The Michigan House today approved Rep. Annette Glenn’s plan to help the cottage food industry grow and thrive.

Glenn, R-Midland, has proposed several changes to help the small, single-person businesses typically operated from home kitchens. The legislative package she helps sponsor would increase the sales cap for cottage food operations, allow them to sell products via the internet and mail, and safeguard participants through an optional registration system.

The legislation – House Bills 5704 and 5671 – advances to the Senate for further consideration.

“What can we do to help these creative, hardworking entrepreneurs thrive? This legislation in an important step in the right direction,” Glenn said. “The goal is to help people start a business, stay in business, and grow their business. When we do that properly it helps everyone in our community.”

The cottage food industry provides an opportunity for people to explore or start a food business without having to establish or rent commercial kitchen space. It applies to baked goods, jams, jellies and other food products that do not require time and temperature controls for food safety.

Glenn researched the proposed changes to state law after being contacted by Midland’s Amanda Hamann, owner of a home-based company called Above Measure Cookies.

“One of the things I absolutely love about Michigan is our strong desire to support small businesses and the agricultural community, and to help our neighbors not only survive but thrive,” Hamann said.

The proposals approved by the House would raise the annual sales cap for cottage food business to $40,0000 – up from the current $25,000 – before commercial licensing requirements would kick in. The cap would rise after that based on inflation. The measures also would allow internet, mail or third-party delivery of sales after a customer is provided with the chance to directly interact with the business operator prior to purchase.

The legislation provides accountability in product labeling and registration without risking unwarranted privacy invasions. Sellers would be given the option of registering through the Michigan State University Product Center, including that information on product labels instead of home addresses.

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