JACKSON – Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson gave the following statement regarding the economic state of agriculture.
"As outlined in my remarks at the Mississippi Economic Council’s annual Hobnob meeting in October, farmers across the state, the Southeast and throughout the nation are facing a level of economic hardship that has not been seen in decades," said Gipson.
"Record inflation, high input costs, high interest rates, an agricultural trade deficit and continuing low prices for most agricultural commodities will result in many farms being forced out of business or making the decision not to farm in 2025 if federal action is not soon taken by Congress," said Gipson.
"In addition to economic losses, many farmers and ranchers across the Southeast have experienced catastrophic losses due to natural disasters such as hurricanes and drought this year alone," said Gipson.
"I am calling on Congress to take swift action to pass a Farm Bill extension and provide emergency relief for our farmers now," said Gipson."Time is of the essence.
"Many farmers cannot continue much longer without this urgently necessary relief," he added. "I’m grateful for the work of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Roger Wicker, Representative Trent Kelly and all the members of Mississippi’s Congressional delegation for their dedication to our state and Mississippi’s number one industry, agriculture.
"Our farmers need Congressional action now more than ever, and I encourage our delegation’s colleagues in Congress to follow their leadership and act before the end of the year to provide certainty for Mississippi farmers and for American agriculture," said Gipson.
