Sustainable Agriculture License Plate Now Available
Residents can purchase the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s new Sustainable Agriculture license plate and support statewide sustainable agriculture initiatives. Sales generated from the plate will create a grant fund open to any producer seeking to improve on-farm sustainability, which will ultimately help maximize environmental, economic and social benefits the state receives from sustainable agriculture.
“A strong Ohio agriculture sector preserves our rural heritage while supporting the state’s economy and helping us meet our green energy needs,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. “Ohioans who support sustainable agricultural practices by purchasing this new plate will help ensure that we will be able to enjoy these benefits and live off the land for many years to come.”
Sustainable agriculture is 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.
Agriculture and food production has an immense impact on Ohio, its citizens and their quality of life. Not only does the food and agriculture industry provide Ohioans with food, clothing and shelter, but it also continues to be a bright spot in a suffering economy. This industry annually contributes $98 billion to the state’s economy and provides one in seven Ohioans with good jobs, on and off the farm.
Current economic challenges and the rise of biofuels and other green-energy initiatives create a climate conducive to supporting sustainability in agriculture. 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.
For more information about the Sustainable Agriculture license plate, including how to purchase one, visit www.bmv.ohio.gov.