TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
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25 JUL21 P1 :44
SENATE
S. No. 744
RtCii'VLi) ■
Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito
AN ACT
PROMOTING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE AND 
AGRIBUSINESS^ ESTABLISHING YOUNG FARMERS AND AGRIPRENEURS 
SUPPORT PROGRAM, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under the 1987 Constitution, the State shall recognize the right of farmers 
farmworkers, and landowners, as well as cooperatives, and other independent 
farmers' organizations to participate in the planning, organization, and management 
of the program, and shall provide support to agriculture through appropriate 
technology and research, and adequate financial, production, marketing, and other 
support services. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, yet it 
faces a long-standing crisis which is the rapid aging of its workforce.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the average age of Filipino 
farmers ranges from 55 years old to 59 years old. Experts predict the Philippines will 
face a critical shortage of farmers in ten to twelve years.1 This aging population, 
coupled with a declining interest in farming among younger generations, endangers 
national food security and long-term sustainability of the agriculture sector.
To address this concern, the DA launched the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 
Program in 2021. The YFC provides competitive grants to youth-led agribusiness
I Aging farmers could add to food insecurity: https://www.searca.org/press/aging-farmers-could-add-food- 
insecurity#:~:text=With%20the%20averagc%20age%20of.sufficiencv%20but%2Qalso%20food%20securitv.


proposals, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector. 2 
While impactful, the program remains budget-dependent and administratively limited 
to DA-led implementation, leaving significant room for institutional strengthening and 
cross-sectoral support.
This bill builds upon and expands the foundation laid by the Young Farmers 
Challenge Program. It seeks to institutionalize and national support framework that 
not only sustains but also scales up youth engagement in agriculture. This measure 
establishes the Young Farmers and Agri-preneurs Support Program (YFASP) which will 
be led by the DA, in collaboration with the DTI, DOST, SUCs, and LGUs. Once enacted, 
the program will offer a comprehensive support package including start-up grants or 
loans, training and mentorship, agri-tech incubation, shared facilities and 
infrastructure, and access to markets.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
JV EJERCITO
2 Govt supports budding agripreneurs through the Young Farmers Challenge program:
https://www.da.gov.ph/govt-supports-budding-agripreneurs-through-the-voung-fanners-challenge-program/


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
1 '
25 JUL21 PI :44
S. No.
SENATE
744
Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito
AN ACT
PROMOTING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE AND 
AGRIBUSINESS, ESTABLISHING YOUNG FARMERS AND AGRIPRENEURS 
SUPPORT PROGRAM, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Tide. -This Act shall be known as the "Young Farmers and Agri- 
preneurs Act."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles and State Policies. - It is the policy of the State 
to promote sustainable agriculture and food security by encouraging youth 
participation in farming and agribusiness. The State shall provide support to 
agriculture through appropriate technology and research, and adequate financial, 
production, marketing, and other support services to further empower young Filipinos 
engage in agriculture as a viable and competitive career path.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
(a) Young Farmers/Agri-preneur - Any Filipino citizen aged eighteen (18) 
to thirty-five (35) years of age engaged or intending to engage in 
agriculture or agribusiness.
(b) Agri-preneurship - The practice of entrepreneurship in the context of 
agriculture, including but not limited to crop production, livestock, 
fisheries, agro-processing, and value chain enterprises.
(c) Agribusiness - encompasses the economic sector for farming and 
farming-related commerce. This includes all business activities involved


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in production, processing, distribution, marketing, and retail of 
agricultural goods and services.
(d) Eligible Projects - refers to agricultural or agribusiness ventures that 
demonstrate viability, sustainability, and potential for community-level 
impact, including but not limited to start-ups in production, processing, 
digital agriculture, and supply chain solutions.
Sec. 4. Creation of the Young Farmers and Agri-preneurs Support Program 
(YFASP) - There is hereby established a Young Farmers and Agri-preneurs Support 
Program, that shall support and empower the young farmers to be active partners in 
food security and agricultural development and modernization. The YFASP shall 
encourage the youth to pursue a career or engage in activities related to agriculture, 
ensure their participation in policy formulation and program implementation relative 
to the agriculture sector, and provide institutional support for agri-business and agri­
entrepreneurship initiatives of the youth to fully realize their role as agents and 
partners for development.
The YFASP shall be established under the Department of Agriculture (DA), in 
coordination with: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science 
and Technology (DOST), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Government 
units (LGUs), and private sector partners.
Sec. 5. Components of Young Farmers and Agri-preneurs Support Program 
(YFASP) -The YFASP shall consist of the following components:
(a) Start-Up Grants and Loans — provision of seed capital, zero-interest micro­
loans, or conditional grants to Qualified young farmers and agri-preneurs.
(b) Capacity Building and Mentorship - training programs, apprenticeships, and 
mentorships on agri-tech, sustainable practices, financial literacy, and 
marketing.
(c) Access to Markets — assistance in accessing public and private markets, 
product certification, digital platforms, and government procurement 
programs.
(d) Shared Facilities and Infrastructure Support - access to government-funded 
facilities such as post-harvest centers, cold storage, irrigation systems, and 
farm equipment.


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(e) Agritech Innovation and Incubation - support for partnerships between 
young agri-preneurs and incubators in SUCs, DOST and private institutions to 
foster innovation.
Sec. 6. Program Implementation and Monitoring. - The DA, through the 
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), shall lead the implementation of the YFASP. A 
Program Management Committee (PMC) composed of representatives from DA, DTI, 
DOST, SUCs, and youth organizations shall oversee the evaluation, approval, 
monitoring, and impact assessment of funded projects.
Sec. 7. Appropriations. -The amount necessary to implement the provisions of 
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The program may 
also receive funding from donations, official development assistance, and other lawful 
sources.
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DA shall, in consultation with DTI, DOST, SUCs, LGUs, and 
youth organizations, promulgate the IRR necessary to implement the provisions of this 
Act.
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum 
orders, memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts thereof 
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or 
modified accordingly.
Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation.
Approved,