US Apple Market Faces Record Harvest and Mounting Headwinds

Ecuador's Tango Mandarins Make Their US Debut After Five-Year Negotiation

Detection of avian influenza antigen at Iksan poultry farm... Strengthening of prevention measures

(Jeonju=Yonhap News) Reporter Nabo Bae = Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 5th that H5 avian influenza (AI) antigen was detected at a poultry farm in Mansuk-dong, Iksan. If confirmed as highly pathogenic, it will be the third occurrence in the province this winter and the 32nd nationwide. The farm, which uses 14-week-old broilers, reported an increase in deaths, leading to a detailed examination that confirmed the H5 antigen. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is conducting a detailed examination to determine if it is highly pathogenic, with results expected within three days. Jeonbuk Province has sent an initial response team to the farm to implement measures such as access control and disinfection, and plans to cull the poultry. To prevent further spread, the province plans to issue a temporary suspension of movement for related livestock facilities and livestock vehicles in the quarantine area until noon on the 6th. An official from Jeonbuk Province urged farmers to strictly adhere to quarantine rules, including income and exit of vehicles and personnel, boot replacement, and daily disinfection of the inside and outside of the barn.

[AFL Column] The Year 2026 as a Pivotal Year for Agricultural Policy Transformation

[Agricultural Fisheries Newspaper=Reporter Hong Jeong-min] The agricultural and fisheries sectors in the Republic of Korea are approaching the new year of 2026, the year of the Tiger (丙午年), with more caution and hope than ever before. Last year, we painfully realized the importance of food security amidst record-breaking heatwaves and heavy rains, as well as unstable international situations. Now, agriculture should not remain merely a primary industry that produces food. Although the domestic and international situations this year are also difficult to predict, an analysis of the New Year messages from the heads of agricultural-related organizations, including the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Areas, and the Director-General of the Rural Development Administration, shows that agriculture is a "core strategic industry" that supports the nation's existence.

Record harvest, big imports – yet rice prices jump 11%-16% YoY

Despite record Boro rice production in Bangladesh, prices have sharply increased by 10-16% compared to last year. This is impacting low-income families, and is attributed to market manipulation by traders who stockpile rice, leaving the government with insufficient reserves to stabilize prices. While the government imported a significant amount of rice and claims to be addressing the issue, the high prices persist due to factors like increased input costs, post-harvest losses, and supply chain disruptions. Experts criticize the lack of effective market intervention and regulatory oversight.

Numerous markets to increase cashew exports

Vietnam's cashew exports to the US have dropped significantly due to a 10% US import tariff, resulting in a 25% decrease in volume and a 4.2% decrease in value in April 2025 compared to April 2024. However, exports to China have surged, increasing by 127% in volume and 130% in value in April 2025 compared to March 2025. Other markets like the Netherlands, UAE, Japan, Philippines, India, and Turkey are also showing strong growth. While the US market presents challenges, Vietnam's cashew industry is diversifying into promising markets like China, the EU, and Australia, mitigating the impact of US tariffs.