Hello Neighbors,
I’m proud to share that after years of working alongside a dedicated local organization and passionate community advocates, our work has paid off: our cottage food reform initiative has officially been included in this year’s Agriculture Omnibus Bill.
What this means for Minnesotans:
The provision modernizes and simplifies Minnesota’s cottage food laws. These are the rules that allow people to prepare and sell homemade, non-hazardous foods directly to consumers without needing a commercial kitchen license. Highlights of the changes included in the omnibus bill are:
- Clarified eligibility: Cottage food producers can now be individuals, sole proprietorships, single-member LLCs, or LLCs owned by two individuals living in the same home.
- Expanded delivery options: Products can be delivered by the producer themselves, or through mail or commercial delivery, offering greater flexibility while maintaining safety standards.
- Updated registration fees: The annual registration fee is reduced from $50 to $30, easing the burden on small producers.
- Improved food safety training:
- Those who pay the registration fee must complete an approved food safety training course every three years.
- Inflation adjustments built in: The sales limit for cottage food producers — currently $78,000 per year — will now be adjusted every two years for inflation, ensuring the law keeps pace with the economy.
These commonsense updates support home-based food entrepreneurs, local markets, and communities while maintaining clear labeling, transparency, and safety standards for consumers.
It’s been a privilege to work closely with grassroots advocates and bring forward a policy that reflects both the entrepreneurial spirit and the care our small food producers bring to Minnesota’s local food scene.
Next steps: The Agriculture Omnibus Bill will continue to move through the legislative process in the coming weeks. I’ll be advocating for its final passage and keeping you updated every step of the way.
Sincerely,