Clinton County’s proposed Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Program and FFA chapter for the 2023-24 school year was cancelled due to low student enrollment, despite a 50% financial commitment from the local community to cover two years of salary for its open instructor position and half-time conservation technician. However, Michigan agriculture education advocates remain committed to bringing the program to fruition in the future.
The community's financial support for the program is significant, with local businesses paying $50,000 for the instructor role and a half-time conservation technician, making it a full-time job. The Clinton County RESA agriscience program would have served the St. Johns, Pewamo-Westphalia, Fowler, Bath, and DeWitt communities.
While the decision to cancel the program is disappointing, Mark Forbush, Michigan FFA state advisor and AFNRE outreach specialist, and Bob Craig, chairperson of the Clinton County RESA AFNR Advisory Committee, remain optimistic about the program's potential. They are working to encourage student enrollment and advocating for the reconsideration of the school board's decision.
Despite the setback, Michigan agriculture education advocates are committed to creating opportunities for students to pursue careers in the industry and strengthen the state's food and agriculture system, which accounts for 805,000 jobs or 17% of the state's total employment.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov
Categories: Michigan, Education