SEN. Risa Hontiveros has sought a Magna Carta of Young Farmers to address the "alarming decreased interest" in farming among the Filipino youth, which might affect food security.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) 2745, or the proposed Magna Carta of Young Farmers, the senator said the agriculture sector "is vital in ensuring a country's food security."

She said that in Philippine society, there remains a negative stigma attached to farming as a "poor man's job."

She said SB 2745 prioritizes the land rights of young farmers by guaranteeing improved access to low-cost farmland. It guarantees their "equal access" to technology, credit and capital.

A 2021 survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that farmers have a high poverty incidence rate of 30 percent.

"These factors hinder the youth's involvement in agriculture," Hontiveros said. The country is experiencing an "aging" farmer population with an average age of 57 years old.

"Aside from this negative stigma, another obstacle to youth involvement in agriculture is their limited access to land, capital, and credit," she said.

The Magna Carta of Young Farmers aims to address the needs of young farmers to safeguard their rights, the senator said.

Farming is also perceived as "a low-paying job," especially with weather unpredictability and increased costs of agricultural products, she said.

"As farmers are the cornerstone of agricultural production, the country has witnessed worrisome trends: a declining number of farmers, out-migration from the agriculture sector, and an aging farmer population," she said.

The Philippines cannot neglect the discrimination and harsh circumstances that young farmers face, Hontiveros said.

She said since 2012, the net employment in agriculture, hunting and forestry has declined. This led to a 25 percent decline in agricultural workers in 2017 compared to 2010.

A 2019 policy note by the National Economic and Development Authority found that 15 out of 17 regions experienced agricultural employment losses.

SB 2745 seeks to provide young farmers with opportunities to become more competitive by providing them assistance in farm planning and management and access to market spaces.

"To uphold the rights of young farmers against discrimination and violence, young farmers shall be ensured access to free legal services," Hontiveros said.

"In sum, the Magna Carta of Young Farmers aims to institutionalize mechanisms and policies that address the challenges faced by young farmers," she added.

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