Contact: Paige Manning

JACKSON, Miss. –Today [March 7], Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced a promotional partnership between the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and Mississippi State University (MSU). Commissioner Gipson was joined by Sid Salter, MSU Chief Communications Officer, and Dr. Scott Boone, MSU Director of Petroleum Products.

This partnership is part of a recent initiative to promote universities within the state through MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers. Each sticker representing the divisions within the Bureau of Regulatory Services will feature the school colors of the chosen university for one year. This authorized system in the regulation of various segments of commerce informs the public when inspections were conducted as well as the contact information for MDAC’s Weights and Measures Division, State Metrology Laboratory, Petroleum Products Inspection Division and Consumer Protection Division.

“We’re proud to have Mississippi State University represented on our 2022 Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Our agency has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with MSU over the years. Not only is our Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) housed on MSU’s campus in Starkville, but we also work closely with MSU’s State Chemical Laboratory on petroleum industry matters and MSU Extension Service on a multitude of agricultural projects and events. I want to encourage the public to look for our new maroon and gray colored inspection stickers at various businesses across the state.”

MDAC inspection stickers are awarded to ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace. From produce scales at the grocery store, to gas pumps at service stations and more, MDAC inspectors work hard for the citizens of Mississippi. In 2021 alone, MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services tested 11,431 scales and 56,314 devices found at gas stations, and obtained 1,919 samples for analysis by the State Chemical Lab.

“Mississippi State University greatly values our relationship with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the farmers, ranchers, growers and producers both entities serve in the Mississippi agribusiness community,” said Sid Salter, director of MSU’s Office of Public Affairs. “We appreciate MDAC’s decision to feature MSU’s colors in this innovative manner.”

This collaborative effort between MDAC and institutions of higher education around the state will strengthen the relationship between the agriculture community and universities, promote awareness of Mississippi’s colleges and create opportunities for both the public and students to learn more about their state agency’s regulatory functions.

Visit www.mdac.ms.gov to learn more about the various programs offered by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.