Equine tag unveiled

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin was one of several leaders to unveil Georgia’s new equine license plate at the State Capitol on March 11.

Joining Commissioner Irvin for the ceremony were Georgia legislators, members of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine, horse and animal lovers, and Andrea Howell of Marietta, the artist who created the illustration used on the license plate.

Howell’s art was selected after the commission launched an art contest last fall for the design of the new license plate.

“Many talented people submitted entries for the contest,” Irvin said, “and I know Ms. Howell will be pleased to see her design displayed on vehicles all over Georgia.  The funds from the sales of the license plate will greatly help our equine industry.”

A total of 1,000 license plates will have to be pre-sold in order for the manufacturing process to begin. Proceeds from sales of the specialty tag will provide needed funds for promotion, research and educational programs for the state’s equine industry.

The equine license plate can be ordered by filling out an Application for a Special Interest License Plate (specifying “Georgia Equine Industry) at any motor vehicle tag office. A one-time manufacturing fee of $25 will be required at the time of order (this will apply to the tag or it will be refunded if the tags are not produced). Those who order the tag should be sure to obtain a receipt after payment.

“I am encouraging drivers, especially horse lovers, to put their car before the horse – the horse license plate,” said Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Terry Coleman. “We will need to pre-sell 1,000 license plates in orderto make this tag a reality.”

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