JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is now accepting opt-out forms from Mississippi grain producers who choose not to participate in the newly established Mississippi Grain Indemnity Trust Fund (MGITF). Producers wishing to opt out of the program must submit the required form to MDAC by March 1, 2027.
The Mississippi Grain Indemnity Trust Fund was established by the Mississippi Legislature under the Mississippi Grain Indemnity Act (Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 75-46-1 et seq.) to provide an additional layer of financial protection for grain producers in the event a licensed grain dealer fails to pay for grain purchased or a licensed grain warehouse fails to return or properly account for grain held in storage. The program covers eligible corn, soybean and wheat crops grown and sold in Mississippi.
"This new program was established to provide an additional safeguard for Mississippi grain producers against financial losses that can occur when a grain dealer or warehouse fails," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. "While we believe this program offers an important layer of protection for our farmers, participation is voluntary. We want to make sure every eligible producer understands the program and has the information needed to make the decision that is best for their farming operation."
Beginning January 1, 2027, participating producers will contribute an assessment of two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) of the sale price of eligible grain produced in 2027 or later. The assessment will be deducted from the purchase price by the first purchaser licensee and deposited into the Mississippi Grain Indemnity Trust Fund. For example, a producer selling $100,000 in eligible grain would pay an assessment of $200.
Producers who do not wish to participate must formally opt out by submitting the Mississippi Grain Indemnity Trust Fund Opt-Out Form to MDAC by March 1, 2027. Once an opt-out becomes effective, the producer will no longer be required to pay the assessment but will also waive eligibility for Fund protection on grain subject to the opt-out. An opt-out election remains in effect unless the producer completes the requirements to re-enter the program.
Producers may submit the opt-out form using one of the following methods:
• Online: Complete the form at https://www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/regulatory-services/grain-d….
• Email: Download the printable form at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/agManage/uploads/3441.pdf and email the completed form to grainclaims@mdac.ms.gov.
• Mail: Send the completed form to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, ATTN: Grain Claims, P.O. Box 1609, Jackson, MS 39215.
Producers who opt out must also notify their first purchaser licensee of their decision. MDAC will provide an official acknowledgment of the opt-out election and maintain a registry of producers who have opted out.
"With assessment collection scheduled to begin in January, we encourage producers to familiarize themselves with the program now," Gipson added. "Those who wish to opt out should submit their forms as soon as possible rather than waiting until the March 1 deadline."
For additional information about the Mississippi Grain Indemnity Trust Fund, including program requirements, producer frequently asked questions and opt-out forms, visit www.mdac.ms.gov or contact MDAC at grainclaims@mdac.ms.gov.
