We train and certify volunteers to teach safe home food preservation in our community. From canning and fermenting to dehydrating and pickling, our Master Food Preservers help Mariposa County residents learn to preserve food safely at home.
The program is part of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).
About the Program
Since 2022, UC ANR has trained 63 Master Food Preservers across Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, and Tuolumne Counties. Our first training class in 2022 trained 17 volunteers from four counties and helped introduce new programs across the region.
Today, the Mariposa County program operates as a permanent part of UCCE Mariposa with 12 certified Master Food Preservers serving the local community. Our volunteers lead hands-on workshops, staff information booths at community events, and share research-based knowledge about safe food preservation.
We cover a wide range of preservation topics including boiling water canning, atmospheric steam canning, pressure canning, freezing, drying, pickling, and fermenting, as well as food safety fundamentals.
Find Us in the Community
- Mariposa Farmers Market: Find us at the Mariposa Farmers Market at 6th and Stroming in Mariposa. Check back here for our upcoming schedule.
- Mariposa County Fair: Labor Day Weekend (September 4-7, 2026). Find us in the Baked Goods and Food Preservation Building across from the Poultry Barn.
- Master Gardeners Plant Sale and Mariposa Butterfly Festival: Look for our information table at upcoming community events.
- Plant-a-Row: We work with the Master Gardener Program to collect and distribute fresh produce to help ensure food security in the community.
- Workshops and community events: We host periodic workshops on topics like sourdough bread, canning, fermentation, and more. Follow us for announcements.
Interested in scheduling us for an event? Contact us at (209) 966-2417 or email mrygiol@ucanr.edu.
Become a Master Food Preserver
We recruit and train a new class of Master Food Preservers every other year. Our next training class is planned for 2027. If you're interested in joining, get on our mailing list to receive updates as details become available.
Contact Us
UC Master Food Preserver Program of Mariposa County
5009 Fairgrounds Rd.
Mariposa, CA 95338
Phone: (209) 966-2417
Email: mrygiol@ucanr.edu