Business and food safety experts from across the state will teach two one-day workshops to help entrepreneurs learn food business best practices. Topics include everything from product and process approval, required certifications and food business inspections to labeling requirements, and marketing and strategies for responding to emergencies.

If you have a food-based business or are interested in starting one the West Virginia University Extension Service is offering classes that can help you be successful.

The first workshop takes place Tuesday, May 28, at Cacapon Resort State Park near Berkeley Springs. A second workshop takes place the following day, Wednesday, May 29, at the Jefferson County Public Services Center in Kearneysville.

A third workshop showcasing how to produce dried fruit products will take place on Thursday, May 30, at the Jefferson County Public Services Center. Topics include product and process development, ingredients, product safety, storage and handling.

There is no charge for the sessions and lunch is included, but pre-registration is required.

To register for the food business workshop at Cacapon Resort State Park, contact the WVU Extension Service Morgan County office at 304-258-8400.

Register for the food business or fruit drying workshops in Kearneysville by contacting the WVU Extension Service Jefferson County office at 304-728-7413.

The workshops are being sponsored by BB&T and the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE IT program. The food business workshops are being offered in full partnership with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

Connecting the people of West Virginia to the University’s resources and programs is the primary goal of WVU Extension Service and its 55 offices throughout the state. Local experts, like WVU Extension’s agents and specialists, work to help improve the lifestyles and well-being of youths, workforces, communities, farms and businesses through trusted research in the counties in which they serve.

To learn more about WVU Extension programs, visit www.ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.