COLUSA, Calif. (MPG) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $218,220 to organizations statewide to support agricultural education and leadership through its 2025 California Agriculture License Plate grant program.
The CalAgPlate program is funded through the sale of agriculture themed specialty license plates issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since its launch, the program has distributed more than $2.5 million to support youth leadership, career awareness, and agricultural education programs across California.
This year’s funding supports a range of programs serving students from elementary school through high school. The largest award, $178,500, was granted to the California Association Future Farmers of America to support leadership training and program development for more than 108,000 students across 373 school chapters statewide.
Several grants focused on early agricultural literacy and hands-on learning. The San Joaquin Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Education received $10,000 to support its AgVenture program, which connects classroom instruction to real world farming experiences for elementary students. The program is expected to reach approximately 12,500 third grade students through a series of field days supported by local farmers and volunteers.
The Coachella Valley Unified School District was awarded $9,720 for its School to Table project, which will introduce students to composting, gardening, and sustainable food systems through new garden installations and hands-on activities at participating schools.
In Humboldt County, Beginnings Inc. received $10,000 to expand its Youth Agricultural Business and Career Development Program. The project will introduce second through sixth grade students to agricultural careers through greenhouse operations, farm visits, and small scale business activities involving student grown plants.
Community Bridges received $10,000 to support agricultural job awareness efforts in Santa Cruz County. The funding will be used to host bilingual workshops and career panels connecting youth and families with local growers, food producers, and agricultural professionals.
Proceeds from CalAgPlate sales directly support agricultural education, career training, and youth leadership development. California FFA receives more than $200,000 annually through the program to support leadership development and career readiness statewide.
Residents can support the program by purchasing a CalAgPlate through the Department of Motor Vehicles or California FFA. The California FFA covers the initial plate fee, while vehicle owners are responsible for the annual renewal fee set by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
More information is available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/