GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVISION OF YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP GRANT ON ORGANIC FARMING
GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVISION OF YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP GRANT ON ORGANIC FARMING
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.
Patterned after the internship program of the Korean Government wherein, there is 100% engagement of their scholars in agriculture sector after the training completion. 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.
The program aims to provide all-out support to the trainees until their enterprises are established and made profit to ensure sustainability and to boost their morale. As they complete the program, they will stay as farmer by heart and mind.
The provisions under this Memorandum Circular are sanctioned and approved by the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB), and aim to lay down the criteria, rules, and procedures to avail the scholarship grant.
Download the application forms here:
OA SCHOLARSHIP GRANT APPLICATION FORM FOR GRANTEE