Produce
January 31, 2024 - Mary Morris-Donaldson
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Key Information
Whole fresh fruit and/or vegetables that have not been cut do not require a license to be sold to consumers. When selling whole fresh fruit and/or vegetables, you should follow Good Agricultural Practices. Farms with sales at or above $25K are eligible for and will get a food safety inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by 2026.
Processing vegetables in any way, such as cutting, canning, freezing, etc. will usually require a license issued by MDARD.
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 (87) 643-9882
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD): Produce
- Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Audits
- Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety
- Fresh Systems GroupGap
Articles
- Farmers markets: Everything you need to know to sell your prepared food this farmers market season
- Getting ready for market: Part 1
- Farm to Institution Food Safety Basics
Fact Sheets
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 staff, select the “Become a Client” button on the MSU Product Center website. There is a $100 application fee to join, which grants clients access to unlimited counseling hours. We also ask that clients sign a confidentiality agreement to protect their 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).
