Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture is all-in on training young farmers, stressing they are key to keeping agriculture going and making sure the country has enough food.
“Our youth are the future of agriculture. Through education and hands-on experience, we can empower them to lead the sector forward,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said in a message delivered by Undersecretary for Administration Allan Q. Umali during the send-off ceremony for the 2025 batch of the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan.
Held at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the ceremony honored 23 young Filipino scholars who completed pre-departure training. They are set to spend 11 months in Japan learning modern farming techniques and technologies from Japanese experts.
The need to involve the younger generation is growing more urgent, as the average age of Filipino farmers is nearing 60. With many nearing their senior years, it is essential to equip young people with advanced knowledge and technology to improve farm productivity and help secure the country’s food supply in the years to come.
The training program is designed to build practical skills, expose participants to innovative farming practices, and strengthen their readiness to contribute to local agricultural development. Scholars also undergo language and cultural training to help them adapt and thrive during their stay in Japan.
Also in attendance were Mr. Akasaka Hidenori, First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan, and ATI Director IV Engr. Remerlyn R. Recoter.
The initiative is part of the DA’s broader strategy to invest in young people across various agricultural subsectors. By doing so, the Department aims to revitalize rural communities, close knowledge gaps, and ensure a stable food supply for future generations.
In a show of continued support, ATI also awarded ₱150,000 in additional funding to select 2024 program graduates who presented outstanding agribusiness proposals. These young agripreneurs are now using their training to bring innovative ideas to life in their home communities.
