Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!
Australia I BangladeshI China I India I Indonesia I Japan I Korea I Malaysia I Pakistan I Philippines I Singapore I Sri Lanka I Taiwan I Thailand I Vietnam I Plant Science I Global I Industry
Global/Regional News
Tiu Laurel: ASEAN to seek expanded US tariff exemptions
The agricultural ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are looking to secure additional exemptions on certain agricultural products facing reciprocal tariffs from the United States (US), according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who was appointed as chair of the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF). Read more…
11 global associations from across the agricultural and agri-food sector have come together in a public show of support for the World Trade Organization’s multilateral trading system, co-signing an open letter published on 17 September 2025. Read more…
CropLife Asia’s August Wrap-Up!
Here are some highlights of activities and engagements conducted by the CropLife Asia team during the month of August. Read more…
ASCA8 Sets Vital Platform for Training, Collaboration, and Sustainability
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc., welcomes over 50 participants, partners, and experts to the 8th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA8). The short course, ongoing from September 8 to 12, 2025, features intensive discussions and experiential learning on key topics surrounding agricultural biotechnology—research and development, commercialization, regulation, and communication. Read more…
Country News
CropLife Australia says farming productivity drought looms
CROPLIFE Australia, the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, is warning continued delays in assessment times at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority may cause a long-term productivity drought for the nation’s farming sector. Read more…
Bangladesh
Biotech key to Bangladesh’s food security: finance adviser
Stressing the urgent need for scientific innovation to secure Bangladesh’s food future, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today highlighted the critical role of biotechnology in advancing the country’s agricultural economy. Read more…
PKG/Rethinking Food Security: Producing Crops Year-Round in Xinjiang
China is rethinking food security under President Xi Jinping’s “big food concept.” In Xinjiang, wasteland has been transformed into rice fields, and new smart greenhouses are producing crops year-round. Read more…
China makes breakthrough in grain output in 2021-2025 period: minister
China has made a breakthrough in grain output and better ensured its food security during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun on Tuesday. Read more…
Chinese vice premier calls for enhanced food safety supervision
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing called for enhanced supervision capabilities across the entire food safety chain to fully ensure food safety for the people. Read more…
China-Africa agrochemical summit opens in Kenya to boost food security
The two-day event, organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Sub-Council of Chemical Industry (CCPIT CHEM), Kenya’s Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), and Egerton University, drew about 30 exhibitors, mostly from China, to showcase the latest agri-inputs, farming equipment, and solutions to strengthen agricultural productivity. Read more…
India
CropLife India Maps $1 Trillion Agri Economy Vision
CropLife India; the association of leading domestic and multinational R&D driven crop science companies; on its 45th AGM organized a National Conference. Read more…
FSSAI and Australia’s DAFF sign MoU on food safety
The signing of the MoU represents a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between India and Australia, reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to food safety. Read more…
FSSAI launches licensing framework for manufacturing of Ayurveda Aahara
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has officially launched a dedicated licensing and registration window for Ayurveda Aahara products on its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. Read more…
Policymakers, academia and industry chart roadmap for crop protection’s role in achieving “Viksit Bharat 2047 vision” during CropLife India’s Conference in New Delhi. Read more…
India Mulls Purchase Of US Corn For Ethanol As Trade Talks Advance: Report
India is considering fresh offers in its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, including the purchase of American corn for ethanol production and higher energy imports, Economic Times reported. Read more…
Seed industry seeks relief from Rs 800-cr regulatory burden, demands ‘One Nation, One Licence’
India’s seed industry is seeking urgent government intervention to address regulatory bottlenecks that cost the sector over Rs 800 crore annually, with the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) pushing for a unified national licensing system and removal of price controls to unlock growth. Read more…
PAU Kisan Mela showcases modern farming technologies, subsidised seeds
The two-day Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, concluded on Saturday amid overwhelming farmer participation, live field demonstrations, interactive exhibitions and heavy demand for seeds. The event reinforced PAU’s enduring role in advancing farmer welfare, agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices. Read more…
Smart farming on leveraging technology to empower Indian farmers
Indian agriculture is undergoing a seismic shift in 2025, driven by innovative technologies that make farms smarter, more productive and resilient to the stresses of population growth and climate change. Read more…
CropLife Indonesia and IPB University Hosts Workshop on Genome Editing for Sustainable Agriculture
