UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County

Direct Sales on the Farm

On this Page 

  • Introduction

  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

  • On-Site Sales

  • Farmstands

  • Small Farm Retail Sales Facility

  • At-Home Food Sales

  • Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)

Introduction 

See Permit Sonoma’s On-Site Agricultural Sales page. 

In general, if you want to conduct direct sales, you will need a permit from Environmental Health or Permit Sonoma. 

The following table summarizes the permitting requirements for each type of retail activity. 

Please note the following abbreviations for agricultural zoning codes: 

  • AR: Agriculture & Residential 

  • DA: Diversified Agriculture 

  • LIA: Land Intensive Agriculture 

  • LEA: Land Extensive Agriculture 

  • RRD: Resources & Rural Development  

  • RR: Rural Residential 

Retail Activity 

Permit required? 

Requirements 

Zones 

Community Supported Agriculture 

No 

N/A 

LIA, LEA, DA, RRD, AR 

Farmstands (including U-Pick operations) (Sec. 26-18-150) 

 

Yes - Environmental Health 

 

LIA, LEA, DA, RRD 

Small Farm Retail Sales Facility 

Yes - Permit Sonoma 

Yes, see permitting page 

LIA, LEA, DA, RRD, AR 

Cottage Foods (Sec. 26-24-100.) 

Yes - Environmental Health 

Yes 

All zones with onsite residence 

Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchens (Sec. 14-3-070.) 

Yes - Environmental Health 

Yes 

 

Learn more about Cottage Food Operations and Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) permits, check out our page on Processing on the Farm and Value-Added Products! 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community supported agriculture (CSA) allows farmers to sell directly to consumers who support their farming operations. Most CSAs use a membership or subscription model to connect with customers. If you are on agriculturally zoned land, you do not need any additional zoning/building permits to start a CSA program with your produce. 

CSA operations are required to meet the requirements established by the Food Safety Modernization Act and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. 

On-Site Sales 

For on-site sales, there are two types of permits focused on agricultural retail: Farmstands and Small-Scale Retail Sales Facility permits. Below is a table summarizing the basic differences between these two types of operations. For further clarification, visit Permit Sonoma’s page on Small-scale Onsite Agricultural Sales! 

Permit Requirements 

Farm Stand (Sec. 26-18-150.) 

Small-Scale Farm Retail Sales (Sec. 26-88-215.) 

Duration 

Less than 180 days of operation per year 

Year-round 

Source of Products 

Only processed or unprocessed products grown on site 

Only processed or unprocessed products grown on site or other lands owned/leased by the farmer 

Type of Products 

Unprocessed produce, eggs and honey, Cottage Foods, shelf-stable processed products 

Unprocessed produce, eggs and honey, Cottage Foods, shelf-stable processed products, other prepackaged food requiring refrigeration (eg meat and dairy) 

Hours of Operation 

N/A 

10:00am - 6:00pm, 7 days per week 

Allowed Promotional Activities 

U-Pick only 

Educational tours, U-Pick, etc.  

Restrooms + Handwash Facilities 

Not required for produce only farmstands 

As required by California Building Code 

Farmstands 

Farmstands are an area for temporary or seasonal sales of your farm’s produce. You are also allowed to sell any value-added products that are made from your crops. 

Farmstands cannot operate for more than 180 days out of the year. If you plan to sell your products for more than 180 days a year, you will need to apply for a Small Farm Retail Sales Facility permit. You are not allowed to give out free samples at a Farmstand. 

These permits require compliance with state building code and accessibility. 

Small-Scale Farm Retail Sales Facility 

Learn how to apply for a small-scale farm retail sales facility here. 

A Small Farm Retail Sales Facility allows you to sell direct to consumers all year long, including pre-packaged and value-added goods. This permit does not allow you to offer samples to customers.  

These permits require compliance with state building code and accessibility. 

At-Home Food Sales 

Cottage Food Operations 

Learn how to apply for a cottage food operation permit here. 

Cottage Food Operations allow you to sell certain non-perishable, pre-packaged foods to consumers. You can sell your products directly from your home or at community events. If you plan to sell at community events, you may need additional permitting.  

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)

Selling at Events 

Community Events 

If you want to sell at a community event as a vendor, the event organizer will let you know if you need a temporary food facility permit.  

If you are hosting an event with 2 or more food vendors, it is your responsibility to ensure all vendors submit a temporary food facility permit. 

Farmer’s Markets 

For more information on selling at a Certified Farmer’s Market, you will need a Certified Producer Certificate.  

If you are selling processed food (Cottage Food, Small-Scale Agricultural Processing, etc.), you will need a temporary food facility permit as well. 

Last updated summer 2026