PANABO CITY – On July 9, 2024, representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) visited Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) to conduct an orientation on the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program. The event was held in the DNSC Gender and Development (GAD) Entertainment Room.

Launched in 2021, the YFC program aims to address the aging farming population and the declining agricultural workforce by encouraging the youth to pursue careers in agribusiness. The program promotes innovation in agricultural practices, offers funding to help young entrepreneurs launch their ventures, and emphasizes sustainability in farming and food security.

This year’s YFC features an intercollegiate competition for Business Model Canvas presentations and pitches, open to all sophomore-standing students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Nearly thirty students from the Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences (IAAS) attended the event, which was facilitated by Dr. Melinda G. Rubellano, the focal person of the regional project management team.