NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Sworn in For Second Term

On January 4, 2024, Andy Gipson was sworn in as the Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce at the Mississippi State Capitol for his second term. He was accompanied by his wife, Leslie, and continues to serve as the eighth Agriculture Commissioner for the State of Mississippi.

Agriculture Commissioner Announces $5.8 Million Available to Strengthen Local Food Supply Chain

MDAC Announces Details of Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) has entered into a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to administer the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program for the State of Mississippi. Through the RFSI Program, MDAC will make available more than $5.8 million in funding from USDA to build resilience in the middle-of-the-supply-chain and strengthen local food systems.

“Having a strong, resilient food supply chain is crucial for our food security. This partnership with USDA will provide the State of Mississippi a strategic opportunity to strengthen our state’s food supply chain and increase marketing opportunities for our farmers while increasing consumers’ access to local foods,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson.



The purpose of the RFSI Program is to assist states in building resilience in the middle-of-the-supply-chain and strengthening local food systems by creating new revenue streams for producers. The goal of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is to create additional and better processing options for local producers across the state’s food supply chain.

“This partnership between USDA and Mississippi is allowing critical funding to reach areas of the supply chain that need it most,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The projects funded through this program will create new opportunities for the region’s small and midsize producers to thrive, expand access to nutritious food options, and increase supply chain resiliency.”

The deadline to apply for RFSI’s Infrastructure Grant or Equipment-Only Grant is March 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. CST. All completed applications must be electronically submitted to rfsi@mdac.ms.gov. Visit https://www.mdac.ms.gov/rfsi/ to view the Request for Applications, download applications and obtain additional information about the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program.

2024 Mississippi Agriculture Magazine

Now Available

The 2024 edition of the Mississippi Agriculture Magazine is now available online on Farm Flavor's website or can be picked up from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce main office located at 121 North Jefferson St. Jackson, MS 39201.

MDAC Releases 2023 Annual Report

Agriculture, the state’s largest industry, is the backbone of the economy and the lifeblood of rural communities throughout the State of Mississippi. In 2023, Mississippi farmers produced over $8.7 billion in agricultural commodities.

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) touches the lives of all Mississippians. MDAC works to ensure you get what you pay for at the gas pump and the grocery store and you have access to a safe, affordable and adequate food supply. Some of MDAC's 2023 accomplishments include launching new programs to expand marketing opportunities for Mississippi's farmers and ranchers and conducting numerous inspections across the state to protect the agricultural industry and consumers. Read more about the Agency's accomplishments in the MDAC 2023 Annual Report.

Learn more about the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce by visiting our website at www.mdac.ms.gov.

Commissioner Gipson Shares Newly Released Foreign Land Holdings Report Disclosing Increase in Foreign-Owned Farmland in Mississippi

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson shared the latest United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report on Foreign Holdings of U.S. Agricultural Land with members of the Mississippi Legislature. The report disclosed a net increase of 184,619 acres of Mississippi agricultural land owned by foreign interests. Acreage increased from 757,816 in 2021 to 942,435 acres in 2022. This report from USDA is a full year more recent than the December 31, 2021, report previously included in the Foreign Purchase of Farmland Study Committee’s findings released to the Legislature in November.

“Due to the large net increase of 184,619 acres of Mississippi foreign-held land above the 2021 report, I feel compelled to provide this updated report to the Mississippi Legislature in advance of the 2024 Regular Session,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This represents a net increase of 184,619 acres, or 24.3% above the prior USDA report as of December 31, 2021, of 757,816 agricultural acres held by foreign interests. The 757,816 agricultural acres was previously reported in the Foreign Purchase of Farmland Study Committee’s Final Report dated November 28, 2023. It is unclear whether this reported increase is the result of increased purchases by foreign interests, or increased reporting to USDA of prior acquisitions. This newly released foreign ownership report adds clear urgency to our Study Committee’s recommendation that the Mississippi Legislature act in 2024.”

