SACRAMENTO, December 6, 2023 – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is excited to announce the receipt of a $9,908 grant from the 2023 California License Plate (CalAgPlate) program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This grant aims to elevate agricultural education and leadership opportunities for both students and teachers throughout California.
The grant project, aptly named “Creating a Sustainable Future: Owl Box Construction for Hands-On Agricultural Learning,” will empower FFA students with a unique hands-on experience in constructing 200 owl boxes. These purpose-built boxes will be distributed to winegrape growers as part of CAWG’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration in November 2024. Beyond the celebratory aspect, the grant presents FFA students with a valuable opportunity to contribute to practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Through this engaging project, students will not only gain woodworking experience but will also delve into essential aspects of agriculture, including the role of biodiversity, pest management strategies, and the critical importance of preserving natural ecosystems. The educational components seamlessly align with FFA’s overarching mission to nurture and develop young agricultural leaders.
Natalie Collins, President of CAWG, shared her enthusiasm for the grant, stating, “This project is truly exciting for both CAWG and California’s FFA students. It introduces solutions that promote hands-on learning and contribute to environmental stewardship, cultivating collaboration between our association and the future stewards of our industry in FFA. It’s a win-win that propels us toward a greener and more resilient viticultural landscape.”
This project was one of only four applications selected for funding in 2023. The funding for the CalAgPlate program is derived from the sales of specialized license plates with an agricultural theme, through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since the initiation of the CalAgPlate grant program, CDFA has awarded more than $2 million to foster agricultural education and leadership development.
