MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Entrepreneurs in central Mississippi who have dreamed of creating and manufacturing food products can learn how to make this dream a reality at a day-long workshop in May.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is sponsoring Food as a Business May 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rankin County Extension office in Brandon. Registration for Food as a Business is $35 and includes lunch, breaks and conference materials. Speakers represent the Extension Service, the Mississippi Development Authority, the state Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and Commerce, manufacturing and retail.

"We designed this conference for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning and operating their own food processing business," said Anna Hood, food technologist and associate Extension professor with the Food and Fiber Center. "Participants can experience firsthand what is required for basic start-up in a food manufacturing or wholesale distribution business."

The conference brings together experts on a variety of topics related to food as a business. Workshops focus on customer and retailer relations, legal issues, labeling, marketing, sales, profits and costs. The day ends with a question and answer session where participants can interact with the experts.

Registration for the May 6 event closes April 30. For more information, contact Extension county director Sonia Hancock at (601) 825-1462 or soniah@ext.msstate.edu.