MDAC is reviewing the updated report as of December 31, 2022, for any other material changes from the 2021 report and will be updating its Foreign Purchase of Farmland website (www.mdac.ms.gov/farmland) and related statements with these developments.

The most recent USDA report of Foreign Holdings of U.S. Agricultural Land available can be accessed using the button below.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau Investigators Recovered Property

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recovered a stolen tractor, with an estimated value of $20,000, in Scott County.

MALTB investigators recovered a stolen Kubota tractor with a bush hog and front-end loader in Scott County December 12.

MALTB also recovered a stolen tractor, with an estimated value of $78,334, in Yazoo County at the end of November.

In March of 2021, the Yazoo City Police Department took an initial report of a stolen John Deere 6100 series tractor in Yazoo County. MALTB was asked to assist in the case. On November 26, 2023, MALTB received information that led investigators to Yazoo County. Based on the information received, MALTB investigators located and recovered the John Deere tractor in a rural area in Yazoo County on November 30, 2023.

MBAH Grants Certification for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter Mississippi

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) issued a certificate of veterinary inspection to Santa Claus of the North Pole, which permitted Mr. Claus’ reindeer to enter and exit the state of Mississippi between the hours of 6 p.m. on December 24, 2023, and 6 a.m. on December 25, 2023.

“I have spoken with our state veterinarian and Board of Animal Health officials, and I’m glad to report everything is in order,” said Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce and MBAH Ex Officio Board Member. “The children of Mississippi can rest assured that Santa Claus and his nine reindeer will be allowed to pass through our great state this holiday season. And no matter what holiday you may celebrate this winter, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce wishes everyone a happy and healthy time.”

Dr. James Watson, State Veterinarian with MBAH, ensured the reindeer met all entry requirements before issuing the certification. As part of the agency’s responsibilities, MBAH regulates the movement of exotic livestock, including reindeer, to protect the health of Mississippi’s livestock population. “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Claus and his reindeer into the magnolia state on the night of Christmas Eve. Due to urgent business purposes, we have granted Mr. Claus permission to cross our borders and deliver his special packages to farms and houses around the state,” said Dr. Watson.

The Mississippi Farmers Market Hosted

Merry Market

The Mississippi Farmers Market and Genuine MS® successfully hosted its Merry Market event December 9, 2023.

Visitors enjoyed face painting, complimentary cups of hot cocoa or apple cider, letters to Santa, a Santa photo opportunity and seasonal market items.

Ag Museum Hosted Homestead for the Holidays

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum held their Homestead for the Holidays event on December 7-8, 2023.

MDAC STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Regulatory Services' Gene Robertson Honored

Pictured: Gene Robertson (right)

Gene Robertson, Deputy Director of MDAC's Bureau of Regulatory Services, was honored by the National Conference on Weights and Measure at the Chairman’s Reception of the organization's interim meeting! Gene currently serves as Chairman of the National Conference on Weights and Measures.

MDAC DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Regulatory Services: Meat Inspection

Director: Dr. B. Nicole Hodges

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Hosts Monthly Domestic Saturday Programming

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will hold its monthly Domestic Saturday Programming Homestead for the Holidays event at 1o:00 a.m on February 3, 2024. The next session will cover cast iron care.

The 59th Annual Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo Rides into Jackson

Join cowboys, cowgirls, 4-H and FFA members, rodeo queens, and spectators at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds this January and February for the largest professional rodeo east of the Mississippi River: The Dixie National Rodeo!

-Dixie National Equine and Livestock Shows - January 5 – February 18, 2024

-The Dixie National Parade is February 10, 2024, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

-Kids Day is February 13, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Dixie National Rodeo performances are as follows:

• Friday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. – Conner Smith and Colin Stough
• Saturday, February 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – Tracy Byrd
• Sunday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. – Chris Cagle
• Wednesday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. – Megan Moroney
• Thursday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m. – Sammy Kershaw
• Friday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m. – Corey Kent
• Saturday, February 17, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – Parmalee

The Mississippi Farmers Market is open

Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Genuine MS® Store is open

Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.