Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), was the speaker during the Sustainability Series webinar titled Farming: A Poor Man's Job? Motioned to Change the Perspective of Students on Farming, held on 29 November 2024 via Zoom. Organized by the League of Warriors, a student organization of the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)-Laguna, the webinar was attended by LPU-Laguna students.
The webinar highlighted the role of agriculture in society and showcased the field as a dynamic and rewarding career option to inspire the students to appreciate and explore the opportunities it offers.
In his presentation, Dr. Gregorio debunked the stereotyped and outdated farming outlook. He discussed the transformation of farming from a manual, labor-intensive practice into a rapidly evolving field integrated with technology.
"Agriculture is a rising industry that combines science, technology, and business. Modern agriculture uses drones, artificial intelligence, and robotics to increase efficiency and productivity," Dr. Gregorio explained.
"These innovations help address global challenges like climate change and food security," he continued.
Dr. Gregorio also positioned farming and agriculture as a promising career, reiterating diverse opportunities in biotechnology, food innovation, and agri-technology. He pointed out that lack of land for farming or limited space should not be a hurdle, considering alternatives like urban farming and agri-technology startups.
He wrapped up his presentation by encouraging the students to redefine farming and view it not as a poor man's job but as a calling that merges passion with purpose. He challenged them to consider a future in agriculture.
"Imagine this: you're not just a farmer, you're a climate hero, a technology innovator, a food system leader. Farming is no longer about surviving; it's about thriving," Dr. Gregorio remarked.