Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson issued the following statement.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson is excited to announce that this week marks one year since the official launch of the state branding program, Genuine MS. Genuine MS was developed to identify and promote products proudly created or produced by Mississippi farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers. The purpose of the program is to increase public awareness of Mississippi’s farm, food, crafted, and fabricated products by branding them as Genuine MS. The website, GenuineMS.com, serves as a centralized location featuring members’ products, while connecting consumers across the globe with the people and places that grow, raise, craft and make Genuine MS products.
“This has been a great year for Genuine MS. This program is still in its infancy, and our team is working hard to increase membership and raise brand awareness,” remarked Commissioner Gipson. “I encourage those with products grown, raised, crafted, or made in Mississippi to join so we can promote your products and help tell your story.”
Over the past year, Genuine MS has grown to include members from across the state whose diverse product offerings span from Mississippi farm-raised catfish and produce to skincare products and industrial generators. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has developed several initiatives through the program to promote various agricultural sectors including the Genuine MS Christmas Tree Promotion and the upcoming Genuine MS Agritourism Passport Program, which will launch this fall.
Those wanting to learn more about Genuine MS can listen to the Genuine MS Summer Podcast Series as Commissioner Gipson talks with Genuine MS farmers, ranchers, crafters, and manufacturers as they tell the stories behind their farms, businesses, and the unique products they offer. The podcast can be conveniently accessed on the Genuine MS website (GenuineMS.com/podcast), Soundcloud, Stitcher and iTunes. Episodes are updated weekly throughout the summer.
For more information about Genuine MS products, its members, or becoming a member, visit GenuineMS.com or contact the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Market Development Division at (601) 359-1159 or Info@GenuineMS.com. Follow Genuine MS on Facebook and Instagram at @GenuineMississippi or on Twitter at @GenMississippi for the latest updates.
17 comments:
What was wrong with Make Mine Mississippi?
It is getting close to the election.
Genuine Mississippi. Just like Andy Gipson’s anti-vaxx efforts as a legislator.
Remember Colonel MIM (Made in MS)?
Hey Andy, why don't we have a Farmers Market open during the week? (My kids play baseball on Saturday mornings.)
Ag is our number one product.
I consider myself a consumer of every single type of newspaper, tv channel, website, blog, and old man coffee club, yet I've still never heard of "Genuine Mississippi".
1:24 AM - Never have liked their market. Times are limited and they only carry Mississippi grown products. That's fine as far as it goes; I buy local products whenever I can. HOWEVER, what if I want produce not grown around here? I guess I'm SOL. That reminds me of a situation several years ago where I was on the committee to make arrangements for a national convention on the coast. For some reason, it was customary for the CEO's wife to plan the menu. They were from the Delta and she had catfish on the menu 3 times a day. During a meeting I tried to remind her that to many people up north and out west catfish was a "trash" fish and they did not eat it. Her response? "WE'RE GONNA MAKE 'EM EAT IT".
Mississippi's population is too small and too poor to support our agricultural industries alone. It is ridiculous to waste our own tax money marketing to us to by our own products. The reality is that this state is viewed derisively nationwide.
This marketing campaign will do very little to change the perceptions that this state is a cesspoll of close minded homophobia, sexism, and racial bigotry that Missississipi reinforces with every new gubernatorial election and legislative session.
This is just overpaid politicians spending our money and patting themselves on the back for the win regardless whether or not there is a single positive result.
As one that had to move away to make a living, I try to support the state in any way feasible. The podcast is great and this effort lets me know which products, businesses and services that I can support. Hollywood Feed refurbished a manufacturing facility; therefore, I purchase their products over all others no matter the cost. When my businesses buy holiday gifts, all Mississippi boutique industries. I’m not sure about past initiatives but this one works. Mississippi needs all of our help and supporting our farmers and entrepreneurs - their employees, - is a net gain for all of us. Good work- keep it up- get better.
9:18 - I try to buy Mississippi made products for Christmas gifts to out of state people, too. My favorite is MSU's cheeses. I just placed an order for Edam and cheddar, some of the best cheeses I've ever eaten. Get your orders in soon. They run out of cheeses pretty quickly.
The reality is that this state is viewed derisively nationwide.
This marketing campaign will do very little to change the perceptions that this state is a cesspoll of close minded homophobia, sexism, and racial bigotry that Missississipi reinforces with every new gubernatorial election and legislative session.
Total bullshit.
Why isn't this labeled as a paid political announcement?
1:24, I am not fond of the High St Market for many of the same reasons you mentioned. Please be aware of these alternatives:
Brenda Langham behind the stadium where the REAL farmer's market used to be. Open 8-6 7 days a week
Doris Berry's New Farmer's market on Hwy 80 next to entrance of Pearl High School. Open 8-6 7 days a week.
Another Farmer's market on Old Canton near Fat Tuesday's. Open all day except on Sunday.
So, see, there are alternatives. Choose one or all. I go to all of them.
"Ag is our number one product."
Actually, nope. Government is our number one [intrastate] product.
It isn't exactly ag, but if it makes you feel better, I think bullshit may our number one export. Either that or our best and brightest young people.
Yes, I'm old fashioned and well invested in Ms.Why can't we all agree to support Ms whenever possible. There are many times we as Mississippians could support each other and everybody wins. Agriculture needs Manufacturing, Manufacturing needs Agriculture also. Every segment of Ms depends - or could depend on other Businesses in Ms to grow and expand our niche. Why don't we for once think about this instead of bashing our State every time ??
@8:40, if Mississippi gets it act together, I will support them. Why be an enabler though? Would you offer alcohol to an alcoholic? Why reward a state that is so ass backwards?
Be careful about Brenda Langham's at the old Farmer's Market. Last year, one of her employees got mad at a customer and fired a gun. Turns out, the employee was a felon with a weapon!
Post a Comment