BAGUIO CITY – The Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Awardees’ Summit 2024 celebrated the brightest young minds revolutionizing Philippine agriculture. Held from February 25 to 27, the summit underscored the importance of youth-led innovation in modernizing farming practices. These young entrepreneurs are not only bringing fresh ideas to the table but also taking the bold step of investing their time, effort, and resources in agricultural production and processing. Their courage and creativity are paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable farming industry.
A key highlight of the summit was the expert mentorship provided by partner agencies. Participants received valuable guidance on business strategy, economic and financial management, marketing, legal compliance, and government support. By offering structured mentorship, the government ensures that young farmers have the necessary knowledge and tools to mitigate risks, make informed decisions, and establish successful agribusiness ventures. These efforts reinforce the idea that agriculture is not just about farming; it is a business that requires innovation, strategy, and sustainability.
Over three days, expert speakers shared crucial insights to help participants refine their business ideas:
During the first day, Zephanie Mae S. Zantua, Aubrey Rose A. Gabriel, and Jamie Beth B. Galian from DOST-CAR emphasized the importance of branding, logo design, and product packaging. Young farmers learned how to tailor their brand presentation to different market segments, ensuring their products stand out in competitive industries. Activities were set for the participants to share their expectations and observations for the YFC Awardees Summit.
The next day, Miguel S. Silva, Paul N. Mayo, and Lydia C. Alhambra from the Department of Trade and Industry explored business development, legal aspects, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in entrepreneurship. Mayo highlighted how AI tools can streamline processes, from designing business logos to generating marketing content, making agribusiness operations more efficient and cost-effective. The participants were tested on their ability to showcase their creativity for ideas and their collaboration skills.
On the final day, Jeanne Dugui-es Dangkeo from Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and Saturnina O. Pandosen from the Food and Drug Administration tackled compliance, sustainability, and profitability strategies. Participants gained practical knowledge on adhering to industry regulations, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring food safety.
The summit was not just about learning; it was also a platform for collaboration. Through interactive discussions, activities, and networking sessions, participants shared their experiences, aspirations, and challenges. These interactions fostered meaningful connections, potential partnerships, and business opportunities among young farmers. The final Q&A session allowed attendees to address concerns directly with the experts, ensuring they left with clearer perspectives and actionable insights.
The event highlighted the essential link between government agencies supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and the young entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector. Strengthening this connection is vital in providing aspiring farmers with the resources, funding, and technical support they need to succeed. By fostering collaboration between youth institutions and agricultural agencies, the summit reinforced a shared vision for a progressive and innovative farming industry in the Philippines.
The YFC Awardees’ Summit 2024 reaffirmed that agriculture is more than just farming; it is a dynamic and evolving business sector driven by creativity, technology, and sustainability. By investing in young farmers today, the Philippines is cultivating a future where agriculture remains a thriving, forward-thinking industry. Through continuous support, mentorship, and collaboration, young farmers will play a crucial role in shaping a greener, more prosperous nation. By JADF
