In recognition of National Ag Day, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will host a press conference and blueberry orchard planting on the north side of the Mississippi State Capitol grounds in downtown Jackson tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Ag Day festivities will include the planting of blueberry bushes, Mississippi’s official state fruit. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson will be joined by State Representative Jill Ford, sponsor of legislation designating the blueberry as Mississippi’s state fruit, and blueberry growers from around the state. In addition, Mannsdale Elementary School Teacher Lisa Parenteau and several students who led the charge to have the blueberry designated as the state’s official fruit will be in attendance. In accordance with § 3-3-71, the blueberry became the official Mississippi state fruit in 2023.
National Ag Day was established in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of America as an effort to encourage every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry. To learn more about National Agriculture Day, visit www.agday.org.
The press conference will take place on the north side of the Mississippi State Capitol grounds on the green space between the Walter Sillers and Mississippi Supreme Court buildings, near George Street. See map attached for reference. Commissioner Andy Gipson and others will be available for interviews following the press conference.