SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $260,000 for six projects that enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities for students, teachers and youth under the 2017 California Special Interest Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program.

Projects funded include continued support California’s statewide Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, mobile educational exhibits, local farm days for students, agricultural activity centers at local fairs, and agricultural internship opportunities.

Each of these projects provides educational and leadership opportunities connected to the agricultural sector.

“Ensuring the continued success of our agricultural industry begins with education,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “These projects help us sustain the future of California agriculture by inspiring youth about agriculture as a career and actively engaging our young farmers and ranchers.”

The CalAgPlate program is funded with proceeds generated through the sale of specialized, agriculture-themed license plates through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

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.