Mississippi Agriculture, Food & Beverage
Growing success in the food industry
Agriculture, food and beverage are long-standing industries in Mississippi, and the state is a top 20 producer for 15 agricultural commodities and rose to the top of U.S. aquaculture in the 2018 census with $230.7 million in sales. Agriculture employs about 17.4% of Mississippians, either directly or indirectly, and the industry had an estimated value of $6.22 billion in 2020.
In addition, the state’s exceptionally fertile soil offers an ideal location to grow crops – and grow your business. Thanks to Mississippi’s exceptional highway system, comprehensive logistics network and low cost of doing business, agricultural companies flourish in the Magnolia State.
Quick Links
HUMIC Growth
Tech and science meets agriculture with HUMIC–an innovative company developing new fertilizers to improve the growth of produce.
Fast Facts
Major Employers
Employers in the food and beverage industry in Mississippi run the gamut from small, hometown operations to regional farms. Learn more about the companies that provide food and drink in Mississippi and beyond.
- Food and crop production
- Food processing & manufacturing
- Research and Science
It takes a sustainable state to feed a nation
Did you know that there are approximately 34,700 farms in Mississippi that cover 10.4 million acres of land? Agriculture is Mississippi’s number one industry, and we know how important it is to protect our resources to make sure we can continue feeding the nation. Companies like SumaGrow and Humic Growth Solutions support our farmers and food producers through sustainability research and enhancements. From dedicated farmers to researchers, there’s no doubt that Mississippi is the perfect environment for growth.
Household brand names
Head to your kitchen and we guarantee you’ll find some made-in-Mississippi products on your shelves. Borden dairy, Tyson chicken, Pirouline cookies, Calbee snacks and Ben’s Original rice all come from the Magnolia State. Our food processing and manufacturing facilities employ over 30,000 Mississippians across more than 250 food processing facilities.
Nutrition down to a science
Food processors and manufacturers in Mississippi benefit from the state’s extensive research in agricultural sciences. Mississippi State University conducts food safety tests and hosts the Center for Food Safety and Post-Harvest Technology, a USDA-ARS sponsored research program.
Contact
Ready to see where Mighty Mississippi can take you? Contact the Mississippi Development Authority to learn more.
Workforce
With two universities offering robust agricultural programs (Mississippi State University and Alcorn State University), Mississippi talent keeps on flowing just like the river. About 17.4% of the state’s workforce is in the agricultural industry.
Major Employers
From agriculture to life sciences, companies excel in Mississippi across multiple industries. No matter your craft, you’ll find success here.
Featured Media
Huber Engineered Woods locating manufacturing operations in Shuqualak
Huber Engineered Woods to create 158 jobs in Noxubee County Project is a corporate investment of nearly $418 million Jackson, […]
ArbaBlox locating pallet blocks manufacturing operations in Winona
ArbaBlox to create 41 jobs in Winona Project is a corporate investment of nearly $51.34 million Jackson, Miss. (September 21, […]
Tyson Foods announces $61 Million investment to meet consumer demand for Tyson® chicken brand
Jackson, Mississippi – October 6, 2021 – Tyson Foods is investing $61 million in its Vicksburg poultry plant as part […]
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