Here we call 'em Master Food Preservers:

Info for those who may be in Southern California (San Bernardino County)

What is a Master Food Advisor?
We are people who are trained in USDA recommended food preservations methods (freezing, drying, canning, fermentation) and food safety.

How do you become one?
In San Bernardino county, you sign up for the certication classes. These cost $95.00--which is our cost; we operate on a not-for-profit basis. Take the classes, pass the tests (We WANT you to pass!) and you are a Master Food Preserver. In return we ask that you volunteer 30 hours a year to help us educate the public.
Call your county University Agricultural Extension

What County do you work for?
I work for the San Bernardino County Master Food Preservers.

Do all Counties have one?
No, not all counties have one. Somehow we(MFPs) are associated with the original land grant given to the California State Universities. If there is one in your county, it is probably looked over by your county Food and Nutrition (Home Economist).

Do you get paid, or is it Volunteer work?
All Volunteer, but we have a great time doing it.

What is an "Extension Office" and what do they do?
The extension office is an extension of the University of California and they encompass the Master Gardeners, MFPs and 4-H'rs, among other groups. These groups are out there to help the public, rather than businesses.

How do we find one near us?
As Linda Lou said, check in your phone book under county offices and then call the agricultural (extension) office and they should be able to help you, if indeed there is a MFP group in your county.
Do you help maintain this web site?
Nope, not related.

How do you keep yourself so nice when people will ask the same thing over and
over again?
We share the questions so no one ever is ALWAYS answering them all.

Do you ever have time to cook and do canning when you are always so busy
answering all these silly questions?
Yes, I too cook all the time. In our area we actually get very few questions directed to us!

Thank you!