Nick Hall

The Future of Agriculture Resiliency for Mississippi (F.A.R.M.) Strategic Plan is being developed by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to secure the future of farming in the state. The plan focuses on locally driven policies and actions to support producers, strengthen markets, protect resources, and improve the quality of life in rural communities. It involves a F.A.R.M. Council and stakeholder meetings in late 2025 and early 2026 to gather input and develop policy recommendations. The finalized plan, expected to be presented by the fourth quarter of 2026, aims to ensure Mississippi agriculture remains strong, resilient, and thriving for generations.

The meeting of the Mississippi study committee on foreign purchase of farmland included discussions on Arkansas Act Number 636 and insights from Representative Becky Curry regarding the bill's intent. The committee addressed concerns about foreign adversaries acquiring land, the enforcement of existing laws, and the balance between private property rights and national security. They also explored the possibility of limiting land sales to countries listed as threats by the United States Secretary of State.

The meeting involves a comprehensive study of the potential for hemp cultivation in Mississippi. The task force will examine approaches taken by other states in monitoring and regulating hemp, as well as the economic costs and benefits of hemp cultivation, market potential, and potential job creation. The discussion also includes the difference between hemp and marijuana, focusing on the THC content, and the challenges and opportunities related to hemp cultivation, including market saturation, processing, and the lack of quality control measures for CBD oil products. The task force also discusses the regulatory risks and challenges of hemp cultivation, including the potential for it to be used as camouflage for marijuana cultivation.

The task force meeting included discussions on a draft report compiled with information on hemp cultivation. The report covers the background of the 2014 and 2018 farm bills, the current status of hemp under Mississippi law, and the summary of federal law changes. It also addresses proposed federal rules by the USDA for state plans regarding domestic production. The report presents both the potential benefits and significant risks associated with hemp cultivation in Mississippi, including commercial production and healing processes, as well as concerns related to oversupply, infrastructure, supply chain issues, and law enforcement.

The meeting of the Study Committee on Foreign Purchase of Farmland in Mississippi included a presentation from a guest speaker from the National Agricultural Law Center on the subject of foreign ownership of farmland. The committee discussed submitting recommendations to the legislature by December 1st. The public was reminded of the website and email address established for the study committee to watch the activity and email comments.