Hi,
I have been doing some research into starting a micro green farm and have ran into some different recommendations online involving selling microg...
Knowledgebase
Selling Microgreens Commercially #679612
Asked January 29, 2021, 4:04 PM EST
Hi,
I have been doing some research into starting a micro green farm and have ran into some different recommendations online involving selling microgreens. I currently grow microgreens on a small scale and sell to family and friends, however I am looking to expand my operation. Where I am running into issues is when I look to see if I need to be licensed to sell them at farmer's market or at retail locations. From my understanding any uncut green can be sold at a farmer's market under the Cottage Law in Michigan. When comparing microgreens to lettuce, they are cut from the root similar to lettuce but lettuce is able to be sold as long as there is not more processing done. Is this correct? Do microgreens fall under the same umbrella as lettuces and work similarly? Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
Clinton CountyMichigan
Expert Response
Microgreens, just trimmed from the root, can be sold without a license as they are considered produce and it’s not a cottage food item.
If you were to purchase greens from someone else to resell or make those greens into a salad, then you would need to be licensed. And sometimes people confuse sprouts as microgreens and sprouts need to be licensed since there are so many pathogen issues with the seeds.
I asked an MDA Inspector for her answers to this. They are the ones that are closest to the law and making decisions when reviewing a complaint or a licensing.