Adorning your car with a Michigan Agricultural Heritage License Plate does more than just showcase a picture of a red barn, silo, and rolling green fields crowned with the sun. Purchasing your plate supports agricultural education programs for grades K-12, helping prepare the next generation of farmers, conservationists, food scientists, and leaders.

The Ag Heritage plate is a statewide effort to support the Michigan FFA and agricultural education. 100% of the funds generated from sales go into the Michigan FFA Glassbrook Endowment Fund. This endowment offers a dependable and ongoing source of funding to support the over 8,800 Michigan FFA members in the 129 chapters across the state.

Originally, the plate was only available for passenger vehicles but was expanded to include commercial and university vehicles in 2019. Bob Craig, former development director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture pushed for legislation to broaden access to the specialty plate with support from Michigan State Senator Roger Victory where the bill passed with bipartisan approval. In 2021, numerous Foundation partners took the pledge to transition their company vehicles to the plate, including Michigan Farm Bureau, AgroLiquid, Crystal Flash, Michigan Agricultural Commodities, Michigan Corn Growers Association, Star of the West, and Michigan Pork Producers.

Michigan drivers can purchase the plate for $35 to replace a valid license plate, with $25 from each sale going directly to support FFA and K-12 agricultural education programs across the state. At the time of renewal, the additional $10 fee added to a vehicle registration fee is also contributed to the endowment fund to ensure the long-term support of these initiatives. The plate must meet Michigan’s stringent sales requirements to avoid discontinuation.

Purchasing your Ag Heritage Plate is more than just a symbol of your support for the industry and long history. You are making an investment in Michigan’s future, and ensuring that the youth of today are developing into the leaders of tomorrow.

Ag Heritage plates can be purchased through the Secretary of State office or by visiting www.michigan.gov/SOS for more information.