BRANDON, Miss. (WJTV) – Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson (R-Miss.) announced an economic development project – the Genuine Mississippi Agricultural Market Complex.

The complex, which includes the first of its kind food supply, storage and distribution hub, will be located in Brandon.

“It has been said that ‘Food security is national security.’ Today, we are excited to announce the first step in our Mississippi Strategic Agriculture Facilities Expansion (S.A.F.E.) Plan to create long-term food supply, storage and distribution resiliency for all the people of Mississippi. As I outlined at the 2023 Neshoba County Fair, I am convinced that rebuilding Mississippi’s local food supply, storage and distribution is the critical issue we must tackle as we move Mississippi into the future,” said Gipson.

The new type of Farmers Market will feature not only fresh local products such as poultry, beef, pork, blueberries, sweet potatoes, watermelons, peas and beans, tomatoes, muscadines, rice, peanuts, pecans, dairy, catfish and much more – but also frozen and dried products that can be stored and distributed and sold to consumers throughout the year. 

The complex will also provide real world Training and Workforce Development opportunities for Mississippi’s 4-H and FFA youth interested in exploring available agricultural and commerce career paths.

The Genuine Mississippi Market Complex will be located on approximately 153 undeveloped acres on Mississippi Highway 18 near the front door of future economic development for Rankin County. 

Gipson said a groundbreaking is currently planned for March 2024.