CalAgPlate Grant Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce the competitive solicitation process to award the 2026 CalAgPlate grant program funds that promote agricultural education and leadership activities for students at K-12, post-secondary, and adult education levels. The CalAgPlate program is funded with proceeds generated through the sale of specialized, agricultural-themed license plates through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

2026 CalAgPlate Grant Program

Proposal Supplements

Attend a free webinar to learn more about the 2026 CalAgPlate!

A webinar will be offered this year on the 2026 CalAgPlate Grant Application and the use of the new Grant Opportunity and Administration and Tracking System (GOATS). To register, please click on the link of the webinar then look for a confirmation email containing information on how to join during the date and time listed below. If you have any questions regarding the webinar, please email grants@cdfa.ca.gov.

2026 CalAgPlate Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee is comprised of volunteers with knowledge and expertise regarding California’s agricultural education and leadership activities. The committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding. The review period is typically four weeks and expected to take place mid November into December.

Interested individuals must submit a completed TRC Application, Conflict of Interest form, and a copy of their résumé/Curriculum Vitae to grants@cdfa.ca.gov before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. TRC members will be required to complete a statement of economic interest (Form 700), and complete Ethics and Sexual Harassment Prevention trainings.

2026 CalAgPlate Timeline

About the California Agriculture Special Interest License Plates

In April 2013, the first CalAgPlates were issued by the DMV — establishing the California Agriculture Special Interest License Plate. The issuance of the plates was approximately a three-year effort that first began in 2010. For a Special Interest License Plate to be established, more than 7,500 paid reservations needed to be received. As a result of the continued efforts of many student volunteers and agricultural organizations the 2026 program was made possible.

Annual revenue generated from the original purchase and renewal of CalAgPlate helps to support the CalAgPlate Grant Program and agriculture education in California.

You can help support agricultural education and the CalAgPlate program by purchasing a special interest license plate at your local DMV office or online today.