August 8, 2026
Spotlight Stories
Spotlight 1 – Discover Wildlife looks into the mysterious “green wall” that stretches across Africa’s Sahel region. Ready the story, here.
Spotlight 2 – Positive.News reviews takeaways from Groundswell and asks if regeneratively grown food can ever become mainstream. Check it out, here.
Spotlight 3 – Fair Observer looks into whether agroforestry can solve human-animal conflicts in developing countries. Take a read, here.
Industry Updates
Oman is preparing a major expansion of its certified organic farming sector. The country plans to increase cultivated organic land from 4 to more than 40 hectares as part of wider efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural development. [link]
The nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has forced some American farmers to throw out their entire lettuce crops. The losses come as fears over the outbreak continue to weigh on demand for fresh greens, according to a report. [link]
Scientists from the University of Lincoln are researching how to protect crops from increasing soil salinity. The team says its latest findings will help support future food security. [link]
Two Maldivian ministries have signed an agreement to establish agroforestry farms on 10 islands. The initiative aims to assure food safety and support the government’s 5 Million Tree Project. [link]
Tyson Foods lowered its profit outlook for the year due to soaring cattle prices. The elevated cattle costs continue to weigh on the meatpacking company’s bottom line. [link]
innocent drinks has unveiled its list of grant recipients for its 2026 Farmer Innovation Fund. The fund backs work across global fruit and vegetable supply chains. [link]
HEINEKEN UK has launched one of the UK’s leading regenerative malting barley programs. The effort partners maltsters Muntons and Boortmalt, barley merchant Cefetra, and agronomists Soil Capital to support UK farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices at scale. [link]
Farmers for Soil Health, a farmer-led program focused on expanding cover crop adoption, has opened 2026 enrollment. New incentives aim to deliver greater value to growers across participating states, with enrollment open until August 31. [link]
Spain’s Asturian Government has launched a new multiannual grant call totaling 9.75 million euros. The funding is aimed at strengthening the region’s agri-food and forestry industry. [link]
Nebraska farmers, students and agricultural organizations can now apply for grants through the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund. The fund supports projects advancing soil health and regenerative agriculture practices. [link]
The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources is opening more than 1.18 million hectares of forest land to sustainable investments. The new policy seeks to expand economic opportunities in rural areas while ensuring environmental safeguards remain in place. [link]
Seaweed-derived biostimulants are rapidly evolving from specialized plant growth promoters into strategic biological tools. The products are designed to improve soil function, strengthen root architecture and enhance crop resilience under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. [link]
The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance farm bill legislation during an Aug. 6 markup session. Democrats blocked the bill amid two Republican senators being absent from the vote. [link]
In Case You Missed It…
In early July, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) awarded nearly $1 million through its Maine Healthy Soils Program to help 19 farms implement projects that improve soil health, increase farm resilience, and strengthen long-term agricultural sustainability. See more, here.