Reeves signs Ag Day proclamation

Photo: Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson joined Gov. Tate Reeves as he signed a proclamation declaring March 22, 2022, as Agriculture Working day in the state of Mississippi to coincide with National Ag Day. (Courtesy image)

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined Gov. Tate Reeves as he signed a proclamation declaring March 22, 2022, as Agriculture Working day in the point out of Mississippi.

“I’m honored to be part of Governor Reeves these days as we figure out the contributions of agriculture that offer foodstuff, fuel, fiber and shelter to our communities,” explained Commissioner Gipson. “Agriculture, Mississippi’s major industry, would make an massive effect on our economy and employs nearly a single-fifth of our workforce. In 2021, the farm-gate worth of agricultural commodities generated in Mississippi was $8.3 billion, setting an all-time significant file.”

This designation of March 22 as Agriculture Working day in Mississippi coincides with Countrywide Agriculture Day. Nationwide Ag Working day was started off in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of The usa as an effort to persuade every single American to recognize how food and fiber items are generated, to recognize the position agriculture performs in offering protected, ample and very affordable items, to price the crucial part of agriculture in maintaining a sturdy overall economy, and to accept and think about profession prospects in the agriculture, foodstuff and fiber business. To understand a lot more about Countrywide Agriculture Working day, visit www.agday.org.

“Mississippi is synonymous with agriculture,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Our farmers and ranchers engage in a important purpose in feeding Mississippi people and contributing to our state’s financial achievements. They should have to be identified for their tricky do the job and many contributions to communities across Mississippi. I’m proud to proclaim March 22, as Agriculture Working day in the Condition of Mississippi.”

Also, in conjunction with National Ag Working day, Commissioner Andy Gipson is enthusiastic to announce the Mississippi Section of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is making funds available for colleges and communities to plant gardens.

Developing Lunch, a university yard grant, is a fantastic interactive and academic software for lecturers to integrate agriculture and healthy taking in into their each day classroom. Educational institutions and early childhood discovering centers can use for a grant of up to $500 to invest in supplies essential to establish a faculty backyard or to more improve an existing university garden. All faculties, K-12, and pre-faculties furnishing correct documentation, in the state of Mississippi are qualified to use. 

Let’s Plant, a new community backyard grant system, is built to persuade group involvement and curiosity in developing clean create. Group companies, neighborhood governments and non-gains are qualified to utilize for funds, up to $750, to acquire materials needed to build or increase an existing group backyard garden.

“There is very little pretty like growing and harvesting fresh generate,” explained Commissioner Gipson. “By incorporating college and neighborhood gardens all-around the condition, we hope this will not only carry awareness to the tough perform and dedication of our farmers, but also persuade healthier taking in and interest for the future generation of farmers in our condition.”

Backyard grants for equally courses are on a initial-come, first-provide basis. Only one grant can be awarded for each school or group. Schools that have gained a Growing Lunch grant from MDAC in the past are not suitable to utilize for further resources at this time.

This task is funded via the Specialty Crop Block Grant Software through the United States Division of Agriculture. For a lot more information and facts about the program or to look at the software, visit https://www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/marketplace-enhancement/backyard-grants/ or speak to Susan Lawrence at 601-359-1196 or [email protected].

Information Release