NINETEENT science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students from Reedley International School and two faculty members visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture (Searca ) in the province of Laguna for an “immersive journey into the future of agriculture”. October 15, 2024.

Reedley STEM students participated in a session of the “Sowing Seeds: Cultivating Youth Futures in Agriculture” learning activity.

The activity was organized by Searca’s Partnerships Unit as part of the centre’s youth engagement initiative called Young Forces for Agricultural Innovation or #Y4AGRI.

Grade 12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM students from Reedley International School, accompanied by two faculty members, visit the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Advanced Studies and Research in Agriculture for an immersive journey into the future of agriculture on October 15, 2024. RESEARCH PHOTO

During the activity, Glenn Baticados, agribusiness expert, agripreneur and assistant professor of the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), highlighted the role essential role of young people in agro-entrepreneurship as a driver of economic progress and social uplift.

Highlighting common misconceptions about the sector, Baticados said “agriculture is not just about soil or dirty work.”

In coining the term “agri-cool-ture,” he also presented the field as a landscape with diverse potential for innovation, from science to business opportunities.

While stating that “agriculture is a great equalizer” and recognizing the risks associated with any business activity, Baticados noted that the agricultural sector “offers a wide range of possibilities and will always be relevant because there is always a demand for food”.

Urging students to “embrace Agri”, he said they must also explore agriculture as a promising career path that offers both personal fulfillment and the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Also during the session, an inspiring robotics demonstration was hosted by student inventors from the primary and secondary schools of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba.

Searca said their inventions showcased youth-led solutions aimed at “improving agricultural practices” and highlighted the role of technology in addressing real-world challenges in agriculture.

Reedley STEM students also visited the Searca Hub for Agriculture and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation or Sharing AgriMuseum.

Searca said the center continues to champion the inclusion of youth voices and talents in agriculture, empowering young people to pursue agriculture as a viable career and vital to sustainable development through programs like Sowing Seeds.