Rep. Annette Glenn’s plan to help Michigan’s cottage food industry continues to make significant progress in the state Legislature.

The Senate Agriculture Committee approved Glenn’s legislation this week, sending it to the Senate floor for further consideration. The bills were approved by the Michigan House earlier this year.

“These much-needed updates to Michigan’s cottage food laws will help small family businesses thrive across our state,” said Glenn, R-Midland. “Especially in this era of runaway inflation, we’ve got to help people put a little more money in their pockets as they work to make ends meet and build a brighter future for their families.”

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 – typically one-person operations based in home kitchens. It applies to baked cooks, jams, jellies and other food products that do not require time and temperature controls for food safety. Items are often sold at farmer’s markets, church bazaars and other locations.

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.

Glenn’s proposals would raise the annual sales cap for cottage food businesses 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.

The legislation is House Bills 5704 and 5671.

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