50 ideas to fix Michigan

Eliminate agricultural extension programs

The Detroit News is highlighting ideas from various groups to promote discussion on reform, restructuring government and the economy.

Eliminate agricultural extension programs

Idea 27: Eliminate the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension programs.

Why: Some of the Experiment Station's work represents a reasonable government function, such as addressing problems like the ash borer insect.

However, programs like this could be easily accomplished by the state Department of Agriculture (which has received appropriations for this very function). Much of the MSU program's spending is little more than a subsidy for the state's agri-business industry. Other prominent Michigan industries, including automobiles, furniture and chemicals, are responsible for conducting their own research. In addition, taxpayer funding has produced work of dubious value -- such as one project in which MSU researchers worked to grow "the perfect poinsettia." Similar arguments apply to the Cooperative Extension Service, which provides classes to Michigan residents on topics such as sewing, gardening and pottery. This program is not an essential function of government, but a luxury beyond the state's current means.

Benefits: Elimination would save most of the $64 million the programs consume each year -- money that could be used for tax relief or providing essential government services.

How: Don't appropriate most of the money, shifting a small amount to the Department of Agriculture for the programs' reasonable government function.

Obstacles: The Extension Service has offices all over the state and will not hesitate to use these local bases to whip up resistance. Corporate beneficiaries of experimental station funding will lobby against cuts. Legislators like these wholesome-sounding programs.

Source: Mackinac Center for Public Policy