Youth agripreneur. Bernadette Baston, 18, owner of Egg-cellent Harvest/RTL Chicken Enterprise in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and a Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardee, shares her agripreneurship journey during a special interview on Talakayan sa PIA, encouraging fellow youth to consider opportunities in agriculture. (Photo: MJP/PIA-10)
TheMindanaoToday.com | Young agripreneur grows egg business with DA support
By: April Rose E. Bacol
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program continues to support young agripreneurs in building viable agricultural enterprises and contributing to food production across the country.
One of the beneficiaries is 18-year-old Bernadette Baston, who runs Egg-cellent Harvest/RTL Chicken Enterprise in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. She manages 190 laying hens on a 200-square-meter farm, supplying eggs to the surrounding community, including students who rely on consistent access to fresh food.
Baston said her interest in agriculture grew during the COVID-19 pandemic when she observed its role in ensuring access to food. Despite her responsibilities as a student and youth leader, she maintains her farm operations through effective time management.
“Time management is the key. I balance my study and youth activities, and farming by making a schedule,” she said.
She said that while farming presents difficulties, staying focused on her goals and having her family’s support allows her to continue her work.
Joining the YFC program helped Bernadette realize that farming goes beyond income generation. It has encouraged her to promote agriculture and engage others in contributing to long-term food systems.
The YFC program provides technical, financial, and mentoring assistance to young individuals interested in agriculture. Launched in 2021, it has already supported more than 3,600 young farmers nationwide. (ARB/PIA-10)
###
