From the Mississippi Department of Agriculture:

Agriculture, the number one industry in Mississippi , brings $6.3 billion to the state and employs, either directly or indirectly, approximately 29% of the state’s workforce. With approximately 42,000 farms statewide covering 11 million acres, agriculture makes significant contributions to all of Mississippi’s 82 counties.

The Market Development Division is dedicated to promoting and heightening the public’s awareness of Mississippi ‘s agriculture commodities and the farmers and ranchers who produce them. This is accomplished through participation in trade shows, conferences and fairs, international trade, presentations to schools and civic organizations, promotion of local farmers markets, contact with other agricultural organizations and commodity groups, and various other communication outlets.

Make Mine Mississippi Program Program Facts

• The Make Mine Mississippi was launched April, 1999.
• As of May, 2007 there are over 965 companies enrolled in the program.
• Any manufacturer, processor, or producer that adds at least 51% of the value of a product in Mississippi is eligible to participate in the program.