WOODVILLE, Miss. -- Farmers market and cottage industry sales are a significant part of the Mississippi food scene, and Mississippi State University Extension Service training is helping entrepreneurs take advantage of these business opportunities.

The MSU Extension Service and Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion offers training on acidified canned foods and general food safety at locations across the state. An upcoming workshop will be held April 25 in Woodville, Mississippi, at the J.R. Hamilton Extension Building.

The workshop will last from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Preregistration is required and must be received by April 21. There is a $15 fee for the acidified canned foods class that begins at 8:30 a.m., but the general food safety class at 10:30 a.m. is free. The fee covers workshop materials and certificates for those who pass the final canned foods exam.

“The acidified canned foods training is helpful for those who have a business that they wish to expand, want to enter new markets or are just in the planning stages,” said Courtney Crist, Extension professor of food safety and a workshop coordinator. “The general farmers market food safety training is recommended for all processed food vendors who attend Mississippi certified farmers markets or sell at their farms or other locations.”

Acidified foods include salsas, sauces and pickled products.

An added benefit for those who attend the workshop is the ability to bring samples of their products for free preliminary pH testing. Participants can also bring their recipes for free and confidential assistance with product development.

Find registration information at http://fsnhp.msstate.edu/docs/woodville_042517.pdf.