MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Rogers (14th) (By Request), Beckett, Hamilton (6th), Morgan, Montgomery, Palazzo
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE SWEET POTATO SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS THE OFFICIAL STATE VEGETABLE OF MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, love of state and professions are enhanced by traditions that have become a part of our way of life and the customs of the American people; and
WHEREAS, the sweet potato, which is largely produced in Mississippi, making it one of the nation's leading producers, produced on approximately 8200 acres in the state; and
WHEREAS, with approximately 150 Mississippi farmers presently cultivating, sweet potatoes contribute $19 million to the economy of the state; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi's top five sweet potato producing counties are Calhoun, Chickasaw, Pontotoc, Yalobusha and Panola; and
WHEREAS, the National Sweet Potato Festival is held annually the entire first week in November in Vardaman, Mississippi, which proclaims itself as "The Sweet Potato Capitol"; and
WHEREAS, we have no official designation of a state vegetable; and
WHEREAS, official recognition of the sweet potato will enhance the cultural stature of Mississippi both nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, national and international prestige is in the best interest of all Americans; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is hereby designated the official state vegetable of Mississippi.
SECTION 2. Section 1 of this act shall be codified in Chapter 3, Title 3, Mississippi Code of 1972.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.