| Location: 283 Farmers Market Way Blairsville, GA 30512 | Hours: (July 6 - October 17, 2024) Tuesdays 7am - 1pm & Thursdays 7am - 1pm |
| Contact: Phone: (706) 439-6043 Email: farmersmarket@uniongov.com |
Appointments: Must be made no earlier than 2 weeks in advance by calling (706) 439-6043 or emailing farmersmarket@uniongov.com at least 24 hours ahead. Appointments will be scheduled in two different time slots: 7-9:45am and 10-12:45pm. Appointments are timed so please arrive on time and do not bring more than you can do in your assigned time as time limits are set and cannot be extended.
About: Union County Canning Plant is a community cannery for home/personal canning only, you do the canning and we do the processing. Union County Canning Plant is not for certified for commercial use and canned products may not be sold.
What to bring: Jars, lids (USA made such as Ball or Kerr), bands, product to be canned and all ingredients.
Procedure:
- Schedule your day/time by calling or emailing the Canning Plant. Please DON’T assume you have an appointment until you have received confirmation from a staff member.
- The first time you come in, fill out the 2024 Registration Form and ask a staff member for an assigned number. This is your number for the year. When returning, you will use this same number. In case you forget your number, a list will be posted.
- Check in with a staff member and go to the table that is assigned to you.
- Prepare your product. If your product needs to be steamed/cooked, alert a staff member to assist you.
- Place jars upside down in a small basket for sterilization and allow a staff member to sterilize them for you.
- Write registration number on lids (with Sharpie) and write an “M” if your product includes meat.
- Put your hot product in hot jars.
- Wipe the rim, put lids/rings on your jars and let a staff member know they are ready to be processed.
- Clean table and any cannery equipment used before leaving. Take any personal items with you after your appointment time.
- Return before 3:30pm to pick up and pay for your product by filling out an envelope with the exact amount owed. Place it in the collection box outside the office.
Note: recipes must be approved canning products following the National Center for Home Food Preservation guidelines. You can call the cannery with any questions or visit nchfp.uga.edu
All Policies & Procedures are subject to change
Check out this great video on the Union County Canning Plant: Canning Plant Video