Say hello to the newest Virginia agricultural commodity: the license plate.

All state residents, regardless of whether they farm, are able to purchase a license plate commemorating nearly 400 years of farming in the commonwealth. The tags feature a barn among rolling hills and the slogan "Farming Since 1614." It was in that year that settlers in Jamestown made their first commercial shipment of tobacco to England.

"Since 1614 agriculture has been the backbone of the commonwealth; it pulled the settlers out of starvation," said Andrew Smith, VFBF senior assistant director of governmental relations and coordinator of the tag effort. "Today it's the nation's horn of plenty."

The ag license plate is a good way for Virginians to show their support of the commonwealth's leading industry, Smith explained.

"It’s great public relations for farming. Every time a driver catches a glimpse of the ag tag in front of them, they’ll be reminded of agriculture and its importance here. They’re like moving billboards.”

The “Farming Since 1614” license plate is available for purchase online.

The $25 application fee eventually will help agriculture's cause. Once DMV receives 1,000 registrations for the plate, $15 from each application fee will be credited to the Virginia Agricultural Vitality Program. This program works to link retiring farmers with individuals desiring a career in agriculture; it also encourages local governments to create a Purchase of Development Rights ordinance to help preserve working farms in their communities. It is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For more information, contact Smith at 804-290-1021 .