The Baker’s Dozen: 13 Tips for MN Cottage Food Success
By Sazzy Calhoun, Founder of Farm Direct Minnesota
(With data credited to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
Happy Friday the 13th! Around here, we don’t do "bad luck"—we do Baker’s Dozens. If you’ve been dreaming of selling your famous sourdough, Grandma’s pickles, or those decorative sugar cookies from your home kitchen, you are part of the booming Minnesota Cottage Food community.
To help you get started, here are 13 key requirements and tips based on the latest Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) guidelines.
1. Register Every Year
Producers must register annually with the MDA. The deadline is April 1st, so mark your calendars now! Not a member yet? Join the Association here.
2. Know Your Tiers and Fees
Currently, we use a two-tier system:
- Tier 1: Sales up to $7,665 per year ($0 registration fee).
- Tier 2: Sales between $7,666 and $78,000 ($50 fee).
Note: As of Jan 1, 2025, a 5% surcharge (min. $1.00) is added to all applications for MDA system modernization.
3. The $78,000 Cap
The maximum gross annual sales allowed under the Cottage Food law is $78,000. If you are hitting this limit, it’s time to celebrate and look into a full commercial food handler’s license!
4. Mandatory Training
You can’t sell until you learn. You must complete mandatory food safety training and pass the exam before you can register with the state.
5. Stick to "Non-Hazardous" Foods
This includes baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, and specific acidified fruit/vegetables. Per the MNCFPA, you may choose a commercial lab for testing. Pricing averages $15/pH test and $35/water activity test.
Trusted Labs: Market Fresh Labs (612-331-4050), MN Valley Testing Lab (507-354-8517), Medallion Labs (763-764-4453), and Mocon (763-493-6370).
6. The pH Rule for Canners
For those canning, the MDA requires a pH of 4.6 or lower (or water activity of .85 or less). This ensures the food is acidic enough to stay safe without refrigeration.
7. Labeling is Law
Every product must be prepackaged and labeled with your business name/location, registration number, product name, ingredients (by weight), allergens, and the production date.
Mandatory Statement: "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."
8. Eat with Your Eyes First
Don’t let bad lighting scare off customers! High-quality photos are your best salesperson. A clear, bright photo makes the difference between a "scroll-by" and a sale.
9. Direct Sales Only (For Now)
You must sell directly to the consumer. This can happen from your home, farmers’ markets, or community events. No selling to grocery stores or cafes for resale!
10. Big Future Changes (Aug 1, 2027)
Beginning August 1, 2027, the state moves to a single-tier system with a standardized $30 registration fee and will finally allow shipping for human food within Minnesota!
11. Shipping: Humans vs. Pets
Currently, you can ship Pet Treats, but human food must be handed over in person. This changes in August 2027 when USPS/UPS/FedEx becomes an option for human cottage foods in-state.
12. Check Your Water and Pets
Test private wells annually for coliform bacteria and keep all pets out of the kitchen during any food prep or packaging.
13. The Power of the "Double-Threat"
In today’s market, one source is not enough. Listing on the Directory Map gets you up to 5,000 viewers a month, while our Facebook Group provides instant results. Sellers using both platforms tell us 30% of their sales come because of Farm Direct Minnesota!
