Resource Library

The New Mexico State University Food Safety Laboratory is a food microbiology lab located in Las Cruces, NM.

Services Provided:

Research and Development
(Foodborne pathogen detection and control)
Food Product Testing
(microbiological analyses, pH, aw)
Agricultural Water Testing
(Preharvest Water, E. coli/coliforms, IDEXX Colilert with Quant-Tray 2000)
(Postharvest Water, E. coli/coliforms, IDEXX Colilert 18 Test Kit)
Process Evaluation
(acidified foods, inoculation studies, shelf-life testing)
Food Safety Plan Development
(HACCP plans, Listeria Control Programs)
Nutrition Facts Panels

This food handlers certification course, accredited with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), will allow food service employees, cottage food business operators, or others to meet the requirement of having a food handler or food safety course. Participants will learn basic food safety practices for the preparation of food and can print a food handlers card.

Interested in selling food at a Texas farmers' market? Need to know what permits are required? This one hour online course provides valuable information for potential vendors about the rules and regulations of Texas farmers' markets. Course by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Overview of UT Rio Grande Valley - Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement’s programming for Value-Added Producers, and the timeline and basic guidelines for the USDA Value Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG)

Join the Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center to explore the world of farmers markets as a food vendor. We will dive into farmers market rules, permits, and other requirements for selling different types of products. In addition, we will talk in-depth about food safety practices and how to maintain a safe and healthy environment at your booth. You’ll leave with a list of tips and action items for you to have a successful booth at your next farmers market!

Spanish language overview of the cooperative business model. Presented by Blanca Delgado, Cooperative Development Specialist at the UTRGV Texas Rural Cooperative Center.

Review the basic elements of a traditional business plan in the context of cooperatives, as well as available services. Part of a workshop series created in partnership with the City of Austin and the UTRGV Texas Rural Cooperative Center.

Basics for starting a worker-owned, cooperatively run business in Texas. Part of a workshop series with Annelies Lottman, Director of the Texas Rural Cooperative Center at UTRGV SARA.

Join us to learn about how the Specialty Food Association can help get your value added food products in front of the eyes of major buyers across the United States and internationally! Plus, explore the Makers Prep Course that helps prepare first time vendors for their Specialty Food Association experience.

Thinking about staring a business in Texas or New Mexico? This workshop will walk you throug the essential steps to get up and running. We'll cover subiness structures, registration requirements, licenses and permits, tax obligations, and key resources available in each state. Whether you're launching a side histle or a full time venture, you'll leave with a clear roadmap to start your business with confidence.