‘Young farmers, this is your chance!’: DA opens YFC Season 6 with grants of up to ₱500,000

Baguio City, Philippines – Youth aged 18 to 30 are being encouraged to join the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Season 6 for a chance to receive grants of up to ₱500,000 and transform their innovative agri-fishery ideas into sustainable ventures.

The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-Cordillera recently announced the opening of applications for the sixth season of the program.

The initiative provides young farmers and agripreneurs with phased financial grants that can serve as seed capital for projects involving agricultural production, food and non-food processing, and digital agriculture.

Since its launch in 2021, the Young Farmers Challenge has helped transform the lives of more than 4,000 young farmers nationwide.

Grants Up for Grabs

Applicants are required to pitch the agri-fishery business they intend to pursue, with winning projects receiving financial assistance depending on the category.

Under the Start-Up Category, which is open to individuals or groups proposing new agri-fishery business models, winners may receive ₱80,000 at the provincial level, ₱150,000 at the regional level, and an additional ₱300,000 as national champions.

Meanwhile, college students enrolled in agriculture and related courses in CHED-accredited State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) may apply under the Intercollegiate Category, where winners can receive ₱250,000 at the regional level and ₱500,000 at the national level.

For the Upscale Category, which caters to young farmers with existing enterprises, including previous YFC winners, ₱500,000 in grant capital awaits top-performing national awardees seeking to expand their businesses.

Aside from financial support, participants will also receive mentorship, training, and exposure opportunities to help bring their ideas to life.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the documentary requirements through the following application links:

· Start-Up Category: https://tinyurl.com/ymbyrrk9 

· Intercollegiate Category: https://tinyurl.com/2x5pz5hd 

· Upscale Category: https://tinyurl.com/3wer8v25 

Applicants are advised to secure endorsements from their respective Offices of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAG) and submit their documents to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG).

“This is your chance to grow, innovate, and thrive as a young agri-preneur. Don’t keep your ideas waiting!” AMAD of DA-Cordillera said.