MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Entrepreneurs who dream of creating and manufacturing food products can learn how to make those dreams reality at a day-long workshop offered in Southwest Mississippi in September.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is sponsoring Food as a Business Sept. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Adams County Extension office in Natchez. 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, manufacturing and retail industries.

"We designed this conference for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning and operating their own food business," said Anna Hood, food technologist and Extension associate professor. "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 Sept. 9 event closes Sept. 1. For more information, contact Extension county director Cheryl McClure at (601) 445-8201 or cherylm@ext.msstate.edu.