Lawmakers hear $4 million FFA appropriations pitch to upgrade greenhouses, barns and credentialing
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Summary
Eaton RESA and FFA advisors asked the subcommittee to continue capital grants—previously used for greenhouses, livestock facilities and equipment—by appropriating $4 million to support FFA chapters statewide and to update Perkins V‑related credentialing.
Representatives of Eaton Regional Education Service Agency and FFA advisors told the subcommittee that a proposed $4 million appropriation would fund capital improvements, equipment and credentialing support for Future Farmers of America programs across Michigan.
Rep. Whitworth said the funds would be used for capital improvements and equipment, credentialing tied to Perkins V and general agricultural education. Doug Pennington, an FFA adviser, described prior grants that funded greenhouses and trailers and said the grants made a substantial difference for local programs. A department representative described last grant cycles’ RFP competition and a reimbursement model that awarded up to $50,000 per district and distributed awards across more than 80 programs.
Committee members asked for clarity on how funds would be administered and whether credentialing expenses would be a major share; presenters described the RFP/reimbursement format used previously, noted credentialing is a smaller component for most districts and outlined typical capital items such as greenhouse repairs, tractors and trailers.
The subcommittee adjourned at the end of the hearing; no appropriation vote was taken.
