VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo hopes that young people are not ashamed to become farmers. This was conveyed when virtually closing the 'Young Organic Festival 2020' (YORFest), Thursday (29/10). In his closing speech, President Joko Widodo expressed his hope that the existence of this forum for young organic farmers could encourage more young people to return to farming.

He believes that on one hand, if more and more young people become farmers, Indonesia can get rid of food imports. On the other hand, Indonesia has the potential to meet domestic food needs and can even become a food exporter to various countries. Nowadays, organic farming is becoming a trend. President Joko Widodo also remarked that organic agriculture is agriculture in the future and has enormous opportunities.

President Joko Widodo further said that in the midst of the rapid trend of living back to nature, people are increasingly concerned about health by choosing healthy and safe food ingredients. This opportunity must really be put to the best of it. He also hopes that the young farmers who were present could continue to innovate in producing these organic fruits and vegetables. From production to post-harvest, they can use modern technology in planting, raising and processing. Then, they strengthen branding, packaging and marketing. In addition, they will enter the national supply chain so that they can reach a wider market.

President Joko Widodo further hopes that with modern agricultural processing, agriculture can grow as an important pillar of Indonesia's economic growth. If Indonesian agriculture will be more advanced, its people will be more prosperous. In his closing speech, President Joko Widodo encouraged young farmers to keep working while still caring about the environment, and continuing to innovate while still caring about job creation.

Young Organic Festival 2020 took place on 28 and 29 October 2020 virtually. YORFest is an annual activity for organic activists in Indonesia, in the form of a community of young people who care about agriculture, plantations, animal husbandry and businesses related to the utilization of organic ecosystems. They shared their experiences in pursuing organic agriculture.