MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Entrepreneurs who dream of creating and manufacturing food products can learn how to make those dreams reality at a one-day conference in Brandon in April.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is sponsoring Food as a Business April 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rankin County Extension Building in Brandon. Registration for the conference is $35 and includes lunch, breaks and conference materials. Speakers represent the Extension Service, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and retail and manufacturing industries.

"We designed this conference for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning and operating their own food processing business," said Anna Hood, associate Extension 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. Presentations 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 April 7 event closes March 31. A brochure is available online. For more information, contact Ann Sansing at (662) 325-2160 or [email protected].