Sacramento, California - The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $249,352 for three projects that enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities for students, teachers and youth under the 2015 California Special Interest Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program.

Projects funded include farm tours at the California State Fair, classroom resource kits on crop and plant science provided by the Stanley W. Strew Education Fund, and support for California Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) leadership and development programs.  Each of these projects provides educational and leadership opportunities connected to the agricultural sector.

“Agricultural education helps to connect consumers to our farms and ranches and provides a greater appreciated for California’s agricultural diversity” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

The CalAgPlate program is funded with proceeds generated through the sale of specialized, agriculture-themed license plates through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since 2012, more than 25,000 plates have been sold, renewed or transferred.

CalAgPlate project abstracts are available online at www.cdfa.ca.gov/calagplate

Help to support agricultural education and the CalAgPlate program by purchasing a special interest license plate at your local DMV office or online today.