FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 16, 2012
For more information contact:
Holly VonLuehrte
(502) 573-0450
Billy Ray Smith, Kentucky FFA Foundation
(270) 792-9672
Keith Rogers, Kentucky 4-H Foundation
(270) 735-6130
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer joined Kentucky 4-H and Kentucky FFA leaders to announce that proceeds from voluntary donations to the Agricultural Program Trust Fund will be divided equally among 4-H, FFA, and Kentucky Proud.
“When Kentucky farmers renew their farm license plates, they can add a voluntary $10 donation that will be split evenly among these three fine organizations,” said Commissioner Comer, a former state FFA president. “FFA and 4-H give Kentucky’s young people opportunities to participate in constructive activities while they learn the value of hard work and discipline. Kentucky Proud helps Kentucky producers find new markets for their products. All three programs are vital to the future of Kentucky agriculture and Kentucky as a whole.”
Kentucky FFA has about 15,000 members in nearly 140 chapters. FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. It is open to any student ages 12-21 who is enrolled in an agriculture course in a public school.
Some 205,000 youths are involved in Kentucky 4-H programs, and Kentucky ranks in the top 10 in several 4-H enrollment categories nationwide. 4-H is found in every Kentucky county and is a community of more than 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
Kentucky Proud is the official state program for food and farm products that are grown, raised, made or processed in Kentucky. Nearly 3,000 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets, school systems, Kentucky state parks, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets are members of Kentucky Proud.
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Agriculture Commissioner James Comer talks to Kentucky county clerks about the $10 voluntary donation that motorists can make when they renew their vehicle farm plates. (Photo by Ted Sloan)