Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance Conference Celebrates Partnership in Agricultural Advancement

Shannon, Mississippi - April 20, 2024

In a vibrant display of unity and collaboration, the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA) hosted the Saving Rural America Small Farmers Conference under the theme "Celebrating PARTNERSHIPS" at the North Mississippi Agri-Business Center. Directed by Mrs. Carolyn Jones, the event drew over 300 members of the Mississippi agricultural community and other Community Based Organizations (CBOs).

(L-R) USDA NRCS Chief Dr. Terry Cosby, Mentorscope CEO Anita Milson and Mississippi FSA Executive Director Thaddeus Fairley

As attendees gathered, Mrs. Jones extended a warm welcome, setting the tone for a day of engaging discussions and enlightening presentations. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Anita Milson, CEO, Mentorscope Community Outreach, remarked, "The MMFA Conference serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration and empowering farmers to overcome challenges collectively."

Throughout the day, a lineup of esteemed speakers shared their expertise and insights, addressing key issues facing small farmers. Dr. Desmond Moore, the visionary behind Moore Ag Agricultural Solutions, Mr. Gerald Jones, Director of County Operations at Alcorn State University Extension Program, and Mr. Darrell Tennie, CEO of The Tennie Group, were among the distinguished presenters who captivated the audience with their innovative approaches to agricultural development.

Governmental agencies also played a pivotal role in the conference, with representatives from USDA Rural Development (RD), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) delivering insightful presentations. Dr. Ronald Howell, Jr., State Executive Director of USDA FSA in Virginia, emphasized the importance of advancing equity within agricultural programs, highlighting the need for inclusive policies.

Dr. Cindy Ayers-Elliott, USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Ambassador, delivered a compelling message urging farmers to leverage RMA programs, particularly crop insurance, as a means of mitigating risks and safeguarding their livelihoods. Her call to action reverberated through the audience, emphasizing the critical role of risk management in sustaining agricultural operations.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by ​USDA NRCS Chief ​Dr. Terry Cosby, who traveled from Washington, DC, to engage with Mississippi's agricultural community. As a farmer himself, Cosby shared candid insights into the challenges faced by socially disadvantaged farmers and outlined NRCS programs aimed at promoting equity and sustainability.

Ms. Vivian Dickson, Director of USDA NRCS Equity Division, delivered a powerful presentation on equity within the NRCS, underscoring Chief Cosby's commitment to ensuring equitable access to resources for all producers. With a 3,000 field-office network, NRCS is at the forefront of implementing initiatives to address climate change, support urban agriculture, and foster diverse and well-trained workforce.

As the conference concluded, Chief Cosby's message resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and determination within Mississippi's agricultural community. With partnerships forged and knowledge shared, the MMFA Conference reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for positive change in rural America.

For more information about the Mississippi Farmers Alliance, visit www.msminorityfarmersalliance.com.