Lawmaker urges government to craft Young Farmers Program

MANILA, Philippines – The government should encourage Filipino youths to take up farming to help  ensure the country’s food security, a lawmaker said recently.

In his explanatory note filed with House Bill 3926, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas said that the average age of farmers in the Philippines is 57 years old.

“Assuming an average life span of 70, a shortage of farmers is expected in 15 years,” he said.

The administration lawmaker said this is a threat to food security precisely due to the lack of young people in the agricultural sector, where he now wants to establish a Young Farmers Program.

“We must instill among the youth a new perspective on agriculture, provide them with career guidance and equip them with the entrepreneurial skills to maximize their learning. This will inspire them to be productive partners in the development of the country’s agriculture and fishery sector,” Vargas said.

House Bill 3926 aims to attract incoming college students to choose and complete a course in agriculture by creating a socialized tuition scheme for agriculture and fishery enrollees.

Vargas likewise observed the Filipino youth’s tendency to turn away from the agricultural profession because of the level of difficulty and the supposedly low income associated with farming.

The average level of education of a farmer is primary level only, which makes Filipino farmers less receptive to new farming technologies that can boost the industry.

The bill mandates members of the National Agriculture and Fisheries System to implement the proposed Young Farmers Program.

The NAFES will also be responsible for conceptualizing a career path for the young farmers as agriculture and fishery entrepreneurs.

The bill also directs local government units to support the program through additional counterpart funding assistance.  

“Through this, we are not only ensuring that the new generation of Filipinos will have food on their tables but we are also securing a bright future for the Philippine agriculture industry,” Vargas said.