2004 INNOVATIONS AWARDS PROGRAM
Application Form
(INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete and submit this document electronically if possible, e.g. a Word
document. The application form is available online at our web site, www.csg.org, in the Programs section.
Please determine the appropriate Program Category from the enclosed Program Categories sheet,
and list the category under the Category section below on the right.)
ID #: 04-S-39MS
Category: Natural Resources _
State: Mississippi__________
1. Program Name: Land, Water, and Timber Resources Program
2. Administering Agency: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce,
Mississippi Development Authority
3. Contact Person (Name and Title): Patrick Sullivan, Bureau Director, Market
Development Division
4. Address: P.O. Box 1609, Jackson, MS, 39215-1609
5. Telephone Number: (601)- 359-1158
6. FAX Number: (601)-354-6001
7. E-mail Address: patricks@mdac.state.ms.us
8. Web site Address: www.mdac.state.ms.us
9. Please provide a two-sentence description of the program.
The Land, Water, and Timber Resources Program is available to producers in
Mississippi for the purpose of utilizing Mississippi products, commodities, and
resources to create jobs and implement innovative, value-added approaches to
agriculture in Mississippi. The program is a financing program designed to stimulate
growth of the agriculture industry in Mississippi through the development, marketing,
manufacture, production, and distribution of agricultural products.
10. How long has this program been operational (month and year)? Note: the program
must be between 9 months and 5 years old on May 1, 2004 to be considered.
September of 2000
11. Why was the program created? (What problem[s] or issue[s] was it designed to
address?)
 To develop marketing plans and opportunities for independent farmers in
Mississippi;
 To encourage the commercialization of new agricultural technology businesses;
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To initiate the development of processing facilities for Mississippi agricultural
commodities;
To initiate the development of Mississippi wholesale distribution businesses for
agricultural inputs and products;
To promote the development of institutional and specialty markets for Mississippi
agriculture products;
To encourage additional research for new agricultural product development;
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;
To promote the rural quality of life in Mississippi through such programs as 4-H,
Future Farmers of America and agricultural education;
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;
12. Describe the specific activities and operations of the program in chronological order.
 Potential projects submit application.
 Applications are reviewed by a five member screening/financial committee.
 Screening/financial committee either approves, rejects, or makes additional
recommendations on application after review
 If application is approved by screening board it then moves to a full board
review
 Full board reviews project and comes to a conclusion either:
o Approve project, thus leading to financing thru grant, low interest
loan, or combination of both
o Reject project
13. Why is the program a new and creative approach or method?
This program is the first and only economic development and financial vehicle for
innovations solely in Mississippi agriculture.
14. What were the program’s start-up costs? (Provide details about specific purchases for
this program, staffing needs and other financial expenditures, as well as existing
materials, technology and staff already in place.)
The Mississippi Land, Water and Timber Resources Board may provide annually to
the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi
Development Authority no more than one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars
($125,000.00). Also, the board may provide to the Department of Audit no more than
fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00).
15. What are the program’s annual operational costs?
The operational cost of the program is a maximum of $10 million dollars.
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16. How is the program funded?
The program is funded thru annual legislative appropriations.
17. Did this program require the passage of legislation, executive order or regulations? If
YES, please indicate the citation number.
Yes, the citation number is Miss. Code Ann. 69-46-1 et seq.
18. What equipment, technology and software are used to operate and administer this
program? The Land, Water, and Timber Resources Program uses basic computer
applications such as Microsoft Office 2003 which includes Word, Excel, Access,
Publisher, and Power point.
19. To the best of your knowledge, did this program originate in your state? If YES,
please indicate the innovator’s name, present address, telephone number and e-mail
address.
Yes, the innovator of this program is the current Speaker of the House in the
Mississippi legislature, the Honorable Billy McCoy.
20. Are you aware of similar programs in other states? If YES, which ones and how does
this program differ?
No
21. Has the program been fully implemented? If NO, what actions remain to be taken?
Yes
22. Briefly evaluate (pro and con) the program’s effectiveness in addressing the defined
problem[s] or issue[s]. Provide tangible examples.
The Land, Water, and Timber program has been very effective in addressing and
funding the issues faced by Mississippi agriculture since its inception. A few
examples include, providing funds to a new and innovative process of manufacturing
engineered wood products utilizing low value wood products. This process will use
pine plantation thinnings for a high performance product that is competitive in
today’s marketplace. The University of Southern Mississippi, a Polymer Science
Institute, is in development work of a soy based non-toxic adhesive product and is
developing an agricultural based water-borne and water-repellant for preserving wood
products. Also, this program has assisted in the development of a new Mississippi
beef processing plant to kill 1000 head/day and will create 400 new jobs beginning
May 30, 2004, and will bring business to Mississippi from around the southeast.
23. How has the program grown and/or changed since its inception?
The Land, Water, and Timber Resource Board has grown and changed in many ways
since its establishment. Broader scopes of projects and innovations in agriculture have
become the norm in contrast to the projects early years. Public awareness and interest
have also increased dramatically due to the success of this program and the benefits to
Mississippi agriculture it brings.
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24. What limitations or obstacles might other states expect to encounter if they attempt to
adopt this program?
A lack of funds appropriated by the legislature would be an obstacle other states
would have to consider.
Add space as appropriate to this form. When complete, return to:
CSG Innovations Awards 2004
The Council of State Governments
2760 Research Park Drive, P.O. Box 11910
Lexington, KY 40578-1910
innovations@csg.org
DEADLINE: All original applications must be received by April 20, 2004, to be
considered for an Innovations Award for 2004.
ApplicationForm04.doc
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