For Entrepreneurs and/or Farmers Interested in Starting a Home-based, Specialty Food Business
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s popular three-hour workshop, Recipe to Market, covers the basics to take a favorite recipe or idea and start a food business. This workshop will introduce participants to important topics, such as an overview of the specialty foods industry, business basics to consider, and an overview of the product development process, licensing and regulations, and food safety concerns. This workshop is intended for individuals, entrepreneurs, and/or farmers interested in starting a home-based, specialty food business.
Products that will be discussed include, but are not limited to, canned shelf-stable products (jams/jellies/preserves, baked goods, condiments, salsas, sauces, dessert sauces), dry mixes, and candies/confections. Topics include the business basics, an overview of the product development process, licensing/regulations, and food safety.
*This program does not cover herbal supplements, commercial processing (including dairy, meat, beverage, or juice manufacturing) or pet treats/foods.
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: $45
Registration deadline is November 14, 2025.
*We reserve the right to reschedule this program if the minimum number of participants have not been met.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a Zoom link a week before the class, along with an agenda and instructor’s handouts.
UMaine Extension course instructors include:
- Louis Bassano, Professor Emeritus of Cooperative Extension
- Beth Calder, Extension Food Science Specialist, Professor of Food Science, and Director of the UMaine Food Testing Services
- Jim McConnon, Professor Emeritus, School of Economics and Cooperative Extension, University of Maine
Please Note:
Registered participants will benefit from the flexibility of accessing the recording at a later date if they are unable to attend the live online event. However, it’s important to note that the recording will be accessible for a limited period of two weeks.
If you are a person with a disability and need accommodation to participate in this program, please call Melissa Libby at 207.581.2788 or email melissa.libby1@maine.edu to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however, all requests will be considered.
