The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) supported the development of young farmers in Camarines Norte town by providing a PHP1.5 million grant for the development of young agri-entrepreneurs in the municipality.

In a media release, the DA Bicol said the local government unit (LGU) of Labo was the first municipality in the Bicol Region to receive the grant on April 8 under the Business Development Assistance Component of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program, marking a significant milestone in the program’s rollout at the local government level.

The DA Bicol said the Labo LGU will use the fund to establish a Young Farmers Technology Incubation Center, a training hub that will serve as a learning ground for young farmers to enhance their skills in agri-fishery enterprise development.

The YFC, which began in 2021, empowers young individuals engaged in new agri-fishery enterprises, enabling them to become active partners in food security and agricultural modernization.

It aims to encourage youth participation in agriculture, agribusiness, and agri-entrepreneurship for sustainable development.

To be eligible for the component, LGUs must meet specific requirements, including no unliquidated funds from the Department of Agriculture; an authorization from the local Sanggunian for the local chief executive to enter into a memorandum of agreement; at least five identified program beneficiaries; and the capacity to provide a 20-percent equity share through capital, assets, or manpower.

“The pioneering grant to LGU Labo marks a promising start for broader local government engagement in supporting the next generation of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs,” DA Bicol said. (PNA)