Oregon FFA could lose much of its funding following state budget cuts

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.

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 an updated state revenue forecast in February, which will paint a much clearer picture of the state’s financial outlook.

Oregon Democrats say the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump this year, will have a massive impact on the state’s financial outlook. The federal budget law is expected to take an $890 million bite out of Oregon’s general fund this budget cycle.

Lawmakers will have to make tough decisions over how much state money they can redirect to make up for that lost revenue, much of which would have gone to health care and food assistance programs.

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.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional context about the role federal funding cuts play in Oregon’s state budget challenges.