special_image
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
News
September 5, 2025
From Home Kitchens to Commercial Processors
By STEPHANIE GREENLEE OSU EXTENSION

Whether baking bread in a home kitchen or managing a commercial food plant, the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at Oklahoma State University is offering fall workshops to help Oklahoma’s food businesses grow, innovate and succeed.

The fall schedule includes certifications, regulatory training, food safety courses and hands-on product development experiences. Programs are tailored for food processors, entrepreneurs, growers and industry professionals looking to expand their skills and remain competitive.

“FAPC serves as a resource for Oklahoma’s food companies, from startups to long-established processors,” said Rodney Holcomb, Food and Agricultural Products Center assistant director. “These workshops are just a few that provide access to nationally recognized certifications and practical training that directly impact business success. Our goal is to ensure Oklahoma’s food industry continues to grow, innovate and thrive.”

— Fall 2025 Workshops

• Preventive Controls for Human Food: Qualified Individual Training (PCQI V2.0) (Certification/Compliance) – Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 – Three-day certification required under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to ensure companies have a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual on staff.

• The Homemade Food Freedom Act Workshop (Consumer/Startup) – Oct. 8 One-day workshop helping cottage food producers – such as home bakers, specialty food crafters, farmers market vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs – understand compliance under Oklahoma’s Homemade Food Freedom Act.

• Food Microbiology Workshop (Professional/ Technical) – Oct. 23-24 – Training focused on microorganisms in food and their impact on safety and quality.

• Playing in the Dough (Consumer/ Startup) – Nov. 12 – Hands-on baking workshop exploring dough functionality and bread-making techniques with a focus on sourdough.

• Produce Safety Alliance Workshop (Certification/Compliance) – Nov. 18 Food safety training designed to meet the requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule for growers. Pending funding, this workshop will take place in Oklahoma City.

• Basic Training for Food Entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur/Management) – Nov. 20 Comprehensive one-day workshop covering product development, marketing strategies and regulations.

Early registration is encouraged to secure a seat and ensure courses are offered. Space is limited, and workshops require a minimum number of participants.

To learn more about FAPC workshops, services and resources, visit food.okstate. edu.

The Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, a part of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, helps to discover, develop and deliver technical and business information that will stimulate and support the growth of value-added food and agricultural products and processing in Oklahoma.

Kirby’s Cafe builds ‘Wall of Honor’
A: Main
Kirby’s Cafe builds ‘Wall of Honor’
By Patrick Ford Editor 
March 20, 2026
In a time when headlines are often dominated by uncertainty across the globe, one small-town cafe in Okmulgee is choosing a different focus - one rooted in gratitude, unity and remembrance. At Kirby’s...
A: Main
Filing period begins April 1
March 20, 2026
Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, when the candidate filing period opens. Candidates for state offices file with the Secretary of State Election Board, while ...
A: Main
Federal changes ripple down to county programs
By DAWN CARTER REPORTER 
March 20, 2026
In rural Oklahoma, for small towns like Okmulgee, a housing program isn’t just about building homes. It’s about keeping families in place, keeping jobs local and keeping communities intact. When one o...
A Lucky Day for Okmulgee Cemetery
A: Main, Main...
A Lucky Day for Okmulgee Cemetery
March 20, 2026
It was the Okmulgee Cemetery’s lucky day Tuesday, as donations were received from two businesses that provided much-needed assistance. Stewart Martin Kubota donated a Kubota zero-turn mower along with...
A: Main
Council hears Main Street update
By Patrick Ford Editor 
March 20, 2026
In a meeting that reflected both the promise of progress and the weight of preservation, the Okmulgee City Council gathered Tuesday evening inside City Hall to tackle a wide-ranging agenda that touche...
Focus Magazine Available
A: Main
Focus Magazine Available
March 20, 2026
The Okmulgee Times is proud to announce its annual Focus Magazine is now available. This year’s magazine, released in last Friday’s edition, highlights several of the many bright people and organizati...
e-Edition
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Wright honored as Veteran of the Week
News
Wright honored as Veteran of the Week
March 20, 2026
Maj. Gen. Tony L. Wright was recognized as the Veteran of the Week on Monday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Wright is a constituent of House Tribal and External Affairs Leader Rep. Scott Fe...
Sharks debut new look as season gets underway
News
Sharks debut new look as season gets underway
By DAWN CARTER REPORTER 
March 20, 2026
Under the late afternoon sun, the Okmulgee County Sharks gathered on the field for practice, their new black and blue uniforms catching the light as players stretched, laughed and prepared to take the...
Dunbar All-School Association to hold fundraiser Tuesday
News
Dunbar All-School Association to hold fundraiser Tuesday
March 20, 2026
The Dunbar All-School Association will hold a fundraiser next Tuesday, March 24, to help raise funds to repair the Dunbar Community Center. The building, formerly Banneker Kindergarten, was damaged du...
News
Bankers graduate from OBA Commercial Lending School
March 20, 2026
Jennifer Pembrook and Kendall Warren, with Mabrey Bank, in Morris, recently completed the Oklahoma Bankers Association Commercial Lending School in Oklahoma City. Pembrook and Warren were among 68 gra...
Lori Fullbright Visits B.A.L.L. Group
News
Lori Fullbright Visits B.A.L.L. Group
March 20, 2026
News on 6 Anchor Lori Fullbright recently made a return visit to Okmulgee, as she visited the Be Active Live Longer Group (B.A.L.L.) at First Baptist Church. Her Personal Safety Class has benefitted r...
Facebook
Video

OKMULGEE TIMES
320 W. 6th
Okmulgee, OK 74447

918.756.3600

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Okmulgee Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy