By VICKI JOHNSON
Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohioans now can purchase license plates to support the growth of sustainable agriculture. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) recently introduced the plate through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

“For each plate that is purchased, $20 will go to our department into a fund which, in the future, will create some type of grant-type program,” said Kaleigh Frazier, ODA public information officer.
Because it will take time for the fund to grow, she said details on the grants are to be finalized in the future. “It will be some form of a grant program to help producers and people involved in the local foods movement,” she said.

The amount of money earned depends on the numbers of plates people buy.

“We certainly have a lot of faith in the plate that it will sell well to Ohio citizens,” she said.

Frazier said sustainable agriculture is in the public eye right now and availability of the plate might make more people aware of it.
“It’s very timely. At this point in time, we are seeing a lot of interest,” she said. “Sustainable agriculture is a big focus of our department. The Ohio public is kind of pushing toward this local foods and sustainable agriculture effort.”

Another reason the plate’s introduction is timely is the rise of the “green” movement.

“Current economic challenges and the rise of biofuels and other green-energy initiatives create a climate conducive to supporting sustainability in agriculture,” Frazier said.

“Ohio agriculture is already preserving the state’s rural heritage, supporting the economy, and helping to meet energy needs. Supporting and promoting sustainable agricultural practices helps to ensure agriculture’s strong impact and its ability to meet citizens’ needs for the future.”

Sustainable agriculture is defined by the ODA as “a process agricultural producers use to grow and manufacture food for an increasing population that maximizes benefits to the economy, the environment and the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

In a news release about the new plate, the ODA stated ag and food production has an immense impact on Ohio, its citizens and their quality of life.

Not only does the industry provide Ohioans with food, clothing and shelter, but it continues to be a bright spot in a suffering economy. Annually, the farm industry contributes $98 billion to the state’s economy and provides one in seven Ohioans with good jobs, on and off the farm.

The new plate is one of five agriculture-related specialty plates available in Ohio.

A license plate through the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation provides $20 from each sale to support agriculture in general, while the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation collects $15 for plate sales to promote the beef industry.

In addition, plates are available to benefit the endowment fund of the Ohio FFA Foundation, Inc. and to support Ohio 4-H educational activities.

For more details about any of the plates, including how to buy one, go to http://bmv.ohio.gov/vehicle_   registration/special_plates.htm