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Farmers and 4‑H leaders warn council about proposed 90% cut to University of Maryland Extension funding
Summary
Speakers from the Prince George's County Farm Bureau and University of Maryland Extension said Park and Planning has proposed reducing local extension funding from $208,600 to $20,000, a cut they called a 90% reduction that would threaten 4‑H programs, nutrient-management plans and farm services; councilmembers pledged to follow up with Park and Planning and explore grant alternatives.
Representatives of the University of Maryland Extension, 4‑H and agricultural stakeholders told the council that Park and Planning has proposed a steep reduction in county support for extension services.
"Park and Planning Commission wants to reduce the budget from $208,600 to $20,000," said Daniel Donahue, speaking for the Prince George's County Farm Bureau. He described extension outputs — from master gardener and nutrient-management work to 4‑H STEM and youth leadership programs — and warned that a budget cut of the size proposed would imperil local services and the county's $22 million agricultural sector.
Extension staff and 4‑H youth told the council that extension supports dozens of libraries, schools and community partners with low-cost programming and that proposed cuts could force building closures and reduce outreach. A student and a county agriculture educator described national recognition for local 4‑H programs and urged the council to preserve funding.
Councilmembers responded that they would follow up with Park and Planning and seek to identify grant and nonprofit funding bridges. Chair Oriada and others said they will add testimony to the budget review and highlight extension's services during agency oversight sessions.
Next steps: Council staff said they will contact Park and Planning for details on the proposed reduction and consider budget amendments or grant options to preserve extension programming.
