Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, along with the Future of Agriculture Resiliency for Mississippi (F.A.R.M.) Council, is organizing a series of meetings across the state to gather input from farmers and the agriculture industry. These sessions aim to address key issues affecting agriculture in Mississippi and will contribute to the development of the F.A.R.M. Strategic Plan.
The meetings are scheduled in various counties: Hinds, Forrest, Lee, Lincoln, and Washington. Commissioner Gipson will moderate each session. The plan’s goal is to ensure that Mississippi agriculture remains robust and resilient.
“The F.A.R.M. Strategic Plan is about more than policy — it’s about keeping Mississippi agriculture strong and thriving for generations to come,” said Commissioner Andy Gipson. “By working together, we can ensure our farmers have the tools and resources they need to remain resilient in the face of challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Meetings will take place at these locations:
– December 11, 2025: Capps Center at Delta Research & Extension Center in Stoneville
– January 21, 2026: Pearl River Community College (Forrest Campus) – Woodall Center in Hattiesburg
– February 4, 2026: North MS Research & Ext. Center – Auditorium in Verona
– February 26, 2026: Brookhaven (FEMA) Building in Brookhaven
– March 6, 2026: Mississippi Trade Mart – Atrium in Jackson
The sessions are open to farmers; industry stakeholders; policymakers; research, outreach and education representatives; and community members who wish to provide their insights. Interested participants can register online at https://www.mdac.ms.gov/programs/FARM/.
After these regional meetings conclude, the F.A.R.M. Council will draft a plan of action with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Mississippi’s agriculture sector. The final Strategic Plan is anticipated to be presented to both the Mississippi Legislature and Congressional delegation by late 2026.
Information from this article can be found here.
