Oregon’s agricultural education programs could face major disruptions if lawmakers approve proposed state budget cuts that would remove $1.1 million in state funding for Oregon FFA and key grants supporting agricultural educators.
In an interview with RFD-TV, Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer said the proposed reductions would affect more than 15,000 students and could roll back years of progress in expanding access to leadership development, career training, and statewide opportunities tied to agricultural education.
“Oregon FFA has been supporting students since 1929,” Kizer said. “Modern FFA is an integral program with agricultural education … and as a direct result from the funding of the Oregon Legislature, we provide over 500 classroom leadership workshops.” (RFD-TV interview transcript)
What’s being proposed
According to OPB, the legislature is considering cuts that include approximately $800,000 tied directly to Oregon FFA programming and about $300,000 connected to grants that support agricultural teachers in their extended summer work.
“The other $300,000 is to support teachers in their additional time that they spend in the summer creating opportunities for students,” Kizer said. “It would have a pretty devastating effect on the barriers that we have broken down for student involvement.”
A separate sign-on letter circulating statewide addressed to Oregon’s Joint Ways and Means Committee, describes the proposal as more sweeping.
“The proposal that has been shared would remove all funding for Oregon FFA from the State of Oregon, for both statewide student activities and grants to local agricultural programs for summer contracts,” the letter states.
The letter urges lawmakers to maintain planned grant-in-aid funds for three key areas: Oregon FFA, Summer Agricultural Education Grants, and Career & Technical Education Secondary Pathways Grants.
Why Oregon FFA supporters say it matters
Supporters say the funding has played a central role in Oregon FFA’s growth and accessibility, particularly for students who may not otherwise be able to afford participation fees.
State support currently helps cover student dues for members enrolled in agricultural education classes.
In the sign-on letter to lawmakers, supporters argue that the grant-in-aid funding directly expanded participation and engagement statewide.
“The grant-in-aid for the Oregon FFA Association has grown FFA membership to more than 15,000 students, with participation in statewide FFA events increasing by over 50 percent in the past six years,” the letter states. “This growth reflects Oregon’s diverse student population, including significant gains among historically underrepresented groups.”
The letter also highlights the year-round role agriculture teachers play in student success, especially through Supervised Agricultural Experience projects.
“Students in Oregon have documented over 600,000 hours yearly in their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects,” the letter states, describing those activities as “crucial experiential learning opportunities.”
Workforce development beyond agriculture
While FFA is rooted in agriculture, leaders emphasize that the programs are increasingly aligned with STEM and career readiness goals across the broader economy.
Oregon FFA provides statewide career and leadership development events that allow students to demonstrate skills learned in class and through real-world projects.
Supporters also argue that CTE Secondary Pathways Grants have helped modernize and expand hands-on programs in schools.
“When distributed to the programs with true pathways that engage students, these dollars have allowed for modernization, expansion, and sustainability,” the letter states.
While no final decision has been made, the coming legislative session will determine whether Oregon FFA and agricultural education grants remain funded for the next biennium.
In the meantime, supporters are mobilizing.
A Facebook page for agriculture teachers and student leadership circling social media encourage Oregon residents to add their names to a letter of support for lawmakers and urged broader awareness of the stakes.
The sign-on letter concludes with a direct appeal to lawmakers, arguing that FFA and CTE investments represent a small portion of the state budget but disproportionately benefit students and families.
“In times of decision, we must look at what investments will make the most impact,” the letter states. “The dollars that support FFA, Ag Education, and CTE are just a small part of these budgets, but have an outsized impact for students and families across Oregon.”
