July 7-13 has been proclaimed as Mississippi Farmers Market Week by Governor Tate Reeves. Mississippi Farmers Market Week was established by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) to create awareness of local farmers markets and recognize the significant contribution of farmers markets to local communities.

During Mississippi Farmers Market Week, we celebrate the contributions of farmers markets to our local communities. Farmers markets are vital for both our local farmers and our consumers. Markets provide a direct link for consumers to access the freshest, locally grown produce and agricultural products, while supporting our state's agricultural economy. I encourage everyone to support our farmers by shopping at their local markets.

Mississippi is home to approximately 70 farmers markets, out of which 32 have been certified through the MDAC’s Certified Farmers Market Program. In order to become certified through MDAC, farmers markets must have at least two Mississippi growers and producers at their market. This year, the campaign is centered around the crucial role that Mississippi farmers markets play in enhancing the well-being of Mississippians, offering them the opportunity to access a diverse selection of fresh, wholesome, locally produced food such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat products, eggs, honey, plants and other specialty foods. Moreover, these markets serve as a valuable platform for Mississippi farmers to increase their income by directly connecting with customers.

To find a certified farmers market near you, visit our website.

Andy Gipson

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce

MDAC DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Certified Farmers Market Program

Director: Katie Sansing

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Mississippi Certified Farmers Market program is a voluntary branding program, created to promote and identify a marketplace for Mississippi grown fruits, vegetables, plant materials, and other products made and/or processed in the state.

This marketing initiative is designed for farmers markets that have become important to the preservation and promotion of Mississippi agriculture. Benefits received by the farmers markets include program membership at no cost, promotional assistance with advertising specific to each market, tax exemption status on most food items, and supplies such as logo stickers, pricing cards, and signage, as well as links on MDAC's website. Members will also have occasion to participate in educational workshops, and when offered, apply for mini-grants.

Learn More

MDAC STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Commissioner Gipson Welcomes New Hires

Commissioner Gipson welcomed Major Steve Shows and Jennifer Boler to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce's (MDAC) staff.

Major Steve Shows will serve as Director of Security at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds located in Jackson. Major Shows recently retired from the Mississippi Highway Patrol with 28 years of law enforcement experience. Major Shows served in several areas and special groups during his time with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Shows was a Master Sergeant in the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Division, Assistant Troop Commander, and Troop Commander for the Central Region, Troop C Enforcement Division.

Jennifer Boler joins as the Director of Administration at MDAC. Previously, Boler served in several major administrative roles at the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and most recently, the Mississippi Department of Health.

Market Development Staff Visit Agritourism Farms

Pictured (L-R): Courtney Farms Co-owner Eddie Courtney and MDAC Agritourism Director Katie Sansing.

MDAC Market Development staff toured Courtney Farms and Brown Hill Farms in Lucedale, MS, as a part of the Mississippi Agritourism Limited Liability Program at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

For more information on these farms or to locate a U-Pick near you, visit https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/website/AgTourism/Venues

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Announced 2024 Mississippi Ag Youth Council Members

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the members of the 2024-2025 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council.

The high school seniors selected include Claire Rizzo of Bolivar County; Gracyn Foster of Jones County; Emma Creel of Kemper County; John Clayton Kitchens of Lauderdale County; Grey Cruse of Lee County; Micah Osborn and Sloan Walker of Leflore County; Bryce Bratcher of Oktibbeha County; Azion Leflore and Layton Varner of Rankin County; Emma Grace Putnam of Sunflower County; Hannah Hill of Tippah County; Kayleigh Rose Myers of Tishomingo County; and Alana Whitehead of Winston County. Members were chosen through an application process and were interviewed by a committee of representatives from MDAC.

The 2024 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council is comprised of 14 high school seniors with an interest in agriculture. The goal of this council is to expose the students to a variety of agriculture career fields and to teach them how to advocate for various aspects of the agriculture industry. Council members will visit agricultural companies and organizations, learn about the legislative process and how it affects the agriculture industry, hold discussions with industry professionals, and hone career-development skills. Council members will serve for one year, from August 2024 to June 2025, and attend a minimum of four meetings at the MDAC headquarters located in Jackson.

For more information about the Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council, visit www.mdac.ms.gov/mayc or contact Nick Hall at nick@mdac.ms.gov.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum

Received Plane to Exhibit at the Agricultural Aviation Museum Housed on Museum Grounds

The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum received a full-sized S2 Snow plane to exhibit at the National Agricultural Aviation Museum located at the museum.

The National Agricultural Aviation Museum’s floor space and airspace provide a comprehensive and fascinating look at an industry that reshaped the history of agriculture. On display are planes that once flew over southern farms and plantations complimented by an informative video and a series of colorful photographs and panels.

Commissioner Gipson Announces Dates, Entertainment Lineup for the 165th Mississippi State Fair

State Fairgrounds Now Offering Pre-Sale Online Tickets for the First Time

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the 165th Mississippi State Fair will be held Thursday, October 3, through Sunday, October 13, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson. For the first time ever, fairgoers can purchase their tickets online ahead of the 2024 State Fair.

“We are excited to announce that tickets to the Mississippi State Fair can be purchased online for the first time in our state’s history,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Families and individuals can now buy their tickets ahead of October for a discounted price, and from the convenience of any laptop or smart device. This year’s State Fair will include several nationally recognized artists and all-new attractions, in addition to all our fairgoers’ favorite rides, events and foods. So I encourage everyone to buy their tickets now and join us for the 165th Mississippi State Fair this fall!”

Visitors to the annual Mississippi State Fair can purchase general admission tickets and fair ride wristbands online for the first time in the fair’s history. Pre-sale tickets are available now through October 2 at www.msstatefair.com for $8 per person. Online tickets purchased after October 2, as well as tickets purchased at the gates, will be $10 per person. View a tutorial video on how to easily purchase tickets at https://youtu.be/GGaW6s9JDi8.

Commissioner Gipson also announced the headliners for the 2024 Mississippi State Fair as follows:

Oak Ridge Boys – Saturday, October 5
Matthew West – Sunday, October 6
Ronnie McDowell – Wednesday, October 9 (Senior American Day)
Dru Hill – Friday, October 11

Additional details regarding concerts and special attractions will be forthcoming soon. Visit www.msstatefair.com and follow the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum Gardens Featured in Hometown Rankin Magazine

The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum's gardens were featured in Hometown Rankin magazine's June/July 2024 issue. Hometown Magazines is based in Brandon, Mississippi, and publishes community lifestyle magazines — Hometown Rankin, Hometown Madison and Hometown Clinton.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mississippi Farmers Market Hosts Senior Day

Senior Day at the Thursday Mississippi Farmers Market will take place 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 11. This event will take place in honor of Mississippi Farmers Market Week which runs July 7-13.

The market will host farmers market vendors for shoppers, the Student Health Coalition of Mississippi will provide free health screenings, and the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division Adult Protective Services will have an informational table. The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board has partnered with Mississippi State University Extension's "The Food Factor" to give out egg taco samples on-site and conduct a cooking demonstration.

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