CalAgPlate Grant Program
Forecasted
CalAgPlate Grant Program supports California students through agricultural education, career training, and leadership activities that deepen agricultural understanding and build career awareness.
Funder: California Department of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2027 (Grant Proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: 2026 cycle: Tier 1, $10,000–$195,500; Tier 2, $2,500–$10,000; maximum duration 18 months
Summary: Supports agricultural education, career development and training, and leadership activities for California students.
Key Information: Institutes of higher learning cannot apply directly, except university-administered nonprofit programs such as 4-H.
Description
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) administers CalAgPlate, a competitive grant program supporting agricultural education and leadership activities for students at K–12, post-secondary, and adult education levels. Funding comes from fees for the purchase, renewal, and conversion of California’s agricultural specialty license plates.
The program seeks to expand access to agricultural education, increase awareness of agricultural careers, connect participants with practical training and mentorships, and develop agricultural leadership skills. Supported work can include curriculum development, school and community gardens, interactive learning experiences, career expos, educator training, leadership conferences, and agricultural policy education tours. Projects should enrich participants’ understanding of California agriculture and provide opportunities at local or statewide levels.
