Cindy Hyde-Smith Email & Phone Number

Jackson, Mississippi

As Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Cindy Hyde-Smith is responsible for regulating and promoting agricultural-related businesses within the state and promoting Mississippi's products throughout both the state and the rest of the world for the benefit of all Mississippi citizens.Commissioner Hyde-Smith's accomplishments at the department include:• Streamlining the department's operations and increasing productivity through innovation and technology.• Expanding consumer protection through increased inspections to promote a safe and affordable food supply for Mississippi families.• Increasing domestic and international markets for our farmers and agribusinesses through investing in local farming innovations, export opportunities, Agritourism, and Farm to School programs.• Advocating successfully to Congress on behalf of the catfish industry for USDA inspection of both U.S. farm-raised and imported catfish to ensure food safety and equity in the marketplace.• Securing $30 million in bonds for construction of a new Trade Mart and improvements to the State Fairgrounds in Jackson, which impacts all 82 counties.

Brookhaven, Ms

Cindy Hyde-Smith was elected to the Mississippi State Senate in 1999 serving Lawrence, Lincoln, and Simpson counties in District 39. Hyde-Smith quickly became known as a passionate advocate of farmers and ranchers in Mississippi, serving as the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee for eight years and as an influential member of numerous other committees. As Senator, Hyde-Smith authored countless pieces of legislation that has set policy and regulations benefiting agriculture in this State.Hyde-Smith authored legislation and supported efforts to promote and protect all facets of the agriculture industry, defending private property rights, endorsing Right to Farm legislation, and working to increase Country-of-Origin labeling requirements. Also, she earned the highest grade for a strong pro-business and fiscally conservative voting record from the Business and Industry Political Education Committee.During her tenure as a State Senator, Hyde-Smith received numerous awards and honors for her exemplary leadership:• Conservation Legislator of the Year, MS Association of Conservation Districts• Agriculture Legislator of the Year, MS Farm Bureau Federation• Medal of Merit, National Guard Association of the United States• Millennium Honor Roll and Legion of Honor Award, National Rifle Association• Outstanding Service to Small Farmers Award, Alcorn State University• Delta Council Achievement Award