Agricultural Officials Urge Residents to Support the Massachusetts Farming Community by Purchasing an "Ag Tag"

Specialty license plate raises money to support the agricultural industry

Click here for an image of the agriculture license plate.

BOSTON – With the planting and growing season in full swing, state agricultural officials are encouraging Massachusetts residents to support the Commonwealth’s farming industry by purchasing a specialty agriculture license plate.

The Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) is promoting the agricultural specialty license plate, known as the Ag Tag, at a host of venues this summer, including farmers’ markets, state fairs, and agricultural workshops. Launched in 2007, the Ag Tag creates a guaranteed source of funds for agricultural organizations. Proceeds from plate sales go to the Agricultural Trust Fund, which finances farm-related projects such as efforts to modernize milk processing facilities at dairy farms, provide business plans to farmers interested in extending their growing season, and help flower growers save energy in their greenhouses.

The license plate features a colorful picture of a cow surrounded by produce and reads “Go locally grown!” The DAR’s goal is to meet the requisite number of registrations – 1,500 – by the end of 2009 to insure that the plate will go into production and be available for residents for years to come.

“This specialty plate is a valuable funding resource for the agricultural community and a moving billboard designed to increase awareness for the importance of maintaining a strong agricultural presence in Massachusetts,” DAR Commissioner Scott Soares said. “Supporting agriculture in this way helps ensure that the Commonwealth’s agricultural future remains vibrant for generations.”

The cost for an Ag Tag is $40, plus a $20 fee when residents swap their existing plates at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

It’s easy to sign up. To reserve a plate today, visit www.mass.gov/agr/agtag/index.htm.

The DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. The DAR is comprised of four divisions – Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance – tasked to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. The DAR’s services provide support for the Commonwealth’s diversified agricultural industry; economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfilling agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.