Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce touches the lives of all Mississippians through its many functions. MDAC protects and promotes Mississippi’s largest industry - agriculture - and protects consumers by ensuring fairness and equity in the marketplace.

MDAC has an exciting new job opportunity within our Market Development Division! Learn more and apply now at https://lnkd.in/e3PV4BN9.

October 20-26 is recognized as #NationalForestProductsWeek, and MDAC is proud to celebrate our timber owners, sawmills and logging operations! Forestry is Mississippi's third largest industry, accounting for nearly 68,000 jobs statewide. Last year, Mississippi forestry earned $1.48 billion in value of production.

Last year, 118,000 acres of rice were harvested across the state of Mississippi, earning a whopping $135 million! Mississippi ranks #6 in the U.S. in rice production. Thank a farmer today and find all-new rice recipes to try this month at usarice.com. #NationalRiceMonth

Today, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will begin accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) tomorrow, Thursday, August 1. The application period will close on Thursday, August 15. All Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period. “Wild hogs are a huge threat to our farms and natural resources across the state,” said Commissioner Gipson. “MDAC’s Wild Hog Control Program staff are dedicated to assisting farmers and private land managers in the battle against these destructive animals. The most effective trapping equipment is used in our trap loan program, and the program has resulted in great success.” Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gpH4xGRD

We are currently accepting job applications for a Multimedia Specialist. This position serves as the videographer for the agency. Applications close July 30, 2024. For a complete list of duties or to apply visit: https://lnkd.in/guUmFDNH

Today, Commissioner Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is offering a cost-share program for Mississippi organic producers and handlers receiving certification or continuation of certification by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certifying agent. Funding is available for those that received the certification between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. Individual organic operators are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of their certification costs up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope. The National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program currently recognizes the following certification scopes eligible for reimbursement: crops, wild crops, livestock and handling, such as processing. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gXZc3cKk

The Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recovered a hay baler and hay cutter in Copiah County that was reported stolen in Lincoln County. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gfEXpt_E

Today, Ag Commissioner Gipson and MDAC staff celebrated Mississippi Farmers Market Week with a Senior Day event at the Mississippi Farmers Market!

The Weights and Measures Division inspects and tests scales and measurement equipment used in commerce to ensure compliance with state laws and equity in the marketplace. Division inspectors make routine inspections on all types of commercial weighing devices including railroad scales, vehicle scales, livestock scales, hopper scales, floor scales, bench scales, and those used to weigh precious metals and stones like gold, silver, and diamonds. They even regulate the scales at grocery stores such as the ones at check-outs and in the produce section to ensure you are getting your money's worth!