[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 67 (Thursday, April 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY'S PROJECT RED

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2025

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Washtenaw 
County's Rural Education Days (Project RED) on the occasion of its 35th 
year educating Washtenaw County's youth. In its 35 years, Project RED 
has taught 80,522 students, teachers, and chaperones about the 
importance of agriculture and natural resources.
  In 1990, an enthusiastic group of members of the Washtenaw County 
Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee saw a need to educate the 
county's children about the value of farming and the protection of 
Michigan's natural resources. Since its inaugural year, Project RED has 
grown to a 3-day annual event held in April for students, teachers, and 
chaperones. The event is sponsored and coordinated by passionate 
volunteers at Washtenaw County Farm Bureau, Michigan State University 
Extension, the Washtenaw County Conservation District, and the 
Washtenaw Farm Council.
  Project RED provides fun, interactive opportunities for students to 
develop a better understanding of and appreciation for the many ways 
that farmers grow and produce safe food, care for their animals, and 
protect the environment. Students have the opportunity to engage with 
informative displays and hands-on learning stations that highlight 
Michigan's agrarian diversity.
  Washtenaw County's Project RED has become a model for similar 
programs and events across the state of Michigan as a way to educate 
youth about agriculture and celebrate the contribution of local farmers 
and agribusiness.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Washtenaw 
County Rural Education Days for providing over 3 decades of invaluable 
agricultural education. I sincerely thank the project's sponsors and 
organizers for their many years of service to this community.

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