Hi there,

First off, mark April 22nd on your calendar. I've asked Sari Kimbell to put together a workshop about all of her insider tips for selling at farmers markets (and events) to make more sales. I've reviewed the content and it's amazing... you won't want to miss it! More details coming soon.


A month ago, I sent you an email about this year's cottage food bills. But I now have updates!

In that email, I shared that 10 states have initiated a cottage food bill this year.

There are now 9 more states on the map. And those are:

• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• South Dakota

AND in just the past month, four of those bills have already passed! Those are:

Indiana HB 1149
Massively improves their cottage food law. Previously, sales were only allowed at farmers markets and roadside stands. When this bill goes into effect in July, all direct sales will be allowed, including online sales and in-state shipping.

South Dakota HB 1322
Greatly expands the types of foods that can be sold. Previously, the cottage food law only allowed a specific list of nonperishable foods. When this bill goes into effect in July, all nonperishable foods will be allowed. Also, acidified foods, fermented foods, and some perishable foods will be allowed if certain requirements are met.

Missouri HB 1697
Will remove the $50k sales limit and allow online sales within the state. The governor still needs to sign the bill, and assuming he does, it will go into effect at the end of August.

Tennessee HB 813
Will allow indirect sales of nonperishable foods and prevent local governments from regulating cottage food producers. The governor still needs to sign the bill, and assuming he does, it will go into effect in July.


Notably, if Iowa's bill (HF 2394) is passed in its current form, it would become the best cottage food law in the nation. I suspect that it will need to get amended in order to pass.

Unfortunately, three bills have already failed: Washington HB 1685, Mississippi HB 814, & Florida HB 707. Ironically, Washington & Mississippi had two of the least ambitious bills this year, and they continue to have some of the worst cottage food laws in the nation. Florida's effort to pass a micro-restaurant law (similar to CA & UT's laws) didn't gain much steam.

Also, Louisiana initially introduced HB 343, which would have raised the sales limit from $25k to $50k. That bill has been replaced with HB 828, which would raise the limit to $100k.


So far, 19 states have introduced bills this year to improve their laws for selling homemade food. That's not quite as many as last year (which would be hard to beat), but it's still far more activity than we saw in pre-pandemic years.

It's looking to be another great year for the cottage food industry!

Until next week,
David