Fil-Australian actor and singer James Reid will be the new face of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as he was recently appointed as Youth Ambassador for Food Security.
DA Secretary William Dar officially designated Reid as the youth ambassador for agriculture and agribusiness during the launching of “Plant, Plant, Plant” program, in line with the celebration of the farmers and fisherfolk’s month at their central compound in Quezon City.
Dar said the youth should be encouraged as well to get involved in farming, and he was surprised to know that there are young influencers promoting urban agriculture.
“Kailangan po natin ang grupo kagaya ng grupo ni James Reid para ang mga kabataan ngayon, mahikayat po sila na mag farming at mag-agri business (we need a group, such that of James Reid, to encourage the young people to get into farming and agri-business),” Dar said.
Reid said while he is new to the world of agriculture, his passion for sustainability brought him to accept the role and use his voice to support the farmers and fisherfolks in the country.
The young actor said the coronavirus crisis made Filipinos focus on what’s truly necessary and important, and that includes access to healthy and fresh food.
“It is our farmers and fisherfolk who are the ones that are protecting this right. They are the unsung heroes of our country. The backbone and heartbeat of our economy,” he said.
As youth ambassador, Reid is expected to inform the public of the main advocacies of the department focusing on its campaign on food security, food accessibility and affordability, and encourage the youth and other advocates on the important role of farmers and fishers and their contributions to the country. (via PNA)
