USDA staffing cuts: A new analysis says Iowa lost about 19% of NRCS staff and 8% of Farm Service Agency staff in 2025–2026, leaving county offices understaffed and slowing help farmers rely on for programs and paperwork. School nutrition: The Philippines expanded its School-Based Feeding Program as child stunting rose to 25.3%—meals now cover more grades to protect early growth and learning. Ag tech push: Bangladesh’s PM says agriculture will shift from labor-heavy work to a technology-driven, profitable sector using drones, AI, remote sensing, and other digital tools. Farmer support via training: India launched PRAGATI to train 20,000 rural youths as agri-entrepreneurs who advise farmers on soil testing, modern methods, loans, and market links. Water & land pressure: Oman distributed 274,000 fruit and wild tree seedlings to boost food security and green cover in arid conditions, while Fiji’s leaders urged wider adoption of sustainable land management to restore degraded land. Food system access: California schools can now offer plant-based milk options for kids who can’t tolerate lactose, expanding choices on lunch lines.