OSU Budget Cuts to Effect Extension Efforts

Oregon State University officials say they plan to cut $13.4 million from the school's current budget.

In a letter to staff, OSU President Ed Ray and Provost Sabah Randhawa said they anticipate the school's budget will be reduced by 5 percent as the Legislature works to rebalance the state's budget.

Oregon faces an $850 million shortfall for the current biennium.

"It is important to remember that we are dealing with at least a two-year state budget problem that will have implications long into the future," the letter said.

"This is a time to remind ourselves that there are circumstances that we can control and others beyond our control."

According to the OSU provost's office, the cuts will amount to about $9 million from the school's education and general fund and $4 million in statewide public service programs such as the Extension Service, Agricultural Experimental Stations and Forest Research Laboratory.

Oregon State University Extension provides valuable technical assistance to organic farmers across the state through a number of research and outreach efforts, but budget shortfalls threaten the continuation of these services. Proposed state budget reductions threaten to reduce OSU Extension’s budget by 30%, which would lead to a significant reduction in services and the closure of some county offices. We encourage you to get involved and support OSU Extension and the programs that you value. The links below will help you contact your legislator:

Oregon District Map: