Mississippi Department of Agriculture and CommerceThe mission of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is to regulate and promote agricultural-related businesses within the state and to promote Mississippi’s products throughout both the state and the rest of the world for the benefit of all Mississippi citizens.
On March 6, 2023, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined Governor Tate Reeves in signing Senate Bill 2137 into law designating April as Mississippi Native Plant Month in order to preserve the heritage and importance of native plants for clean air, water and soil stability, and for related purposes. In addition, the bill [...]
Mississippi Local Food Purchase Assistance Program
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce was awarded a cooperative agreement from USDA for the Mississippi Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA). The program has two purposes: To increase the distribution of locally-produced food to underserved communities by utilizing the distribution network of Mississippi’s Feeding America Affiliated Food Banks; and To increase economic opportunities [...]
USDA’s Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) provides matching funds on a competitive basis to State Departments of Agriculture, State Colleges and Universities, and other appropriate State agencies to assist in exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the [...]
If you have questions regarding the garden grant programs, please contact Susan Lawrence, 601-213-7542 or Susan@mdac.ms.gov . School Garden Grant: Growing Lunch is a school garden grant program administered through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce with the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Eligible schools can receive a grant up to $500 to [...]
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce offers the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program for Mississippi organic producers and handlers receiving certification or continuation of certification by a USDA accredited certifying agent. Funding for the program will be through fiscal year 2024. Individual organic operators are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of their 2024 [...]
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits are voluntary independent audits of produce suppliers throughout the production and supply chain. GAP/GHP audits focus on best agricultural practices to verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. [...]
Eligible applicants interested in requesting funds through the SCBGP must submit a completed application to MDAC during the time that applications are being accepted. Application guidelines are included in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The FY2024 Request for Proposals (PDF) is available to use as a reference. To assist with the application process, the FY2024 [...]
Where can I find more information on USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program? You can find more information by visiting USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program website at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. Am I allowed to submit more than one application? Applicants may submit more than one proposal. If more than one proposal is submitted, please prioritize the [...]
MDAC has provided funding to various types of projects in the past, and the Agency is always looking for new and innovative projects that will positively impact Mississippi 's specialty crop industry. Below is a sampling of projects previously funded through the SCBGP. Organization Project Description Alcorn State University Conducting assessment of market potential for [...]
