What You Need to Know from the State Capitol, February 17 – 21

As of Thursday, February 20, we have officially reached the halfway point of the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session. This Session is progressing rapidly, with critical deadlines on the horizon. Your Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) public policy team is hard at work ensuring that the issues impacting our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities are being heard. Below are some of the upcoming important deadlines:

· Monday, February 24: Deadline for requests for appropriation and revenue bills to be drafted.

· Wednesday, February 26: Deadline for original floor action on appropriation and revenue bills originating in the opposite chamber.

· Thursday, February 27: Deadline for reconsideration and passage of appropriation and revenue bills in the opposite chamber.

· Friday, February 28: Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider appropriation and revenue bills in the opposite chamber.

· Tuesday, March 4: Deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the opposite chamber.

· Wednesday, March 12: Deadline for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the opposite chamber.

As Mississippi’s agricultural industry continues to evolve, the role of research, innovation, and education cannot be overstated. Mississippi’s land-grant universities—Mississippi State University (MSU) and Alcorn State University (ASU)—play a pivotal role in the advancement of agricultural science and research. Both institutions are fundamental to supporting and addressing the ongoing challenges Mississippi farmers and ranchers face.

MFBF supports the continued funding of agriculture-related programs at MSU and ASU. The research carried out at these universities tackles real-world issues, from crop and livestock improvement to sustainable farming practices and wildlife management. A healthy agricultural economy depends on these programs’ success.

· Mississippi State University: MFBF supports MSU’s requests for funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi Cooperative Extension, Agriculture & Forestry Experiment Stations, and Forestry & Wildlife Research Centers. We also advocate for funding an additional two veterinary students in the Mac Huddleston Rural Veterinary Scholarship Program. This program awards a scholarship, in exchange for students having a mixed animal practice in a rural area of Mississippi for a minimum of four years upon graduation, which will help alleviate our current shortage of large animal veterinarians in the state.

· Alcorn State University: MFBF is committed to supporting Alcorn State’s appropriation requests for their agriculture science programs, as well as for further development their specialized poultry facility. These investments are crucial for the continued growth and competitiveness of Mississippi’s agricultural sectors.

Several significant agriculture-related bills are making their way through the legislative process. The following bills have recently moved to the opposite chamber’s Agriculture Committee and may have lasting impacts on our industry:

· HB 913: This bill requires accurate labeling of meat and non-meat products by processors, retailers, and food establishments. It is vital for ensuring consumer transparency and promoting food safety standards.

· HB 1006: A measure that prohibits the manufacture and sale of items produced from cultured animal cells. As part of broader efforts to regulate lab-grown food products, this bill aims to protect the integrity of Mississippi’s meat industry.

· HB 1295/SB 2264: These bills revise the definition of agritourism and clarify liability signage requirements for agritourism activities. These updates will provide clarity and greater certainty for farm-based tourism, an important revenue source for many of our members.

· HB 1296/SB 2025: These bills propose changes to the Mississippi Plant and Soil Amendment Law to ensure compliance with the rules of the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO). These changes will promote transparency in agricultural inputs, safeguarding the interests of both producers and consumers.

· SB 2266: This bill calls for the Mississippi Department of Revenue to publish a list of agricultural items eligible for sales tax exemptions or reduced rates. By enhancing transparency around tax exemptions, this bill will help reduce uncertainty for agriculture businesses across the state.

As we move into the second half of the Legislative Session, the next few weeks will be crucial. Appropriation requests will undergo scrutiny, and important bills will face votes and debates that could directly impact Mississippi’s agriculture community. MFBF encourages all members to stay involved and informed as these legislative actions unfold. Your voice matters, and our collective efforts can ensure that Mississippi’s agricultural industry continues to thrive. MFBF’s public policy team is committed to working tirelessly on your behalf during the Legislative Session, advocating for our policies that strengthen our state’s agriculture industry.