Genuine MS® and Mississippi Land Bank Partner to Celebrate Mississippi Agritourism Month
Mississippi Land Bank Sponsors Complimentary Genuine MS® Memberships for Agritourism Operations During October
October is Agritourism Month, a time to recognize the farms, families, and agricultural businesses that invite visitors to experience agriculture firsthand. In celebration, Genuine MS® and Mississippi Land Bank have partnered to provide complimentary first-year Genuine MS® memberships to the first 25 eligible agritourism operations that join during October.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting Mississippi agriculture, strengthening rural communities and creating opportunities for agricultural businesses to grow.
Mississippi Land Bank: Investing in Mississippi Agriculture
For more than 100 years, Mississippi Land Bank has supported farmers, landowners, and rural communities throughout north Mississippi. As part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, Mississippi Land Bank is a member-owned financial cooperative specializing in agricultural and rural lending.
From financing farmland and agricultural equipment to supporting agribusiness operations, rural properties, and country homes, Mississippi Land Bank provides financial solutions designed to meet the needs of those who live and work in rural Mississippi.
Its commitment extends beyond lending. By investing in agricultural businesses and supporting initiatives that strengthen rural communities, Mississippi Land Bank helps create opportunities for Mississippi’s agricultural industry to continue growing.
That commitment to agriculture and rural economic development aligns closely with the mission of Genuine MS®.
Genuine MS®: Connecting Consumers with Mississippi Agriculture
Developed by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Genuine MS® is the state’s official branding program, created to identify and promote products grown, raised, crafted, and made in Mississippi.
The program connects consumers with Mississippi farmers, ranchers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers while providing members with opportunities to share their stories, increase visibility, and reach new markets.
Through statewide marketing campaigns, social media promotion, special events and individual business profiles on GenuineMS.com, the program helps showcase the people, products and businesses that make Mississippi agriculture unique.
In addition to promoting Mississippi products, Genuine MS® recognizes businesses and organizations that support the agricultural industry through its Associate Membership program. This includes agritourism operations that provide visitors with authentic agricultural experiences.
Mississippi Agritourism: Connecting People to the Farm
Agriculture is Mississippi’s leading industry, and agritourism provides a unique opportunity for farmers and agricultural businesses to connect directly with the public.
Agritourism combines agriculture and tourism by inviting visitors onto farms and other agricultural properties for educational, recreational, and hands-on experiences.
From pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and Christmas tree farms to U-pick produce operations, farm tours, educational activities, and seasonal festivals, agritourism lets visitors experience agriculture beyond the products they purchase.
These experiences offer more than family entertainment. They help educate consumers about where their food comes from, preserve agricultural traditions, and create additional revenue opportunities for Mississippi farmers and landowners.
Agritourism also benefits surrounding communities by attracting visitors who support local restaurants, retailers, and other businesses. By connecting agriculture with tourism, these operations help strengthen rural economies while introducing new generations to the importance of farming.
Celebrating Agritourism Through Partnership
In recognition of Mississippi Agritourism Month, Mississippi Land Bank is sponsoring the first-year Genuine MS® membership fee for the first 25 eligible agritourism operations that join the program between October 1 and October 31, 2026.
Through this partnership, participating agritourism operations will have the opportunity to become part of the Genuine MS® network and benefit from promotional resources designed to increase awareness of Mississippi agriculture.
By removing the first-year membership cost, Mississippi Land Bank and Genuine MS® hope to encourage more agritourism operations to share their stories, connect with consumers, and showcase the agricultural experiences available throughout the state.
Join Genuine MS® During October
Mississippi agritourism operators are encouraged to take advantage of this limited opportunity to join Genuine MS® at no cost for their first year.
The offer is available to the first 25 eligible agritourism operations that apply and are approved during October 1–31, 2026. Membership is subject to Genuine MS® program guidelines and approval.
To learn more about Genuine MS® and apply for membership, visit GenuineMS.com.
To learn more about Mississippi Land Bank and its commitment to agriculture and rural communities, visit MSLandBank.com.
Together, Genuine MS® and Mississippi Land Bank are celebrating the people, places, and agricultural experiences that make Mississippi unique.