Senate Bill Aims to Empower Young Farmers and Fisherfolk
MANILA, Philippines – The agricultural sector in the Philippines is facing a serious labor shortage. To address this, Senator Loren Legarda introduced Senate Bill No. 518, proposing the establishment of the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Council. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the industry by encouraging a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs to step forward.
“The average age of our farmers is now 53 years old. If this trend continues, we could face a critical shortage of food producers within the next decade, which will threaten our food security,” Legarda warned, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Addressing Poverty and Attracting Youth
Legarda, a seasoned lawmaker, pointed out that nearly 30% of farmers and fisherfolk still live below the poverty line. This economic hardship discourages young Filipinos from pursuing careers in agriculture and fisheries.
“We must act now to make agriculture viable, attractive, and dignified for the youth. SB 518 introduces the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Program, a comprehensive initiative for aspiring food producers aged 15 to 40 years old,” she explained.
Comprehensive Support for Future Agri-Leaders
The proposed legislation offers concrete support mechanisms. These include start-up capital, financial aid, and access to voluntary health, retirement, and calamity insurance. Furthermore, it promises pathways to land ownership, technical training, and inclusive education focused on sustainable and modern farming careers.
The program also guarantees youth participation in policymaking and promotes climate-smart, technology-driven agricultural practices to modernize the sector.
Promoting Inclusivity and Equity
To ensure broad participation, the bill mandates that at least 30% of program beneficiaries be young women, Indigenous youth, coastal community residents, and individuals from conflict-affected areas. This approach fosters equity and inclusiveness in revitalizing the agricultural workforce.
“We must help in transitioning our industry to the younger members of our workforce, so that new ideas may blossom in a rapidly aging industry,” Legarda said.
She urged society to dispel the notion that agriculture is a last-resort career. Instead, she envisions transforming it into a sustainable livelihood built on innovation, fairness, and resilience to secure the nation’s food future.
“Let us transform agriculture into a sustainable livelihood built on innovation, equity, and resilience as we steer the country toward food security and self-sufficiency,” Legarda concluded.
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