentUseful linksEuropean Commission JRC / MARSWorld Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)UK Government – animal products, food and feed import controlsCitrus AustraliaABC RuralUSDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)USDA Foreign Agricultural ServiceIndia Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare39. Namibia’s cattle standstill and El Niño hits farm decisions
17:23||Season 1, Ep. 39A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak inside Namibia’s internationally recognised disease-free zone has brought livestock movements to a halt, leaving cattle farmers unable to move or market animals and threatening valuable export trade.Meanwhile, a strengthening El Niño is already influencing decisions on farms from Southeast Asia to southern Africa.Australian growers are racing to get overseas workers onto farms before harvest, English farmers have seen an environmental support budget exhausted within hours, and US soybean growers are still waiting for diplomatic progress with China to translate into dependable demand.Plus, the Global Market Report examines the surge in diesel costs hitting US farmers during harvest.Presented by Simon Morris.This week's stories:Africa — Foot-and-mouth disease stops Namibia’s cattle tradeTen positive foot-and-mouth disease tests on a commercial farm near Karasburg have triggered nationwide restrictions on livestock movements and trade. For cattle producers, the immediate problem is not only disease risk but cash flow: animals intended for slaughter or sale must still be fed while farmers wait to discover when normal marketing can resume.Asia — El Niño moves onto the farm balance sheetEl Niño is becoming an immediate business issue for farmers across several continents. More than 223,000 farmers have been affected in the Philippines, while Thai rice growers are spending money pumping irrigation water and Indonesian oil-palm producers are reconsidering fertiliser applications. Zimbabwean farmers, meanwhile, are preparing for the risk before their main cropping season.Oceania — Australian growers race to secure harvest workersAn emergency process could speed up urgent Working Holiday Maker visa applications for overseas workers already contracted to Australian farms. Grain growers in Western Australia and cherry producers in Tasmania are among those worried that skilled workers will arrive too late. The crop, after all, will not wait for the paperwork.Europe — England’s green funding disappears within hoursThe second 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive application window closed on 22 September after its available funding was committed in less than six hours. Farmers still dealing with mapping, land-record or computer problems were left outside the scheme, raising questions about how future environmental support should be allocated.North America — US soybean growers await Chinese demandThe United States and China have extended their trade truce for another two months. But for soybean farmers bringing crops out of the field, the important question remains unanswered: will diplomacy translate into sustained Chinese buying? Growers must decide whether to sell, store or finance their harvested crop while they wait.Global Market Report — Diesel hits harvest marginsUS farmers face sharply higher diesel costs just as combines, tractors and grain lorries move into their busiest period. The Iowa Corn Growers Association says national on-highway diesel prices are almost 60% higher than a year ago and is seeking temporary relief, including allowing harvest-related road haulage to use tax-exempt dyed farm fuel.ContributorsSimon Morris – presenterSamuel Njoroge – Africa correspondentAnanya Rao – Asia correspondentClaire Mitchell – Oceania correspondentLukas Fischer – Europe correspondentDaniel Mercer – North America correspondentUseful linksNamibia foot-and-mouth disease outbreak (Government Update)El Niño and Asian agriculture (Associated Press)Philippines — El Niño agricultural losses (The Tribune)Australia — farm workers and Working Holiday Maker visas (ABC Rural)England — Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (Defra)US-China trade truce and soybean growers (American Soybean Association)US harvest diesel costs (Iowa Corn Growers Association)38. France's feed crisis and Nepal flood losses
17:18||Season 1, Ep. 38Drought-hit dairy farmers in France face difficult decisions over winter feed and herd numbers, while catastrophic floods in Nepal have destroyed crops, livestock and productive farm assets.In Australia, mango growers worry that migration changes could leave them short of workers during a narrow harvest window. US farmers await clarity as a new Farm Bill moves through Congress, and Kenyan authorities investigate allegations that tea growers have been short-changed at collection centres.Plus, the Global Market Report examines rising physical wheat prices around the Black Sea — and why stronger international values do not necessarily mean better returns at the farm gate.Presented by Simon Morris.This week’s stories:Europe — Normandy dairy farmers count the cost of droughtIn France’s Pays d’Auge, drought has turned a difficult grazing season into a winter-feed crisis. Dairy farmers are buying expensive hay, drilling emergency forage crops and considering whether to reduce herd numbers. We hear how those decisions could affect milk production and farm productive capacity well beyond this winter.Asia — Nepal floods destroy crops and productive assetsAugust flash floods along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river corridor damaged more than 1,800 hectares of paddy and vegetables. Livestock losses have added to the damage, raising the prospect that some smallholders could lose not just one harvest, but several production cycles.Oceania — Mango growers face harvest labour uncertaintyMango growers in Australia’s Northern Territory are preparing for a short, intensive harvest amid uncertainty over changes to migration rules. The question is whether enough suitably skilled workers will reach remote orchards at precisely the right time.North America — US Farm Bill advances, but uncertainty remainsThe US Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 in a narrow party-line vote. The proposals could affect risk management, conservation, agricultural finance, specialty crops, research and biofuels — but farmers still cannot be certain what the final legislation will contain.Africa — Kenya investigates tea weighing complaintsFive tea-collection clerks have been arrested in Kericho County following complaints from growers about the weighing of green-leaf deliveries. The case highlights a fundamental issue for smallholders: the price farmers receive matters only if their crop is measured accurately.Global Market Report — Black Sea wheatPhysical wheat prices in Romania and Bulgaria reached roughly three-and-a-half-month highs as risks surrounding Ukrainian ports and shipping supported Black Sea values. But disrupted export routes mean the international price tells only part of the story. For farmers, what matters is the price actually available at the farm gate.ContributorsSimon Morris – PresenterLukas Fischer – Europe CorrespondentSamuel Njoroge – Africa CorrespondentClaire Mitchell – Oceania CorrespondentDaniel Mercer – North America CorrespondentAnanya Rao – Asia CorrespondentUseful links:Normandy drought and dairy farming (Le Monde)Nepal floods - agriculture and livestock losses (UN Food and Agriculture Organization)Nepal flood damage assessment (Radio Nepal)Australia’s mango harvest and migration changes (SBS News)US Agricultural Act of 2026 (US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry)Kenya tea weighing investigation (The Star)Black Sea wheat market (Prospex Agro)