Commissioner Andy Gipson Announces MDAC is Now Accepting Applications for 2022 Mississippi Agriculture Youth

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council.

The goal of this Council, comprised of youth leaders from around the state, is to provide students interested in the agriculture industry an experience that cultivates leadership and career development while developing the potential workforce for Mississippi. Any public, private or homeschool students can apply to become a member of the Agriculture Youth Council, and final applicants will be chosen by representatives at MDAC.

“This will be our second year to continue the all-new Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This past year was a huge success. We had 12 students who were given the opportunity to hear from several leaders around the state and tour a variety of businesses and ag-related venues, including our own Mississippi State Fairgrounds, where over 100 diverse events are held annually. I got to watch these youth develop leadership, advocacy and career skills through industry exposure and experiential learning. So, I want to invite any youth leaders who are interested in the agriculture industry to apply. As before, we will choose 12-15 students as members to serve on the Council for one year.”

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 12^th grade student during the 2022-2023 school year.  Current 11^th graders in the 2021-2022 school year may apply to serve during the upcoming school year.
• Any public, private or homeschool students may apply.
• Students must exhibit an interest, passion and/or experiences in agriculture.

Applications can be found online at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/YouthCouncil/. All applications are due by Friday, April 1, 2022. Semifinalists will be notified by April 15, 2022. Final interviews will be held virtually, and 12-15 youth leaders will be announced by Friday, May 13, 2022.

For more information about the Mississippi Agriculture Youth Council, visit www.mdac.ms.gov or contact Gayle Crowder Clark at [email protected] or Emily Stovall at [email protected].