Farm Market/Stand
May 17, 2024 - Mary Morris-Donaldson
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Key Information
According to the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) as developed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD):
A farm market is a year-round or seasonal location where transactions and marketing activities between farm market operators and customers take place. A farm market may be a physical structure such as a building or tent, or simply an area where a transaction between a customer and a farmer is made. The farm market does not have to be a physical structure. The farm market must be located on property owned or controlled (e.g., leased) by the producer of the products offered for sale at the market. Fresh products as well as processed products may be sold at the farm market.
In Michigan, farm markets (and/or farm stands) are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act, need licensing and regulations by MDARD, and may require inspection by local health departments depending on what food products are being sold.
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
- Local Health Department
Articles
- Michigan Ranks Second in Local Farm Direct Sales
- Moving Farm Sales Online: The Wide-world of Web-based Platforms
- Beginning Farmers, We’ve Got News for You!
- Educational Session Recordings for Beginning Farmers Now Available from MI Ag Ideas to Grow With
Fact Sheets
- Michigan Farm Produce Safety MapBulletin E-3424 Marketing Fresh Produce via Direct to Consumer and Intermediated Markets
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).
