New California license plate with farming theme to hit roads

Iowa is known for its corn. Wisconsin for cheese. Texas, cattle. But California is the nation’s leading farm state, something city dwellers don’t always remember when they think about where their food comes from. Now, a new reminder is about to hit the streets. Starting next month, a commemorative "California Agriculture" license plate will begin appearing on vehicles across the Golden State. The plate, featuring a yellow sunburst rising over a pastoral green field of row crops with the words "Food, fiber, fuel, flora," is California’s first new specialty license plate in 11 years. Like similar plates that have raised millions for conservation work in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, or coastal cleanups, veterans and children’s arts programs, the new plate will generate new cash for a nonprofit cause. Proceeds will go to the Future Farmers of America, 4H and other agricultural education programs. "We need new farmers in California because the average age of a farmer in our state is nearing 60, but the need to fill other jobs connected to farming is profound," said Steve Lyle, a spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. "We want young people to have all the educational opportunities they can." Read More