From Tray to Table: Engaging the Youth in Microgreens Production Towards Reducing Carbon Footprints and Promoting Household Food Security

Oral Presentation. 10th Malikhaing Guro International Conference Caravan on Culture-Based Education. Philippines. September 9, 16, and 23, 2023.

Youth engagement in agriculture is crucial in nation building. Presently, the youth is discouraged to pursue careers in agriculture due to the negative perception that farmers are poor, underpaid, and unappreciated. On top of this, Filipino farmers are aging, the average age being 57 to 59 years old. Thus, it is about time to broaden the opportunities in agriculture, rebrand, and engage the youth.  This paper sheds light on the practical ways on how the youth can be encouraged to participate in agricultural activities, particularly those that can be done in the confines of one’s home in the absence of agricultural landholdings. Microgreens production, an emerging trend in producing a new class of vegetables, is one of these approaches. Hyperlocal production of microgreens involves growing right where you are, “from tray to table” which heightens household food and nutrition security, lessens the carbon footprints due to transportation, and shortens the food value chain. The technology is also sustainable as it can be done without high-cost inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and with less water. These benefits make microgreens worth promoting to the youth. Currently, UPLB does not offer courses specifically on microgreens, but this topic may be incorporated in basic crop science, Agronomy and Horticulture courses. Students may be engaged in microgreens production through projects like food preparation where they will grow their own microgreens and feature them through exhibits and food festivals. Extension activities like seminars and social media educational content creation and outreach activities like distribution of microgreens kits to youth beneficiaries could also be given as class activities. More importantly, bridging research gaps on microgreens production may also be given as thesis or special problem topics, to further explore the science, technology and business of this emerging superfood.

Keywords: microgreens, youth engagement, low carbon footprints, household food and nutrition security, technology adoption