The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday underscored the need for an attractive agricultural ecosystem and viable businesses for young Filipinos as the farm workforce ages.

This comes as the agency joined the delegation at the XII Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries in Córdoba, Spain.

In a statement, DA Assistant Secretary Willie Ann Angsiy said the agriculture sector must provide an attractive career pathway for young people.

The simple provision of land, loans, monetary support and training is not enough to attract young people, as various factors affect the agriculture sector, including climate change, inflation and geopolitical tensions, according to the agency.

“For the Philippines, generational renewal in agriculture and fisheries is not simply about replacing an ageing generation,” Angsiy said.

“It is about creating conditions that give young people a compelling reason to see agriculture and fisheries as a profession, an enterprise, and a future.”

To date, the DA said it is expanding programs for the youth, including the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), training networks under the Agricultural Training Institute and youth councils.

Under the YFC, young farmers are given startup capital, business development support, alongside mentoring to help translate agricultural concepts into operating enterprises.

Angsiy likewise highlighted the importance of supporting women’s involvement in advancing generational transition in the agriculture sector.

She said women face setbacks in property, financing, technology and formal leadership despite playing major roles in production, processing, and marketing.

“Recognition must be accompanied by measurable access to financing and technology, training and markets, and leadership opportunities in cooperatives, producer organizations and other agricultural institutions,” she said.

To date, the DA is maximizing regional-level programs to expand opportunities for women, including in organic farming and mushroom production. (PNA)