Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson addressed state economic leaders at the 2025 Mississippi Hobnob, organized by the Mississippi Economic Council. Gipson discussed challenges facing American and Mississippi farmers, introduced a new trade agreement with China, and proposed an economic plan to enhance Mississippi’s agriculture and commerce.
“A year ago, I stood here and shared with you that America was heading into a Farm Crisis,” Gipson said. “Today, everyone agrees, the Farm Crisis is here. Our farmers need our support now more than ever.” He highlighted ongoing global trade issues with China since 2012 and their impact on soybean producers due to increased Brazilian production.
Gipson announced a recent agricultural trade deal made by President Trump after discussions with China’s President Xi. The agreement includes China’s commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans this season and at least 25 million tons annually for the next three years. Gipson expressed optimism about federal support under President Trump’s administration, stating, “The main difference we see from a year ago is that today we have President Donald J. Trump in the White House, negotiating better deals for our farmers.”
He also emphasized efforts by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) through its Future Agriculture Resiliency for Mississippi (F.A.R.M.) Plan in collaboration with private-sector leaders. Statewide meetings are planned from December through March 2026 to develop strategies for agricultural resilience in Mississippi. These meetings are open to the public, with registration available at https://www.mdac.ms.gov/programs/FARM/.
Gipson believes local food production is crucial for improving health in Mississippi, aligning with the Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again goals. He encouraged public engagement through MDAC’s health initiative website www.makemshealthyagain.com.
He further mentioned projections that within two decades, the Southeast U.S., particularly Mississippi, will become a key food production center due to shifting water resources. “Food security is national security,” he noted.
To protect farmland amid economic development, Gipson stressed balanced land use planning to safeguard farmers’ rights while promoting growth. His proposed ag-based economic plan aims to boost domestic food production in Mississippi by adopting value-added agriculture approaches and establishing local food hubs.
Expanding the Genuine MS Program into major retail markets is also part of his strategy to enhance Mississippi’s agriculture-based GDP. “Agriculture and related processing is our state’s largest industry,” concluded Gipson. “I am ready to lead this effort… By sowing the good seeds of opportunities today we can work toward a brighter harvest for Mississippi’s future.”
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