Navigating N.C. Food Regulations for Value-Added Foods

A 1-day food safety education and networking event

September 24, 2025 - Onslow County, Jacksonville, N.C.

October 1, 2025 - Haywood County, Waynesville, N.C.

N.C. Extension agents, farmers market managers, and shared kitchen staff are often the first point of contact for food entrepreneurs navigating food safety requirements. This one-day hands-on workshop will equip you with practical skills, regulatory insights, and essential tools to confidently assist value-added food producers in your community. Participate in expert-led sessions from N.C. State Extension and lunchtime discussions featuring the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

Registration Open Now!

September 24, 2025 in Jacksonville, N.C. Hosted in partnership with County Extension agencies

• General Admission Registration on Eventbrite with Early Bird pricing till 9/1/25*! https://go.ncsu.edu/navigatingfoodsafety9242025
• N.C. Extension Registration Search 'Navigating' to find event & registration https://go.ncsu.edu/nc

October 1, 2025 in Waynesville, N.C. Hosted in partnership with EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems

• General Admission Registration on Eventbrite with Early Bird pricing till 9/1/25*! https://go.ncsu.edu/navigatingfoodsafety1012025
• N.C. Extension Registration Search 'Navigating' to find event & registration https://go.ncsu.edu/nc

*Early Bird Pricing: Purchase your Eventbrite General Admission tickets before September 1, 2025 and receive a $10 discount per ticket, only $20! Discount is automatically applied at Checkout.

Event Highlights

Keynote Program

Food Product Safety Evaluation

Learn how N.C. State Extension can help assess food safety through Process Authority letters and other resources to help food manufacturers.

Lunch with Your Local Regulator

‘What to Expect When Inspected’

What are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and why is accurate implementation of their principles important for a successful inspection?

Regional Supervisors and Trainers from the Food Program at the NC Department of Agriculture will present inspection insights and host a Q&A session.

Food Safety Sessions

Learn more about practical food safety for value-added food manufacturers during our interactive learning sessions:

• Learn about Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in food manufacturing and how they influence food safety

• Investigate pH testing for items like home-canned pickles and water activity testing for dehydrated foods

• Fine tune a food label and learn about food safety vs. food quality indicators on packaging

This project is funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Food Safety Outreach Program.