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Panel backs moving farm management education program, approves $1.9 million appropriation
Summary
The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division voted to give Senate Bill 2274 a ‘‘do pass’’ recommendation to transfer oversight of the Farm Management Education Program to the Agriculture Commissioner and to appropriate $1.9 million for the next biennium; the increase includes $200,000 for outreach and promotion.
The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division voted to recommend passage of Senate Bill 2274, which transfers oversight of the Farm Management Education Program to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and includes a $1.9 million appropriation for the next biennium.
Senator Greg Kessel, District 39, told the committee the program "was created to enhance farm operation managements and prepare for those interested in farming," and said instructors help operators create records and improve business decisions. The bill would move implementation authority to the Agriculture Commissioner.
Madison Bodine, Ag Services and Development Specialist, speaking on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, said the $200,000 increase above the prior biennial appropriation is intended to ‘‘take a more proactive approach in the program.’’ Bodine linked some of the increase to outreach and promotion and to coordination with the North Dakota Mediation Service to help producers who are facing rising input costs.
Senator Saiva noted the appropriation two years ago was $1.7 million and asked for justification for the $200,000 increase; Bodine said a detailed budget has not been finalized but "ideas thrown around were looking at marketing, being proactive and being directly in the community, having those conversations, and then also tying some marketing materials to get the word out and promote the program." The transcript does not include a line-item breakdown for the $200,000.
Senator Thomas moved a "do pass" recommendation for 22-74; the motion was seconded and the committee recorded ayes from Chairman Sorvig, Senator Thomas, Senator Meyer, Senator Conley and Senator Shively. The committee chair stated the motion carried.
The program was described in testimony as a competitive, operation-specific education effort run by instructors around the state. Committee members asked about existing administration and participation; Bodine said the program had previously been administered through career and technical education centers and had better fit in the Agriculture Commissioner’s office when participation lagged.
The committee did not receive a detailed spending plan in this session. Staff indicated that any remaining appropriation amounts at the end of the current biennium could be subject to transfer or reversion under normal budget rules.
The bill will advance with the committee’s recommendation to the full appropriations committee for further consideration.
