Genuine MS applicants must meet or exceed all membership criteria within one of the following membership classifications. Applicants may qualify for multiple classifications depending on the nature of the products
1. Genuine MS Grown A. Genuine MS Grown products may include, but are not limited to: (1) Grains, Grasses, Fiber B. Only products grown in Mississippi may qualify for Genuine MS Grown and display the Genuine MS Grown logo. C. Members and their products must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. D. Processed products must be processed in a Mississippi facility, unless granted written permission by the Genuine MS program manager. E. Genuine MS Grown members must have at least one (1) business office or farming operation in Mississippi. 2. Genuine MS Raised A. Genuine MS Raised products may include, but are not limited to: (1) Meat Products (Beef, Pork, Poultry, Specialty) (7) Livestock and Poultry B. Only products raised in Mississippi may qualify for Genuine MS Raised and display the Genuine MS Raised logo. C. Members and their products must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. D. Processed products must be processed in a Mississippi facility, unless granted written permission by the Genuine MS program manager. E. :Seafood must be wild-caught from the Gulf of Mexico and come through a MS port/dock. F. :Genuine MS Raised members must have at least one (1) business office or farming operation in Mississippi. 3. Genuine MS Crafted A. Genuine MS Crafted products may include, but are not limited to: (1) Specialty Foods and Beverages (3) Pet Food and Pet Items B. Only products crafted by Mississippi companies using agricultural components and/or natural resources may qualify for Genuine MS Crafted and display the Genuine MS Crafted logo. C. Members and their products must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. D. Processed products must be processed in a Mississippi facility, unless granted written permission by the Genuine MS program manager. E. :Genuine MS Crafted members must have at least one (1) business office or farming operation in Mississippi. 4. Genuine MS Made A. Genuine MS Made products include goods manufactured for the benefit of the agriculture industry. B. Only products in which 51 percent or more is manufactured in Mississippi may qualify for Genuine MS Made and display the Genuine MS Made logo. C. Members and their products must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. D. Final products must be manufactured at a Mississippi-based facility. E. Genuine MS Made members must have at least one (1) manufacturing facility in Mississippi. 5. Associate Membership A. Eligible businesses or organizations that support the Genuine MS program may qualify as an Associate Member. This classification includes, but is not limited to: (1) Associations and institutions (5) Agritourism Operations. B. In order for a restaurant to be eligible as an Associate Member, the restaurant must use Mississippi-sourced ingredients. C. In order for a retailer to be eligible as an Associate Member, the retailer must sell Genuine MS products. D. In order for a farmers market to be eligible as an Associate Member, the farmers market must consist of Mississippi farmers selling Mississippi agricultural products. E. Associate Membership in the Genuine MS program will be declined if the organization specifically attempts to disparage the mission and goals of the Genuine MS program. 2 Miss. Code. R. 1-2-05-102
Miss. Code Ann. § 69-45-9.Adopted August 25, 2011; Revised August 26, 2017