Value-added Products and Cottage Food

Adding value to farm products is one potential way to increase farm income. For example, some urban farmers sell dried herbs, jams, jellies, pickles and other products. Californians can now produce some low-risk items in their home kitchens, thanks to a recent law, AB 1616-Food Safety: Cottage Food Operations, passed in 2012. It’s important to check in with your county’s public health department to find out how cottage food operators are certified in your county, but general guidelines for California are available here. For food items not covered by this law, it may be necessary to seek out a licensed commercial kitchen. Space at or occasional use of commercial kitchens is sometimes available for rent. Non-food items are generally subject to fewer restrictions.

UCCE

Cottage Foods

UC Small Farm Program

Adding Value Web Links

UC ANR

Farmstead and Artisan Cheeses: A Guide to Building a Business - Publication 3522 (for purchase)

CA Dept. of Public Health

Cottage Food Operations

NCAT