MDAC DIVISION SPOTLIGHT

Mississippi Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Program Coordinator: Purvie Green

Pictured: A Senior FMNP recipient receives her benefit card at the Mississippi Farmers Market in Jackson.

MDAC STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Pictured: Gene Robertson Deputy Director of the Bureau of Regulatory Services.

Gene Robertson, Deputy Director of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s (MDAC) Bureau of Regulatory Services, was named Chairman of the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Board of Directors at this year’s annual meeting, held in Norfolk, Virginia.

The National Conference on Weights and Measures is a professional non-profit association of state and local weights and measures officials, federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. NCWM has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905, and the organization works to keep pace with innovative advancements in the marketplace.

“If I were to give my year a theme it would be for the NCWM to stay relevant. The marketplace is changing faster than it did 10 years ago and only accelerating. The conference must make the proper adjustments to keep pace. Equity in the marketplace depends on state and local jurisdictions doing their jobs; and they depend on this conference to give them the tools to do that work,” said Robertson in his acceptance speech.

As Deputy Director of MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services, which certifies and approves all weighing and measuring devices used in commerce throughout the state, Gene Robertson assists with day-to-day operations. Robertson has been with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce since 1993, and currently resides in Madison with his wife, Cyndie.

Pictured: James Smith Director of the Mississippi State Seed Laboratory in the Seed Lab on Mississippi State University's Starkville Campus.

James Smith, Director of the Mississippi State Seed Laboratory under the Bureau of Plant Industry, was recently elected as First Vice-President of the Association of American Seed Control Officials (AASCO) and is currently serving as Vice-President of the Association of Officials Seed Control Analysts (AOSA).  

AASCO is made up of seed regulatory officials from the United States and Canada who meet to develop a Recommended Uniform State Seed Law to ensure a modern and efficient law for states and federal programs. AOSA is responsible for developing rules and procedures for seed testing and the standardization of their interpretation.  

Mississippi is provided first-hand knowledge and access to developing policy and procedures, research, and developing technologies with James' board membership in multi-national associations. James has always been passionate about agriculture and has worked in the seed industry for over 36 years. James is a Mississippi State graduate and was born and raised in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

The State Seed Testing Laboratory provides regulatory and service seed testing to the seed industry and farmers of the State of Mississippi. The Bureau of Plant Industry inspects and collects samples of seed offered for sale to determine truth-in-labeling. Seed companies and farmers may submit seed samples for testing to obtain quality and purity levels of seed.

Pictured: (L to R) Theresa Love Director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, Andy Gipson Commissioner and Hayes Patrick Deputy Commissioner.

Theresa Love was named the Director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. She previously served as Acting Director and Deputy Director.

Hayes Patrick will transition from Director of Administration to Deputy Commissioner for the Missississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce September 1, 2023.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Commissioner Gipson welcomed Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States

Commissioner Andy Gipson welcomed Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States Anat Sultan-Dadon to the State of Mississippi to discuss trade and other partnership opportunities.

The Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council Holds First Meeting of Term

The Mississippi Agriculture Council had its first meeting August 31. Council members toured the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

This Council was created in 2021 by Commissioner Andy Gipson to provide future leaders of the agriculture industry an experience that cultivates leadership and career development and broadens horizons while developing the potential workforce for Mississippi. Council members have the opportunity to visit Mississippi agricultural companies and organizations, learn about the legislative process and how it affects the agriculture industry, shadow industry professionals and hone professional skills. Members serve a one-year term on the council.

Foreign Purchase of Farmland Study Committee Holds First Meeting

The Study Committee on Foreign Purchase of Farmland in Mississippi held its first meeting at the State Capitol on August 24. The Mississippi Legislature created this Study Committee through House Bill 280, 2023 Legislative Session, for the purpose of studying the purchasing, acquiring, leasing or holding an interest in agricultural land by foreign governments.

“Food security is national security. America is strong because of our food, fiber, and shelter production capabilities, and we must protect our farmland against adversarial foreign interest,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “We have found that some 757,000 acres, over two percent of Mississippi’s agricultural land is controlled by foreign interests. As the Study Committee further explores the issue of foreign purchases of farmland, we will consider a number of factors including national security, food security, landowners’ property rights and international trade. The Study Committee looks forward to submitting a report of findings to the Legislature by December 1.”

The Study Committee is composed of the following nine members: Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson; Whitney Lipscomb, Designee of the Attorney General; Representative Angela

Cockerham, Chairman of House Judiciary A Committee; Senator Brice Wiggins, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary A Committee; Bill Pigott, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee; Senator Chuck Younger, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee; David Bradley Hall, Appointee of the Governor; Meredith Allen, Appointee of the Lieutenant Governor; and Ted Kendall, IV, Appointee of the Speaker of the House.

At its first meeting, the Study Committee elected Commissioner Andy Gipson as Chairman, Representative Bill Pigott as Vice Chairman and Representative Angela Cockerham as Secretary. The Study Committee also approved its procedures and future meeting dates with further details to be

announced later.

Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/farmland for more information about the Study Committee including meeting proceedings and USDA foreign ownership information. Public comments are welcome via email and can be submitted at farmland@mdac.ms.gov through November 9, 2023.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mississippi Farmers Market to Host Great Mississippi Peanut Boil

Kick off the start of the fall season with the Mississippi Farmers Market at the Great Mississippi Peanut Boil Saturday, September 30, 8am - 1pm!

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a bag of boiled peanuts, roasted peanuts from the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association, buy peanut-themed treats and shop the market.



*Boiled peanuts are complimentary, limited to one bag per customer, and will be given out as supplies last*

164th Mississippi State Fair to Take Place

October 5-15

The Mississippi State Fair, scheduled for October 5-15, 2023. This event is an 11-day extravaganza filled

with family-friendly entertainment, livestock

exhibitions, and not to mention, thrilling rides, unique foods, and fun games for all ages.

Throughout the 2023 Mississippi State Fair, both attendees and participants can enjoy a variety of

attractions, including diverse livestock showcases, captivating musical performances in the Coliseum, the all-new Taste of Dixie National Rodeo, the

Mississippi State Fair Idol contest, the Zerbini Family Circus, the Tri-State Rodeo, and countless other

exciting offerings.

For the 2023 Fun Guide and more information, go to the newly redesigned State Fair website!

Ag Museum's Interactive 'Uncle Story' Continues

to Make Monthly Appearance

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will feature their loveable puppet, Uncle Story, followed by a hands-on crafting time. 

Check it out on Tuesday, September 12!

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.