Minnesota Resources for Selling Local Food

Find Minnesota information for cottage food producers, farmers, meat and poultry sellers, egg producers, produce growers, processors, market vendors, and local food buyers.

Cottage Food Producers

Minnesota cottage food producers should begin with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s current registration and cottage food law guidance.

• MDA Cottage Food Producer Registration
• MDA Cottage Food Law Guidance and FAQs
• Minnesota Cottage Food Statute
• University of Minnesota Cottage Food Safety and Training
• Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association Cottage Foods Academy

Certified Grassfed Producers

Find a Certified American Grassfed Association Producer

Selling Poultry and Rabbits

Map of Meat, Poultry and Rabbit Plants With Continuous Inspection

This Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture map can help farmers locate processing plants that may provide continuously inspected meat, poultry, and rabbit processing.

Processing status and available services can change. Use the map as a starting point and contact each processor directly before making plans.

Minnesota Poultry and Rabbit Processing Guidance

Selling Meat

MDA Guidance for Livestock Producers Selling Meat Products

Starting a Meat and Poultry Processing Business

Minnesota State “Equal To” Inspection Program

Minnesota operates a State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program that meets requirements at least equal to the federal inspection program. Products from Minnesota “Equal To” establishments may be sold wholesale within Minnesota.

The appropriate inspection or processing option depends on how the animal or finished meat will be sold. Review current MDA guidance to determine whether USDA inspection, Minnesota “Equal To” inspection, or custom-exempt processing applies.

• Minnesota State “Equal To” Processing Plants
• Selling Meat and Poultry to Grocery Stores, Restaurants and Other Businesses
• Current Minnesota Custom-Exempt Processing Plants
• Custom-Exempt Meat Processing Guidance
• Selling Minnesota Guides from the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association

Selling Produce

MDA Guidance for Selling Locally Grown Produce
Information for farmers selling produce directly to consumers or commercial food establishments in Minnesota.

University of Minnesota: Selling Products of the Farm

Selling Eggs

MDA Guidance for Selling Eggs in Minnesota
Current information about handling, labeling, storage, licensing, and inspection requirements for Minnesota egg producers.

Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Shell Egg Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Local Food in Minnesota

Do all Minnesota farmers and food producers need a food license?

No. Requirements depend on what is being sold, how it is produced or prepared, and where and how it is sold. Some farm products and cottage foods may qualify for a licensing exclusion, exemption, or registration. Review the MDA food licensing guidance before selling.

Do Minnesota cottage food producers need to register?

Cottage food producers operate under an exemption from food licensing, but they must complete the required training and register with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture before selling under the cottage food exemption.

How do I know which meat or poultry processor I need?

The correct processor and inspection type depend on the product and how it will be sold. Review current MDA guidance and confirm directly with the processor whether it offers USDA-inspected, Minnesota “Equal To,” custom-exempt, poultry, or other processing services.

How can buyers check a Minnesota vendor’s license or registration?

Use the MDA License Lookup to search by the vendor’s name, city, county, license number, or program type. Not every farm-direct seller is required to hold a food license because some products may qualify for an exclusion, exemption, or registration.

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