MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Fruit and vegetable growers can learn how to produce the safest food possible during upcoming workshops in north and south Mississippi.

The workshops are slated for April 15 in Waynesboro and April 20 in Hernando. Each workshop will review food safety issues including good agricultural, handling and manufacturing practices that will meet food safety requirements during production, harvesting and grading. The afternoon sessions will be devoted to each producer developing an individualized manual and documentation needed for their food safety programs.

"There is a broad range of considerations that growers need to be aware of throughout the production process," said Anna Hood, associate professor with Mississippi State University's Extension Service. "Workshop participants will learn the importance of considering all the safety issues related to fruit and vegetable production."

MSU's Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion is co-sponsoring the workshop with MSU's Coastal Research and Extension Center. The registration fee of $40 per person covers the notebook of materials, snack breaks, an on-site lunch and certificates for attendance.

The Waynesboro workshop will be located at the Blueberry Drop Station. The Hernando workshop will be at the First Regional Library.

Pre-registration must be received one week before the workshop. For more information contact Hood at (662) 325-3200 or by e-mail at annah@ext.msstate.edu.