Commissioner Andy Gipson’s recent article on the urgent need to preserve Mississippi’s farmland arrives at a crucial moment for our state. As Mississippi faces significant changes in agricultural land policy, it is vital for residents and policymakers alike to consider both the immediate and long-term effects of legislative decisions. The preservation of farmland is not only a matter of economic stability but also of cultural heritage and community wellbeing.
In 2024, the Mississippi legislature repealed and replaced a 132-year-old law that prohibited nonresident alien ownership of agricultural and timber land, doing so without substantial public input or debate. This new statute—sometimes referred to by timberland owners as “Mississippi’s Open Borders Land Law”—has raised concerns among many in the agricultural community. According to the Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi’s timber industry accounts for approximately 65% of the state’s agricultural land use, representing over 19 million acres and supporting more than 62,000 jobs. The influx of nonresident investors, enabled by the new law, has introduced heightened competition for land and timber sales, while also creating disparities in tax benefits available to foreign entities. Many timberland owners report that these changes have intensified economic pressures, especially as they navigate fluctuating timber markets and new regulatory constraints from international agreements.
Advice 1: Recognize Timberland Owners as Integral Members of the Farming Community
It is essential for policymakers and advocates to acknowledge that timberland owners are, in fact, farmers. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies cropland, pastureland, and timberland collectively as agricultural land. In Mississippi, estimates suggest there are at least five times as many tree farmers and timberland owners as there are row crop and cattle farmers combined, reflecting a significant segment of the state’s agricultural base. Like other farmers, timberland owners are deeply committed to stewarding their land and passing on their values to future generations. By engaging and empowering this group—through organizations such as the Mississippi Timber Growers, which has served as a statewide voice for timberland issues since its founding four years ago—Commissioner Gipson can further amplify advocacy efforts and unite the broader farming community.
Advice 2: Reexamine the New Land Ownership Law with Community Input
Many timberland owners and community members express strong reservations about the new law’s implications. Reports indicate that foreign investors are now eligible for tax incentives not previously debated by the legislature, which has led to frustration among local landowners who must compete under less favorable conditions. Additionally, some timberland owners face challenges related to oversupply in declining markets and regulatory requirements influenced by entities outside Mississippi. While a portion of row crop and cattle farmers may see benefits in the new law as an opportunity to sell land, the prevailing sentiment among timberland owners is one of concern and opposition. Conversations with community members reveal widespread uncertainty and a desire for lawmakers to revisit or amend the statute in a transparent, participatory manner.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for Farmland Preservation
Commissioner Gipson’s leadership and advocacy are valued by Mississippi’s agricultural community. By incorporating the perspectives of timberland owners and championing a thorough review of recent legislative changes, he can help ensure that farmland preservation efforts are both effective and inclusive. These steps are crucial for sustaining Mississippi’s agricultural heritage and securing a prosperous future for all who depend on the land.
Bubba Pettit has been land attorney and timber owner in Kosciusko for many decades.
