Emblazoned with the words, “Our Farms – Our Future,” South Carolina’s farm-themed specialty license plate has helped raise nearly $250,000 for Ag in the Classroom programming since its inception in 2009.
The idea to create a specialty plate that would celebrate agriculture was proposed by Maria Samot, South Carolina Ag in the Classroom’s director at the time.
“If someone has this plate on their vehicle it means that they not only support the people who grow our food, fuel and fiber, but they also support teaching the next generation about understanding where those commodities come from,” said Stephanie Sox, South Carolina Farm Bureau’s director of promotion and education. “It helps us connect producers and consumers and bridge the gap from farm gate to dinner plate.”
South Carolina is home to 24,600 farms spanning 4.8 million acres, with operations averaging 195 acres in size. Broilers are the state’s top commodity, accounting for close to a third of South Carolina’s total agricultural sales. It ranks second nationally in peach production (behind California), and boasts corn, cotton, cattle, soybeans, and peaches among its other major commodities. The state is also home to the only tea farm in North America.
The design of South Carolina’s specialty plate, known as the Ag Tag, has changed somewhat over the years. The original — adorned with a big red barn, green field, and bright yellow sun — captured the range of South Carolina agriculture “through a beautiful and recognizable image,” Sox explained. It was one of three designs created by SCFB graphic artist Bill Johns, and the Farm Bureau membership voted on their preferred design at their annual meeting.
David Winkles, who served as SCFB’s president in 2009 when the plate was launched, noted that several lawmakers helped bring the plate to fruition, including state Sen. Danny Verdin and Rep. Jeff Duncan, both of Laurens County, who were the respective chairmen of the General Assembly’s agriculture committees.
Today, the money raised from the plate, which costs $70 every two years in addition to the regular license plate fee, helps support the general activities of Ag in the Classroom and several specific initiatives. Among them are:
- Professional development, such as lesson materials, swag, and resources for regular programming efforts aimed at classroom teachers.
- The Mobile Ag Learning Lab will be funded through the purchase of supplies, gas, new technology, general upkeep, and to offset some of the travel costs incurred by the lab instructor.
- The AITC Ambassador program, which is now in its second year, selects four teachers from around the state to be “influencers” for SC Ag in the Classroom. Funds provide them resources, professional development opportunities, a subscription to the monthly book, and one Ag Learning Lab visit to their school.
- The Betty J. DeWitt Outstanding Educator award, where the winner receives a trip to the National Ag in the Classroom Conference and a subscription to the monthly book.
- Volunteer workshops for grassroots members so they are well-prepared to bring AITC resources to schools in their area.
- Sprouts Monthly Book, a monthly subscription that delivers an ag-accurate book and corresponding lesson plan to teachers and volunteers. The money is used to offset the cost of books and shipping.
“Truly the affinity plate revenue is an integral part in ensuring AITC programming and materials are available statewide at low to no cost to teachers and volunteers,” Sox noted. “Our members are very proud to show their support with the Ag Tag, and it’s truly a great program that provides support for very important projects at SC Farm Bureau.”
