“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings,” as said by Masanobu Fukuoka, a wise Japanese farmer and philosopher, who believed in and advocated natural farming and re-vegetation.
In the face of climate change and rising populations, most would consider agriculture a “one-way ticket to poverty.” Yet with new technologies and curious mindsets, professionals from all disciplines are stepping up to the challenge of food security in the 21st century. In Asia and the U.S., farmers are increasingly using drones for crop monitoring. Meanwhile, city residents from Bangkok to New York have developed urban gardens. Viewing agriculture as a field with abundant possibilities on and off the farm, these emerging leaders are expressing loud and clear: the future of farming is now.
To bridge gaps in innovation and cultivate the newest generation of agri-champions, the Agricultural Communities International Foundation, Inc. (AGREA) hosts the first-ever Leaders and Entrepreneurs in Agriculture Forum (LEAF): Redefining and Revitalizing Agriculture, on September 29 and 30, 2018 in Tagaytay City. A two-day collaborative experience addressing topics across the wider spectrum of agriculture, LEAF will discuss Agripreneurship, turning farming into a creative and lucrative business; Agritech: Digital Agriculture, evolving the way we farm and improving the agricultural value chain through 21st century science and technology; and Agritourism, integrating farms into our leisure and lifestyle, bringing us back to a greater understanding of our food sources and connecting us to the producers.
Scientists, techies, farmers, restaurateurs, and other agricultural advocates will share their insights, find mentors, and take their pursuits to the next level. LEAF’s ultimate goal will be to build a global community of agricultural innovation across different geographies, disciplines, and levels of experience. The first day will include keynote speeches and group sessions led by an array of high-caliber speakers, with emphasis on systems, design-thinking, mentorship, and interactive learning. Within the Forum, AGREA also hosts a sustainability expo, highlighting sustainable food, goods, and services. On LEAF’s final day, delegates will have the opportunity to observe their learnings in action by touring model farms in the area.
LEAF is also providing several scholarships and opportunities for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. PWDs, IP Leaders, and local NGO representatives working in the Top 12 Poorest Provinces in the Philippines have been sponsored to attend the Forum. A “Young Entrepreneurs Pitch” sponsored by the New Zealand Embassy will award four brilliant teams of entrepreneurs with Php 50,000 each to realize their innovative agri-projects. Even more, two lucky attendees of LEAF will receive all-expense paid scholarships for a 3-week Food & Beverage Training in April 2019 at Massey University, New Zealand.
To review the complete LEAF 2018 Program and list of speakers, you may visit the official website at www.agreaph.com/leaf.
For more information, please contact Miguel Codiñera at leaf.agreaph@gmail.com or by phone at 0927 774 1021.
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