The event brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the role of genome editing and new breeding technologies in shaping the future of agriculture in Indonesia and the region. Read more…
Indonesia Tightens Ethanol Import Rules to Protect Sugarcane Farmers
Indonesia will impose new restrictions on ethanol imports to protect local producers, following a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said Friday. Read more…
XAG Drones Drive a Technological Leap for Indonesia’s Rice Farming
This season, amidst pushes for rice self-sufficiency and increasing climate unpredictability, the introduction of XAG agricultural drones at Sang Hyang Seri (SHS) marks an important milestone in the country’s agricultural innovation. Read more…
EU-Indonesia trade deal opens fresh produce exports
The EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will expand access to Indonesia for European farmers and food producers. The agreement removes high tariffs and procedures for EU agri-food exports, while excluding sensitive products from liberalisation. Read more…
Japan
Japan rice prices turn higher despite arrival of new crop
Japanese retail prices of rice have turned upward again, even as new rice harvested this year has started hitting the shelves. Read more…
Japan plans English food labels to help tourists and exports
Japan’s agriculture ministry wants food companies to put ingredient lists in English and other languages on their products. This will help more foreign tourists and make it easier to sell Japanese food in other countries. Read more…
Korea
Cracked apples and bland grapes: Climate change reshapes Korean farms and dinner tables
Farmer Yoon Young-hwan has spent more than half a century tending his trees. But in the past few years, he has witnessed something he never saw before in 53 years of apple farming: perfectly ripened fruit suddenly cracking wide open. Read more…
Competition heats up to lead AI farming machine industry
Daedong, TYM and LS Mtron have each strengthened partnerships with other organizations to develop farming machines powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and take the lead in the future agricultural market. Read more…
From tangerines to olives: How climate change is reshaping Jeju agriculture
Tangerines still dominate the island’s fields, but now olive trees, with their silver-green leaves and Mediterranean flair, are taking root, reshaping the island’s agricultural identity as it gets warmer and drier. Read more…
Nat’l alert issued over 1st report of ASF case in 2 months
South Korea’s quarantine authorities issued a red alert nationwide on Monday to beef up the response to an African swine fever (ASF) case reported for the first time in two months, officials said. Read more…
Malaysia
Solve farmers’, fishermen’s woes with joint effort, not by one agency alone, Anwar tells ministry
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants cooperation between agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to be strengthened to ensure that the problems faced by farmers and fishermen are addressed and resolved effectively. Read more…
Shandong–Malaysia Agri Expo 2025 opens in KL, paving ASEAN trade pathways
Shandong, China’s leading agricultural province, made its debut in Malaysia today under the “Remarkable Shandong” brand, bringing together leading enterprises and premium agricultural products from 16 cities across the province. Read more…
Pakistan
Experts urge innovation policy reforms for agriculture future
Speakers at a workshop were of the consensus that Pakistan’s agricultural future hinges on embracing scientific innovation, overcoming outdated perceptions, and urgently reforming policy to meet the country’s growing food security challenges. The workshop was organized by the CropLife Pakistan entitled “Tools of Modern Agriculture”. Read more…
Federal Minister highlights role of biosciences in strengthening Pakistan’s agriculture
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the role of biosciences in strengthening Pakistan’s Agriculture, saying, “Agriculture is the backbone of the economy and modern biosciences can give new life to this sector.” Read more…
Call for sustainable agriculture to preserve resources
Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has called for adopting sustainable methods in farming for preservation of natural resources for the future generations. Read more…
China-Pakistan collaboration pioneers sustainable tomato farming
Pakistan’s tomato fields may soon be greener and healthier, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between scientists in Pakistan and China that has shown farmers can slash pesticide use by over 40% without sacrificing yields. Read more…
PH among leading biotech adopters in Asia
The Philippines is among the leaders in Asia in adopting biotech to help farmers achieve higher yields, reduce pesticide use, and increase their incomes. Read more…
PH, Cambodia discuss agricultural cooperation
PHILIPPINE and Cambodian officials on Tuesday met in Cambodia to discuss food security and market access of agricultural products of their respective countries. The meeting was part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s three-day state visit to the Mainland Southeast Asian nation. Read more…
DA: Import-heavy agriculture harms farmers, urges import limits
The Department of Agriculture admitted that agricultural trade has become import-dependent, while export growth has stagnated over the last 10 years. Read more…
FAO advises Philippines to shift away from rice
A representative from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called on Philippine policymakers to promote more diversified and healthier food systems, warning the country’s dependence on rice has overshadowed the nutritional and economic potential of other local crops. Read more…
Security Bank & partners launch cacao farming and poultry livelihood project in Aklan
