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Commissioner outlines 'Genuine Mississippi' seasonal market to start at Rankin County Co‑op
Summary
A commissioner presented plans for a seasonal 'Genuine Mississippi' farmers market to launch in May at the Rankin County Co‑op and described a long-term market complex (125 acres) with USDA support, vendor enrollment in the Genuine Mississippi program and coordination with Brandon Main Street Association.
A commissioner (speaker 3) updated the board on plans to pilot a seasonal 'Genuine Mississippi' farmers market at the Rankin County Co‑op this summer and described a longer-term vision for a 125‑acre market complex.
The seasonal market is intended as a pop-up on Fridays and Saturdays to test consumer demand and build vendor participation; the long-term concept includes packing, processing and distribution facilities and retail shops adjacent to market days. The commissioner said the Rankin County Co-op has agreed in principle to provide frontage space for the first 20 acres and that USDA local staff are supportive. Participation would require vendors to enroll in the Genuine Mississippi program, ensuring products are grown, raised or crafted in Mississippi.
Board members asked whether the seasonal location would conflict with local ordinances (staff said the temporary market fits existing rules), asked about pedestrian safety and parking, and emphasized coordinating promotion with Brandon Main Street Association. The commissioner said the seasonal market is a low-impact test to build consumer habits and vendor base before permanent development.
No formal action was requested; staff will continue coordination and return with updates.
