Fresh Common Bean Monthly Update 2025-10

The USDA announced a $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program to support specialty crop and sugar producers facing market disruptions, high input costs, and unfair trade practices. This one-time bridge payment program targets a wide range of specialty crops and requires farmers to report their 2025 planted acres by March 13, 2026, to be eligible. Payments will be based on these acreage reports, with commodity-specific rates announced by the end of March 2026. The program does not require crop insurance linkage but encourages producers to utilize new risk management tools under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The ASCF aims to stabilize the specialty crop sector and improve market opportunities for nutritious fruits and vegetables across American institutions and consumers.

On February 25, 2026, Egyptian vegetable markets showed overall price stability in key crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots, which remain affordable for consumers. Tomatoes averaged 12 pounds per kilo, potatoes 6.5 pounds, and onions ranged between 6.5 and 6.75 pounds. However, colored peppers commanded significantly higher prices, averaging 45 pounds and reaching up to 60 pounds, followed by beans averaging 30 pounds. Other vegetables like molokhia, local and greenhouse bell peppers saw noticeable price increases between 18 and 23 pounds, while cucumbers, peas, and zucchini maintained stable prices. The wholesale market in Obour reflected similar trends, with beans peaking at 35 to 50 pounds per kilo and potatoes experiencing a slight price decrease.

Recent rains in Rio Grande do Sul have temporarily alleviated water stress in soybean crops, particularly near the Uruguay border and central-western regions, improving plant turgidity and reducing drought symptoms. However, irregular precipitation and high evaporative demand continue to cause high variability in soybean productivity, with some areas experiencing irreversible losses due to prolonged deficits. Corn harvest is 58% complete with satisfactory yields, though late planting and second crops face challenges from low soil moisture and heat, while silage corn shows mixed results depending on soil and management quality. The first crop bean harvest is nearly finished, but low prices discourage second crop investment, despite good establishment so far. Rice crops are developing well under adequate irrigation and solar radiation, with yields expected to meet initial forecasts if favorable weather persists.

Ahead of Ramadan 2026, Jhenaidah's markets have maintained stable and affordable prices for daily essentials, contrasting with the usual seasonal price surge. Key items such as vegetables, edible oil, chickpeas, sugar, molasses, and dates have seen little to no significant price increases. For example, potatoes are priced at Taka 20 per kg, garlic at Taka 110-120 per kg, and onions at Taka 50-60 per kg, while sugar ranges from Taka 140 to 160 per kg depending on type. Market stability is attributed to the absence of syndicates and ongoing government monitoring efforts, including mobile court drives targeting market regulation. Traders report steady sales aligned with consumer demand, and authorities continue to enforce measures to keep essentials affordable throughout Ramadan.

Ahead of Ramadan, prices of key vegetables such as eggplant, cucumber, and green chilli in Dhaka markets have surged by Tk30-40 per kg, with cucumbers rising from Tk70 to Tk90-100 per kg within two days. Zahidi dates, a staple for low-income consumers, have seen a sharp increase from Tk170 to Tk260-270 per kg over one week, despite a recent import duty reduction from 25% to 15%. Other date varieties have also experienced price hikes of Tk50-100 per kg. Market observers and consumers attribute these increases to traders exploiting Ramadan demand amid weak government market monitoring. The price rises are causing significant strain on consumers, particularly those with lower incomes.

Samsun dedicates nearly 40 percent of its land, approximately 380,743 hectares, to agriculture, making it a leading region in Turkey's agri-food sector. The province ranks first nationally in cabbage production, contributing 35 percent of Turkey's 327,000 tons annually. Samsun also holds the second position in rice (173,568 tons), hazelnuts (114,890 tons), and cauliflower (59,679 tons) production. Additionally, it ranks within the top five for several other crops, including hemp, kiwi, leeks, broccoli, borlotti beans, radish, peppers, and unprocessed tobacco, highlighting its diverse agricultural output.

Between January 31 and February 6, 2026, Egypt's National Authority for Food Safety issued 2492 export permits for agricultural products benefiting 1378 companies, with citrus fruits leading exports at approximately 75 thousand tons. A total of 6777 food shipments, amounting to 265 thousand tons from 566 companies, were exported, including a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, food preparations, and grains. Fresh fruits dominated exports with 95 thousand tons across 35 varieties, while vegetables totaled 43 thousand tons, led by potatoes and sweet potatoes. Egyptian food exports reached 186 countries, with Saudi Arabia, the US, Somalia, Russia, and the Netherlands as top importers. Key export hubs included Cairo International Airport, Safaga Port, and Damietta Port. Additionally, 1880 health certificates and 31 export permits for animal-origin natural envelopes to the EU were issued, underscoring Egypt's commitment to international standards and market expansion.

Farmers in Narail district are expecting a bumper harvest of winter vegetables in 2026, supported by favorable weather, adequate fertilizers, pesticides, and timely agricultural loans from Bangladesh Krishi Bank and other institutions. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a production target of 74,073 tonnes from 3,140 hectares across Sadar, Lohagara, and Kalia upazilas. With technical assistance and incentives from DAE, farmers are cultivating a diverse range of vegetables such as brinjal, cauliflower, beans, tomatoes, and broccoli. The fertile land and institutional support have made winter vegetable farming a profitable venture for local farmers.

From January 23 to 29, 2026, the agricultural products wholesale price index rose to 130.40 points, up 1.01 points from the previous week and 6.72 points year-on-year. Livestock prices showed mixed changes, with pork up 1.5% weekly but down 18.0% year-on-year, while beef and mutton prices increased both weekly and annually. Aquatic product prices mostly rose slightly, led by large ribbonfish (+2.9% weekly) and grass carp (+1.2% weekly), with moderate year-on-year gains. Vegetable prices averaged 5.15 yuan/kg, increasing 0.4% from last week and 15.0% year-on-year, driven by notable rises in Chinese cabbage (+6.5%) and napa cabbage (+4.0%). Fruit prices averaged 7.93 yuan/kg, declining 0.3% weekly but rising 9.2% compared to the same period last year, with pineapple and watermelon showing significant annual gains.

Severe cold fronts in Florida have caused significant frost damage, prompting growers to use protective measures like crop covers and sprinklers, which is impacting supply and driving up prices across several key produce categories. The ProduceIQ Index rose by 2.7% to $1.14 per pound in week 5 ending January 30th, reflecting price increases in dry vegetables and imports. Cucumber supplies from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras are constrained, leading to a steady price climb. Tomato prices surged sharply, with round tomatoes up 25%, grape tomatoes up 15%, and plum tomatoes up 19% week over week, all above historical averages. Bean prices are also spiking due to cold-related losses in Florida and limited Mexican supply, with prices expected to exceed $40 soon. Florida strawberry supplies are freezing over, causing a 6% price increase and prompting reliance on Mexican and Californian imports ahead of Valentine’s Day.