Frequently Asked Questions

In Michigan, a license and/or registration is required to sell compost and other soil additive products. The exact type of license is dependent upon several factors, including whether nutrient guarantees are included, commercial or non-commercial use, and more. Please see MDARD’s Digging into Compost Regulations for a flowchart to determine what your product requires.

All prepared beverages must be manufactured in a licensed commercial kitchen inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) . Prepared beverages intended for “ready-to-drink” service are licensed and regulated by the local health department. 

The type of licensing required depends on whether the beverages are prepared on site at the market or prepared and packaged in a licensed facility and then sold at the market. MIFMA recommends connecting with your regional MDARD inspector for additional information about your specific situation to learn more.

Dehydrated sourdough starter is not eligible to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law, but it may be sold under proper licensure.

Please contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development at 800-292-3939 or MDARD-Info@Michigan.gov and include your zip code and a telephone number with your request for information to explore proper licensure for this product.

As of March 2026, MIFMA’s understanding of MDARD guidelines is that herd shares can be advertised and sold at the market.

No raw milk and/or raw milk products (such as cheeses) should be available for sample, sale, or exchange at the market during market hours.

Drinks are not allowed to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law, so to sell them, a vendor would need to be licensed. The type of licensing required depends on whether the sodas are prepared on site at the market or prepared and packaged in a licensed facility and then sold at the market.

MIFMA recommends connecting with your regional MDARD inspector for additional information about your specific situation to learn more.

Nuts and trail mix are eligible to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

No.  Whether you consider fire cider a beverage or a tincture, it cannot be sold under Cottage Food Law and would require a license to be sold at the farmers market.

If you choose not to label fire cider as a tincture, it would be considered a beverage. Beverages are not eligible to be sold under Cottage Food Law, regardless of their ingredients.

If you choose to label fire cider as a tincture, it would be considered a supplement. Supplements are not eligible to be sold under Cottage Food Law, either.

Offering drinking water at the market in this way would likely be considered low-risk and allowable, but MIFMA advises checking with your regional MDARD inspector for additional information.

No. Dehydrated sourdough starter is not eligible to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

Salsas, quesos, pepper jelly, and other similar condiments are not Cottage Food eligible products and require a license to be produced and sold at Michigan farmers markets.

According to MSU Extension,

“Before licensing can occur with a shelf-stable product like these, a process authority review (PAR) must be conducted to determine whether the product’s pH (acidity level) will prevent the bacteria that causes botulism. To begin this process, a processor must submit their standardized recipe and process to a process authority for review and testing.

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center works with Michigan companies on behalf of the process authority to coordinate recipe review and product testing. This process generally takes 1-3 months depending on the product and responsiveness of the food processor. The MSU Product Center can assist you with this process and quote you the fee associated with your product(s).”

Tinctures are substances made by dissolving a product, such as an herb, into alcohol and designed to be ingested. This is similar to a flavoring extract, such as vanilla, but tinctures typically advertise health claims and information about the dose to be consumed directly. Tinctures are not allowed to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

If you make any health claims or offer dosage information, the product may be considered a dietary supplement.

According to MDARD, “Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs that claim to promote wellness. Dietary supplements are classified as food in the Michigan Food Law. That means firms must obtain a food establishment license in order to manufacture, hold, pack, label, distribute, or sell dietary supplement products.”