It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature to encourage the conservation, protection and responsible utilization of lands that are managed for purposes of agricultural production. It is recognized that such lands are finite, fragile and valuable resources that contribute economically and socially to the well-being of the State of Mississippi. It is also […]
An agricultural district may be comprised of ownerships residing in more than one (1) soil and water conservation district as long as the conditions of a contiguous boundary are satisfied. In such case, each soil and water conservation district shall have the responsibility to meet the requirements of this chapter within the county of its […]
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: “Agricultural production” means those operations including associated land and facility management activities engaged in the commercial propagation, raising, harvesting and/or processing of any plant or animal or products thereof for the purposes of consumption, utilization, goods or services either on-site or for distribution. “Farmland” […]
To qualify for designation as an agricultural district, a district shall initially contain at least fifty (50) contiguous acres and may include any number of individual property ownerships; however, no single ownership shall contain less than fifteen (15) acres. Agricultural districts shall include only ownerships engaged in agricultural production. Before designation of an agricultural district, […]
Upon review of a petition, the local soil and water conservation district commissioners may approve designation of an agricultural district. A designated agricultural district shall be established for a period of five (5) years and reviewed for redesignation every five (5) years thereafter. However, the soil and water conservation district may review the status of […]
Upon establishment of an agricultural district, the following procedures, limitations and responsibilities shall apply: Any ownership within an agricultural district that has received a notice of condemnation proceedings against its property may request the local soil and water conservation district to conduct a public hearing to review the project’s impact on that property. Such public […]