Young Farmers Open Letter Entry #7: Adrean L. Perez, Philippines

I am Adrean L. Perez, a proud farmer from the Philippines.

My father used to farm half a hectare of rice land we own. But decades ago, he sold the rights of the farm for money to finance an ice cream business. Now, we must buy rice unlike before when my family enjoyed good quality and affordable rice.

COVID-19 pandemic pushed me to love agriculture. I joined a cooperative where I appreciate the programs designed for us, the youth. I successfully passed the certification for Organic Agriculture and my cooperative also tasked me to do the farm planning for individual farms. I really appreciate becoming a farmer and given a chance, I aim to become a licensed agricultural engineer.

To our legislature, please design a special law that will focus on youth integration in the agriculture sector—particularly a law that will easily bring government projects and programs directly to young farmers without the need for politicking so that young farmers can be guided on their work and not depend on politicians.

Adrean L. Perez
Philippines