Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced today that voluntary “ag tag” donations in the 2017 fiscal year that ended June 30 amounted to $629,865.43, setting a record for the largest amount donated since the program began.
The voluntary donations are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
“This number is a testament to the giving spirit of farmers all over the state and demonstrates the support Kentuckians have for Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and Kentucky’s agriculture community,” Commissioner Quarles said. “We’re grateful to everyone who gave to the ‘ag tag’ program.”
“Without a doubt, 4-H councils across the state benefit from the generosity of each and every individual who purchased an ag tag,” said Melissa Miller, executive director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “On behalf of 4-H, I would like to thank Commissioner Quarles, the KDA, and drivers throughout the Commonwealth for proudly supporting 4-H.”
“Every year, Kentuckians step up and donate more of their hard-earned money to the ag tag fund, which enables the FFA to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation.
“We are thrilled with this announcement and look forward to investing these funds directly in young Kentuckians.”
Donations in fiscal 2017 increased by $77,152.59, or nearly 14 percent, over fiscal 2016.
Kentucky motorists who buy or renew farm vehicle license plates, or “ag tags,” may make a voluntary donation of up to $10 to the Ag Tag Fund. Half of the 4-H and FFA funds go back to the county where the tag is purchased, where both organizations use the funds to support local programming, awards, and scholarships.