42 WV agribiz enterprises compete for Young Farmers Challenge prov’l level

Forty-two individual and group agribusiness enterprises are vying for slots in the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program as they present their business model canvas (BMC) for the Start-Up Component from February 18 to 20, 2025, in Iloilo City. The 2024 YFC Program’s Start-Up Component comprises four categories: Production, Food Processing, Non-Food Processing, and Digital Agriculture.

This initiative aims to address challenges such as the aging population of farmers and fishers by encouraging youths to pursue farming, increasing farmers’ average income, and improving access to financial services, markets, and training.

Winners at the provincial level will receive an Php 80,000.00 financial grant per enterprise to launch their agribusiness ventures. Those who advance to the regional level will be awarded an additional Php 150,000.00 per enterprise for project expansion. Meanwhile, 15 youth agribusiness model canvases will be recognized as national winners, each receiving a Php 300,000.00 project prize. Business models are evaluated based on five criteria: Entrepreneurial Attributes, Innovation, Revenue Stream, Value Addition, and Social Responsibility.

According to Rhea Cristina Resol, DA Western Visayas’ YFC Focal Person, the program encourages young agricultural entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in agribusiness and agriculture. The three-day Start-Up pitching competition provides a platform for young agri-entrepreneurs to present their innovative ideas to a panel of judges and technical experts, who will offer insights on improving their respective business model canvases.

“Winning the pitch is just the beginning—the real challenge lies in implementing your enterprises. The goal is not only to position agriculture as a second option but to inspire the youth to start planning, designing, and building their farms while pursuing their professions,” Resol added.

Chief judge and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) OIC-Chief of DA Western Visayas, May Ann Grajo, highlighted that out of the total number of business model canvases submitted, only 42 were shortlisted to pitch their ideas.

“I am really happy you answered the call to participate in the YFC Program. Listen to the comments and feedback of the judges and experts to refine your business models and increase your potential for success,” Grajo told the applicants.

Only seven of the 42 provincial-level enterprises will advance to the national-level competition for further support and opportunities.

Dr. Aljen Vasquez, Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council chairperson Buen Mondejar, and Trade-Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry Daniel Agan completed the panel of judges.

In addition, the DA Western Visayas will host the YFC Upscale Business Pitching on February 21 and the YFC Intercollegiate Business Pitching on February 27 to 28. ###