Small Scale Food Processing Workshop
Event Details
Date
January 27 - January 28, 2021
Time
8:30am - 12pm
Location
Zoom
Host
CCE Monroe County
monroe.cce.cornell.edu/events/2021/01/27/sm
Jarmila Haseler
email Jarmila Haseler
Strict safety rules and the necessity for high product quality give the food industry a unique character. From licensing and certification to recipe testing, from shelf life and packaging to promotions and selling, the requirements are complex and can be overwhelming. But with a clear understanding of the key steps and a good plan, a small scale food processing business can be a profitable enterprise.
Join us for two mornings for learning and guidance on how to start and grow your food business. Both current and potential food entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend!
The cost is $35 dollars for each day, or $60 for both sessions. Go here to register.
Day 1 - Food Processing Fundamentals
8:30 AM - Welcome & Introduction
8:35 AM - 9:30 AM Part I - Recipe Approval: Making Sure your Food Product is Safe
Many food products require review and approval by a food safety expert. The Cornell Food Venture Center provides comprehensive assistance to beginning and established food entrepreneurs. Presenter: Shannon Prozeller, Cornell University Food Venture Center.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Part II - Recipe Approval: Making Sure your Food Product is Safe
The Food Venture Center offer assistance with product and process safety evaluations such as scheduled process, regulatory compliance, food processing development and shelf-life evaluation. Presenter: Bruno Xavier, Cornell University Food Venture Center.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Get Permission: Regulations and Licensing
Can you make your product in your home kitchen? How do you get permission to sell your packaged food product at retail locations, or sell at 'ready to eat' food at venues such as farmers' markets? Get these and other questions answered. Presenter: John M Luker, Assistant Director, Division of Food Safety & Inspection, New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets.
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Story from the Field
Any time is a good time for coffee time! Presenter Kathy Turiano, Joe Bean Roasters, will share her journey developing a small-scale processing business from its inception to the recent days of pandemic-caused changes. 'Nimble' is the name of the game in order to stay afloat and be successful.
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM Taste NY
Learn how to get your product into Taste NY stores and how Taste NY can help with marketing and promotion. Presenter: Jessica Ziehm, Ag Marketing Educator, CCE Washington County.
Day 2 - Small Business Management Basics
8:30 AM - Welcome & Introduction
8:35 AM - 9:25 AM Key Financial & Marketing Strategies
Create an enterprise budget, know your cost of production, develop pricing and promotions strategies, bring your product to the right markets, and more! Presenter: Bree Bacon Woodbridge, Business Advisor, Small Business Development Center Niagara County
9:25 AM - 10:15 AM The Value of a Good Business Plan
A food recipe tells us what the ingredients are and how to put them together for a successful outcome. A business plan is a recipe for your business that defines what "success" is and how you're going to get there. We'll discuss the ingredients of a business plan, how to put them together, and the multiple uses for this "product". Presenter: Patty Love, Certified Professional Business Coach, Certified Permaculture Designer, with a Business Administration Degree.
10:15 AM - 11:10 AM Bringing a Product to Market
How do you get your product on the store shelves? When entering a retail market factors such as packaging to help your product stand out, pricing to allow room for discounts and a distribution plan for consistency and communication with a retailer are critical. Presenter: Andrew Frackenpohl, General Manager, Lori's Natural Foods Center.
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM Where and How to Find Grants
Grants exist! That is the good news. Knowing how to approach a grant and successfully write a grant proposal is the story that will be shared in this session. Learn what grants are and what they're not. Gain an understanding of the elements of a proposal, resources and best practices. Presenter: Gina Marie Mangiamele, Certified Business Advisor, SUNY Brockport Small Business Development Center.
Upcoming Events
Baskets to Pallets Virtual Event
March 21, 2024
March 28, 2024
Are you looking to diversify sales beyond the farmers' market, CSA, and farm stand? Food hubs, grocery stores, restaurants and cooperatives are looking for your products to meet growing consumer demand for local and sustainably produced food. However, successful business with wholesale buyers requires planning and preparation. Two-day event.
Parasite Fecal Analysis Roadshow
March 21, 2024
March 28, 2024
April 5, 2024
April 12, 2024
For Small Ruminants. Eight locations & times to choose from. $5 per sample, by appointment.
Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course
March 27, 2024 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Johnstown Location
Johnstown, NY
Lunch will be provided
March 29, 2024 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Earlville Location
Earlville, NY
Lunch will be provided.
Announcements
Cash Rent and Custom Harvest Survey
To date, there is limited information available about rental rates and fees for crop harvesting. Farms can use this valuable information for their farm business planning to help improve decision making and profitability.Farmers Can Join MeatSuite For Free!
MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.Why should farmers join?
1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
How do I join?
Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.