Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson is encouraging those involved in Mississippi’s agriculture sector to register for the Future of Agriculture Resiliency for Mississippi (F.A.R.M.) meetings. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the Capps Center in Stoneville. These meetings are integral to developing the F.A.R.M. Strategic Plan, which aims to provide policy recommendations to bolster Mississippi’s agriculture industry.
“Mississippi farmers are at a pivotal moment, with many facing uncertainty about the future of their operations,” said Commissioner Gipson. He emphasized the importance of agriculture as Mississippi’s largest industry and highlighted the need to support those who sustain it. “They are the backbone of our communities, our state and our nation, because they provide the food, fiber and shelter needed by all,” he added.
The F.A.R.M. Strategic Plan is being developed with input from an Advisory Council that includes both private and public sector representatives, as well as feedback from farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry. The meetings will be moderated by Commissioner Gipson and will allow participants to discuss challenges, issues for consideration in the strategic plan, policy suggestions, and other relevant information.
Those unable to attend can submit comments online through www.mdac.ms.gov/FARM. The finalized strategic plan is expected to be presented to both the Mississippi Legislature and Congressional delegation by late 2026.
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will conduct five regional meetings across the state:
– December 11, 2025 – Stoneville
– January 21, 2026 – Hattiesburg
– February 4, 2026 – Verona
– February 26, 2026 – Brookhaven
– March 6, 2026 – Jackson
Further details on registration can be found on their website.
Information from this article can be found here.
