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FFA, 4-H members could save more money through new legislation

A bill introduced in the U.S. House aims to provide an economic boost to youth 21 and younger who earn money through their agriculture related FFA or 4-H projects.

Jennifer Sirangelo, President of the National 4-H Council tells Brownfield this would help young people who have projects outside of production agriculture as well.

“We know there is a lot of risks that families in agriculture take to be a part of the industry. This just gives them (youth) more flexibility to be more entrepreneurial, to be more innovative and to think more creatively which is exactly what our industry needs.”

If passed, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019 would give a tax exemption on the first $5,000 they earn from their projects, allowing them to save more money for their education or future projects.

The bill (H.R. 1770), introduced by Texas Representative Michael McCaul, has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and is supported by the National 4-H Council, National FFA Organization, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and the Young Farmers Coalition.