The initiative aims to enhance food security, livelihood, and sustainability for local farmers and solo parents in the community. Read more…
Sri Lanka
A step forward for pesticide risk reduction in Sri Lanka with launch of new national committee
In a significant step toward safer and more sustainable agriculture, stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture (DoA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and CABI came together for an important workshop on pesticide risk reduction and Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). Read more…
Taiwanese agricultural groups sign LOIs with Indiana for soybeans, corn
A Taiwanese agricultural trade mission subgroup on Thursday signed two letters of intent (LOIs) with Indiana state partners to purchase soybeans and corn. Read more…
Taiwan pledges US$10 billion in U.S. farm product purchases over four years
A Taiwan agricultural trade mission on Wednesday signed three letters of intent with United States agricultural industry associations to purchase more than US$10 billion worth of American farm products over the next four years. Read more…
Taiwan, Indonesia reaffirm commitment to agricultural cooperation
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture held a consultation meeting on agricultural cooperation, focusing on the challenges that climate change poses to food safety. Read more…
Taiwan ships first pomeloes to Malaysia
Up to 3.6 tonnes of pomeloes from Taiwan cleared Malaysian customs, in the first shipment of Taiwanese pomeloes to Malaysia. Read more…
Syngenta opens Thailand’s first “Biological Products” Packaging Plant
Syngenta officially established Thailand as a regional biological products packaging center at its plant protection plant in Bang Pu, Samut Prakan Province. Read more…
Suphajee hopes to seal G-to-G rice deal with China on 50th anniversary of ties
Thailand eyes a new G-to-G rice deal with China as the two nations mark 50 years of ties, with Suphajee highlighting trade, tourism and investment links. Read more…
Vietnam
On September 18, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a workshop to disseminate and collect opinions on the draft Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of 15 Laws in the fields of agriculture and environment. Read more…
CABI has joined forces with the Plant Production and Protection Department (PPPD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Vietnam to support sustainable agriculture in the country amid threats of crop pests exacerbated by climate change. Read more…
6,000 drones become effective assistants for farmers
Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection Huynh Tan Dat assessed that drones help spray pesticides quickly, evenly, and accurately, while also supporting water-saving irrigation and monitoring crops in remote areas. One device can serve 2,000-3,000 hectares of rice, or 500-600 hectares of fruit trees. Read more…
Digital Transformation in Agriculture: Key to Green and Sustainable Development
The forum “Digital Transformation and Innovation in Agricultural Development and Environmental Protection” was held in Hanoi on September 18. According to Nguyen Kim Phuc, Deputy Director of the Department of Digital Transformation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, agriculture is one of eight sectors prioritized for digital transformation under Decision 749/QD-TTg by the government. Read more…
FarmVetCare app and biosecurity capacity development empower livestock farmers in Vietnam
When FarmVetCare was launched in late 2023, it was designed to connect farmers, veterinarians, and authorities. It offered disease alerts, a platform for animal health record-keeping, and quick access to veterinary consulting services. Read more…
InnerPlant, the seed technology company engineering crops that communicate their needs, announced the world’s first real-time detection of an early fungal infection in soybeans through its CropVoice™ disease alert network currently deployed across Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Read more…
EU authorizes use of GM maize DP51291 for food and feed
The European Commission has authorized the use of a genetically modified (GM) maize DP51291 for food and animal feed, which confirmed that the GM maize DP51291 is as safe as its conventional counterpart. Read more…
Gene-edited Japonica Rice Shows Improved Grain Size and Heat Resilience
The edited lines resulted in larger grains and improved heat tolerance. The findings offer new opportunities for breeding climate-resilient rice varieties with better grain quality and yield. Read more…
CRISPR Produces Disease-resistant Cacao Plants
A research team at the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) reported the successful development of disease-resistant cacao plants using gene editing. Read more…
Survey Examines Farmers’ Adoption of Bt Brinjal in Bangladesh
A new study has assessed the post-adoption behavior of Bangladeshi farmers on Bt brinjal. This study examined the consistency between their willingness and actual adoption of Bt brinjal. Read more…
Atom-precise agriculture: The future of eco-friendly crop protection
Their study demonstrates how single-atom material technology can revolutionize agricultural chemistry by maximizing copper utilization while minimizing environmental impact. Read more…
Industry Updates
Syngenta: AI-powered insights to identify the best vegetable varieties for growers worldwide
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds and Heritable Agriculture announced the signing of a collaboration to harness artificial intelligence (AI) technology to determine the best vegetable varieties to offer growers. Read more…
The goal: to evaluate technologies and interventions for climate-smart rice. The findings – published in a recent report – are promising. Read more…
Credits to the owners of the news embedded on this post.