The Oregon FFA could lose a big chunk of its funding due to state budget cuts. Teachers and other members are urging legislators to continue funding a program that prepares many students for careers beyond just agriculture.
FILE - A Burns, Ore., FFA member at the Harney County Fair, Aug. 11, 2016.
Amanda Peacher / OPB
The Oregon FFA, formerly the Future Farmers of America, has said it could lose up to $1.1 million in state funding. That’s 72% of the organization’s total 2024 revenue, according to tax documents. The Capital Press first reported this story.
Oregon is facing a $63 million budget deficit in its two-year budget cycle that ends in June 2027, although that estimate could change. Lawmakers will get a state revenue forecast in February, which will paint a much clearer picture of the state’s financial outlook.
Earlier this year, Gov. Tina Kotek asked all state agencies to put together proposed cuts of 2.5% and 5% to their current budgets. The Oregon Department of Education, which funds the Oregon FFA, proposed slashing the organization’s funding.
Right now, much of the money the FFA receives from the state covers student dues, educational programs, leadership development and scholarship programs.
The Oregon FFA has nearly 16,000 members and 123 chapters across the state. It prepares young students not only for careers in agriculture, but other STEM jobs, such as biologist, veterinarian and scientist.
Members of the Oregon Agriculture Teachers’ Association say state funding has helped FFA grow by over 50% in the last six years alone.
That group prepared a letter directed to the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee urging lawmakers to continue the funding for the FFA.
“In times of decision, we must look at what investments will make the most impact,” read the letter. “The dollars that support FFA, Ag Education, and CTE [Career and Technical Education] are just a small part of these budgets, but have an outsized impact for students and families across Oregon. We urge you to ensure they continue to have this positive result.”
Although the state’s budget outlook has somewhat brightened, lawmakers will still likely have to consider cuts during the upcoming short legislative session in 2026.
