The Board shall have the following powers and duties:
1. To develop marketing plans and opportunities for independent farmers in Mississippi;2. To encourage the commercialization of new agricultural technology businesses;3. To initiate the development of processing facilities for Mississippi agricultural commodities;4. To initiate the development of Mississippi wholesale distribution businesses for agricultural inputs and products;5. To promote the development of institutional and specialty markets for Mississippi agricultural products;6. To encourage additional research for new agricultural product development;7. To develop a working relationship with the state offices of the United States Department of Agriculture as may be appropriate for the promotion and development of agriculture in Mississippi;8. To promote the rural quality of life in the State through such programs as 4-H, Future Farmers of America and agricultural education;9. To encourage, promote and initiate the development of alternative energy strategies, applied research technologies and commercialization enterprises that focus on Mississippi natural resources, including, but not limited to, agriculture, timber and poultry products and byproducts; and10. To expend funds from the Mississippi Land, Water and Timber Resources Fund, established by the Act, to carry out its powers and duties under the Act in the most practical and efficient manner designed to review, evaluate and encourage successful projects which demonstrate the potential to offer the agricultural community an enhanced profitability for the state's farmers.2 Miss. Code. R. 701-1-103.02
Miss. Code Ann. § 69-46-5 (Rev. 2002).