RICHMOND—Since the Virginia agriculture license plate initiative started in 2004, Virginians who display the specialty plate have been driving home their support for the state’s farmers.

There are currently more than 3,000 drivers on the road who have purchased the tags.

The $25 plate fee also helps agriculture's cause. Because it is a revenue-sharing plate, after the sale of the first 1,000 qualifying plates $15 from each $25 fee began benefitting programs of the Virginia Office of Farmland Preservation.

“The Virginia agriculture license plate is a great way to show your pride and promote agriculture in the state,” said Andrew Smith, senior assistant director of governmental relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “It bears a farm scene taken directly from a farm in Orange County. Part of the proceeds from each plate go to the work of preserving Virginia farms. The Office of Farmland Preservation uses the funds to host workshops to teach farmers how to plan farm transition and how to keep their land in production.”

All state residents, regardless of whether they farm, are able to purchase the agriculture license plate, which is available from the Department of Motor Vehicles at dmv.state.va.us/vehicles/#splates/info.asp?idnm=FARM.

Media: Contact Smith, at 804-290-1021.