Growing Together Spring 2025
California FFA Honors Grow West
The California FFA recognized Grow West with its Distinguished Service Citation – one of the organization’s highest honors – during the 97th annual California State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento. As one of just three honorees this year, Grow West stood out for its unwavering commitment to supporting agricultural education, empowering young leaders and nurturing the future of California agriculture.
The Distinguished Service Citation is presented to organizations, agencies and businesses that have gone above and beyond in supporting FFA and advancing agricultural education across the state. With a legacy of involvement spanning more than seven decades, Grow West has firmly established itself as a true champion of the FFA mission.
“For over 70 years, Grow West has stood side-by-side with California FFA, advocating for agricultural education and providing opportunities for students to grow as leaders and professionals,” said a representative from the California FFA executive committee.
DRIVING CHANGE – ONE LICENSE PLATE AT A TIME
One of Grow West’s most impactful initiatives has been its ongoing support of the California Agricultural License Plate (CalAgPlate) program, a DMV-sponsored effort that funds agricultural education through the sale of specialty license plates. The program generates more than $200,000 annually for California FFA – money that directly fuels student development, leadership training and career exploration programs.
Since 2015, Grow West has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the initiative, purchasing more than 300 CalAgPlates for its fleet of vehicles. Today, over 200 active plates can be seen traveling across California, proudly showcasing the company’s belief in the power of agricultural education.
“Our partnership with California FFA is about more than sponsorship; it’s about building the next generation of agricultural professionals,” said Grow West President and CEO Ernie Roncoroni. “We believe in the transformative power of FFA, and we’re honored to contribute in ways that help students find their path in agriculture.”
A CULTURE ROOTED IN AGRICULTURE AND SERVICE
FFA’s influence doesn’t stop when the blue jacket comes off – and Grow West embodies that ethos. Grow West’s relationship with FFA extends far beyond any single program. The company consistently supports local FFA chapters through direct donations, livestock project purchases at county fairs and active participation in fundraising efforts locally and statewide. This hands-on engagement reflects a deep-rooted belief in giving back to the communities they serve.
Many of Grow West’s employees are FFA alumni, and that legacy continues as their children take up the blue corduroy jackets. For these families, the values of hard work, leadership and service instilled through FFA are not just remembered, they’re lived every day.
“At Grow West, FFA isn’t just a cause we support, it’s part of who we are,” Roncoroni said. “This recognition affirms our shared vision of a thriving agricultural future led by today’s youth.”
ABOUT CALIFORNIA FFA
The California FFA represents over 105,000 student members across the state and is committed to developing premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Through hands-on learning, leadership conferences and real-world experiences, California FFA prepares students to lead and succeed in a dynamic and vital industry.
CALAGPLATE
If you are interested in purchasing a CalAgPlate and supporting California agricultural education, click the button below.