BANGUED, Abra – The search is on for Outstanding Kabataang Agribiz Business Models of the Department of Agriculture.
DA-Cordillera Agribusiness Promotion Section Head Jocelyn Beray said the search under DA’s Kabataang Agribiz Competitive Grant Assistance Program, aims to encourage the youth to venture into agri-fishery based enterprises as they are expected to soon take the place of ageing farmers.
Data from the DA show the declining number of farm workers at 1.5 percent per year since 2007.
The competition is open to interested youth 18 to 30 years old.
Not eligible to join are employees of DA, its bureaus, attached agencies and corporations including their relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity; and awardees of 2021 YFC program and recipients of any grant assistance or awards either in cash or in kind amounting to P50, 000 and above from DA, its bureaus, attached agencies, and corporations within one year before the deadline of submission of application requirements.
Cash prizes that will serve as start-up capital for their proposed agri-enterprises await winners. Individual and group category winners at the provincial level will receive P50,000 and P100,000, respectively. Regional winners will receive P150,000 each.
During the information caravan on the Young Farmers Challenge Fund 2022: Kabataan Agri-biz Competitive Grant Assistance program among local government units of Abra, Beray said youth proponents need to submit innovative agri-fishery business models with high income potential which they will venture on, using the grant.
Application and registration is ongoing until May 31. Within the period, proponents are expected to have prepared their business model canvas, a simplified template for visualizing a business model idea with DA’s technical assistance.
Interested youth may contact the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist or their respective Municipal Agriculture Office for further details. – Susan C. Aro
April 27, 2024
