MDAC certifies farmers markets in 27 counties
JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has certified 34 farmers markets as part of the Mississippi Certified Farmers Market Program. The program serves as a marketing initiative designed to identify and promote markets where producers of Mississippi grown produce and other agricultural products gather to sell their goods directly to consumers.
“Consumers are now more than ever seeking out local products,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “They want to buy locally. They want to buy where they live. They want to know their farmers and where their food is coming from.”
In order to be recognized by the Mississippi Farmers Market Certification Program, local farmers markets must be identified and approved as locations where Mississippi farmers are gathered to sell their Mississippi products. As the demand for seasonal, locally grown produce has increased, so has the number of farmers markets across the state.
By shopping at one of the state’s certified markets, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing both fresh and nourishing food. To find a certified farmers market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com or download the Mississippi Farmers Market mobile app.
Health Dept. hosts one-stop shop for back-to-school forms
JACKSON – In order to accommodate busy parents gearing up for the new school year, the Mississippi State Department of Health will host a one-stop shop for required school entry/registration forms.
This special weeklong event will allow parents to get a copy of their child’s Form 121 if the child is up-to-date on vaccination requirements as well as their birth certificate at the same time and same place.
The event will be held 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 29 – Friday, Aug. 2, at MSDH Office of Vital Records, 222 Marketridge Dr., Ridgeland.
During this event, the child’s Form 121 will be available for free if the child is up-to-date on vaccination requirements. Birth certificates will be available the same day for $17; each additional certified copy is $6.
Gipson reminds farmers to sign up for market facilitation program
JACKSON — Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson reminds farmers that they can sign up for USDA’s Market Facilitation Program beginning on Monday, July 29, through Dec. 6, at local USDA-FSA offices. The Market Facilitation Program provides aid to assist farmers and ranchers directly impacted by trade disruptions prompted by foreign retaliatory tariffs.
“While the federal administration is dealing with retaliatory trade tariffs, I applaud USDA’s action to help our hardworking farmers, who are working through these challenges. I appreciate the work of President Trump and his administration, including Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, to provide this much needed assistance to our farmers,” said Gipson. “I encourage our producers to take the time to visit their local USDA-FSA offices to find out more about this opportunity and to sign up starting Monday.”
For more information about the Market Facilitation program, visit www.farmers.gov/mfp. County payment rates can be found by visiting www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/market-facilitation-program/index.
