News Details

Young Farmers Challenge 2025 Launches: Gen Z to Power PH Agri Future

NPO

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September 5, 2025

MANILA – Philippine agriculture is getting a bold reboot as the Department of Agriculture–Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) kicked off the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Batch 2025 at the Senate of the Philippines, rallying the next wave of agripreneurs.

The launch brought together policymakers, youth leaders, and agribusiness trailblazers, showcasing how smart technology, sustainable products, and fearless innovation are reshaping the country’s farming landscape.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the YFC program proves that agriculture is more than its challenges—it is an emerging hub of opportunity.

“With fresh ideas, digital tools, and fearless energy, our young farmers are making agriculture smarter, more inclusive, and more sustainable,” he said.

For 2025, YFC will award 608 provincial winners with ₱80,000 each in seed capital, while 45 regional winners and 15 intercollegiate teams will each receive ₱300,000 to expand their agribusiness ventures. Contestants are required to present a Business Model Canvas, a Business Plan, and pitch their concepts in a competitive business showdown.

Senator Imee Marcos, a staunch YFC advocate, praised the creativity and resilience of the youth, citing past winners who transformed mango peels into soap and preserved native stingless bees.

“Hindi pa rin ako nawawalan ng pag-asa dahil andito ang ating mga young farmers. Kayo ang magpapatuloy ng pagbubukid sa Pilipinas,” she said.

Beyond financial support, YFC provides training, mentorship, trade expo opportunities, and product registration assistance in partnership with DTI, DOST, SUCs, LGUs, and private sector allies.

Since 2021, the program has seeded over 4,300 youth-led agribusiness ventures, proving that with vision and digital drive, the next harvest will be more than crops—it will be game-changing ideas.

NPO News Team | DA Press Office-PR