YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP GRANT ON ORGANIC FARMING

Introduction

 

One way to promote organic agriculture, and thereby expand the system, is by provision of scholarships and trainings. The DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) implement several scholarship programs and trainings on agriculture, including organic agriculture. However, even with these programs, there are few entrants to the sector, especially among the youth. Hence, there is a need for a comprehensive approach in the provision of scholarship to include intensified and extensive hands-on training on farm, provision of start-up project support fund for the trainees, and mentoring during the implementation of enterprise project of the trainees.

This scholarship program is a highly specialized internship program designed to instill and develop in the trainees an appreciation and eagerness for organic agriculture and eventually adopt it as their source of income. It differs from other scholarship programs which provided tuition fee and stipend only. The program provides start-up support and mentoring for the implementation of their business plan. Thus, empowering the youth to become organic agripreneur.

The 21-month internship program for the youth aims to fully imbibe the “life of a farmer” and the organic practices. It comprises of 1) nine-month schooling and on-site training to the farm partners, and 2) one-year hands-on practice and implementation of proposed organic enterprise.

Objectives

The program aims to contribute to the attainment of food sovereignty through ensuring the availability of healthy agricultural produce and products grown, raised and developed in a healthy and safe environment.

Primarily, the program aims to encourage the youth, develop and train them to become organic farmers and practitioners. Specifically, it aims to:

• equip the youth with knowledge and skills in organic agriculture practices;
• increase organic agriculture practitioners, and organic agriculture related enterprise;
• increase organic agriculture areas; and
• increase adopters of organic agriculture practices.

 

Scope and Coverage

 

The program is a collaborative effort between the DA- NOAP and the DA-ATI and shall be implemented nationwide enjoining the youth. It covers the youth, enjoining women, out-of-school youth, and degree holders for the trainees and LSA Cooperators for the farm partners. 

The ATI-Caraga Region has a target of 10 slots for trainees and and 5 slots for farm partners coming from different provinces practicing chemical-free and/or organic farming system as beneficiaries within caraga region.

For 21 months, the trainees will be given a monthly stipend while the farm partners will receive a mentoring fee. Towards the end of the 1^st year-implementation, the start-up support will be released to the trainees for the implementation of their proposed organic enterprise under the supervision of farm partners. The start-up support will be used for all the materials and requirements of the trainees for his/her enterprise including site rental, planting materials, facilities, equipment, among others.

 

Eligibility Criteria/ Documentary Requirements

 

There are two key players in this program, classified as: a) farm partners; and b) trainees.

 

1. Farm Partners

 

Eligibility Criteria	Documentary Requirement
Farm operator/owner of certified organic or chemical-free farm, preferably LSA certified farm	Notarized Affidavit as owner/operator of an organic and/or chemical-free farm; Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) certification, if applicable
Must be in operation for at least one (1) year	Farm journal; Financial statement for the previous year’s operation
Has farm activities within the value chain either production, value adding, processing, or marketing	Farm layout; Photos of farm and its facilities including accommodation areas; List and biodata of resource persons/trainers;
Has basic farm tools, equipment or facilities needed for its operation
Has accommodation facility for at least two (2) trainees
Has internship program plan from March to November within a year	Internship Program plan and design including performance evaluation and post-internship assessment
With good community standing and has no proven derogatory record	At least two (2) recommendations letter from a community leader (e.g. barangay captain, parish priest, school principal, civil society organization, farmers’ cooperative or association)
Farm area is not part of military identified conflict zones	Certification from the respective AFP infantry division
Others	Letter of intent
	Bank account details, preferably LBP if available

 

2. Trainees

Eligibility Criteria	Documentary Requirement
Youth
Age 18 to 35 years old at the time of application	Clear scanned copy of any valid government issued ID (indicating the date of birth) Authenticated copy of PSA Birth Certificate
Natural born Filipino citizen
Interested to enter the agriculture industry, especially practice organic agriculture	Notarized Sworn Statement as proof of willingness and commitment to undertake organic agriculture-related activities/enterprises after the training; Business Model Canvas (BMC)
Willingness to undertake 21-month internship and hands-on practice contract
Physically and mentally fit	Medical certificate indicating “fit to work”
Has good community standing or moral character	At least two (2) recommendation letters from a community leader (e.g. barangay captain, parish priest, school principal, civil society organization, farmers’ cooperative or association)
Others	Bank account details, preferably LBP if available
	Accomplished application form

 

Submission of Application:

 

Farm Partners

Interested applicants for Farm Partners shall submit their letter of intent along with all the documentary requirements and send it via email  atirtc13_cdmss@ati.da.gov.ph or visit our office at P-13 Brgy. Los Angeles, Butuan City.

 

Trainees

Interested applicants for trainees shall submit their letter of intent along with all the documentary requirements, except for the Medical certificate which shall only be submitted when the applicant qualifies in the shortlist and send it via email  atirtc13_cdmss@ati.da.gov.ph or visit our office at P-13 Brgy. Los Angeles, Butuan City.

Letter of intent may address to:

 

JESSIE V. BELDIA, Ph.D
OIC-Center Director
Agricultural Training Institute-13
Los Angeles, Butuan City

You may download the application forms here:

For inquiries, kindly contact Ms. Elena P. Madelo, Organic Agriculture Focal Person at 09098938620.

Deadline of submission: February 10, 2023