Bright prospects await agri, fishery grads

Among the batch of graduates this year, those who took up agriculture, fisheries and other related courses are luckier. In fact, they do not need to troop to the metropolis to compete with jobseekers for the limited job opening in government or private offices. They can opt to cast their lot in agribusiness and become successful entrepreneurs by participating in the Young Farmers Program (YFP).

Introduced by Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. two years ago, the YFP encourages young graduates of agriculture related courses, as well as budding entrepreneurs to engage in agribusiness and become successful entrepreneurs. The program has an initial funding of P50 million to be distributed as grants to participants and for operational expenses.

"The remarkable development in agriculture, especially the extension of funding support for the implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) until 2015 would bring about bright prospects to the agriculture sector and make agribusiness a profitable venture. That is why we are encouraging the youth to participate in the YFP," Magsaysay says.

Under the program, the government is committed to help participating entrepreneurs secure loan representing 60 percent of the total capital needed for their proposed agriculture-related business. The 25 percent of their needed capital would be provided as grant by the program, while the remaining 15 percent has to be raised by the proponent as equity.

Mgsaysay, who chairs both the Senate committee on agriculture and the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM), reported that the program has so far trained 44 young farmer entrepreneurs and 29 young farmer volunteers. He added that 10 YFP entrepreneurs have started to operate their respective agribusiness venture after their loans and grants have been released.

"These young farmer-entrepreneurs are undertaking various projects such as coconut coir and coco peat production, duck raising, tilapia production, broiler production, cattle fattening, export quality peanut, papaya and mango production, and other value-adding activities for agriculture and fisheries products,’ Magsaysay said.

The YFP is continuously accepting application from qualified prospective entrepreneurs from all regions of the country. The training for the third batch of participants is set this month. Those who wish to participate in the YFP can contact Mrs. Virgie Agcopra or Mr. Larry Villanueva at Tel. 5513253, or 55226601 locals 5501 and 5512.