Microgreens, Herbs & Edible Flowers
January 31, 2024 - Mary Morris-Donaldson
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Key Information
A Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) license or inspection is not required if the leaves of the microgreen, herb, or edible flower:
- are not processed in any way after the first harvest cut
- the remain intact and undamaged when de-stemming
- sales are under $25,000 per year
Regulatory Body and Contact Information
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD): (800) 292-3939
Helpful Links
- MSU Extension
- MSU Product Center
- Call the MSU Extension Food Safety Hotline at (877) 643-9882
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD): Microgreens, herbs, and edible flowers
- Microgreens – what do growers need to know?
Articles
- Edible flowers: Adding color, flavor and fun to your dinner plate
- Four edible flowers
- Making It In Michigan: 1st Micro Greenery
Important Note
All food and beverage products (even similar items) may have different regulations depending on what ingredients are used, the location or facility in which it is being produced, the packaging materials used, the distribution or shipping methods, as well as a variety of others. Licensing and regulation for food and beverage production in Michigan is administered by Local Health Departments, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local zoning regulations, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
To guide you through the process of launching your food or beverage business, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center is an organization that brings together on-campus expertise in the sectors of food, agriculture, and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define and launch innovative products. Field-based innovation counselors advise entrepreneurs on a variety of services, including business planning, packaging and labeling rules, licensing and regulatory requirements, marketing, branding, distribution, product testing, and other product development needs.
To access business development assistance from the MSU Product Center, select "Become a Client Seminars" on the MSU Product Center homepage. Once you register and attend an introductory seminar, you can make the decision to register as a client. There is $100 application fee to join, which grants clients access to an innovation counselor. We ask that all clients sign a confidentiality agreement to protect confidential information.
If you have specific questions about how your product will be regulated, you may reach out to your Local Health Department or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
