Cottage Food Operators Association of America TM

The Cottage Food Industry is defined as a system beginning with the growing of crops to the making of products for sale in which people work in their own homes and use their own equipment. Cottage Foods are not licensed or regulated since the products are non-potentially hazardous for consumption. 

 

Although an historic business of home crafts and food products until the 1930's, the cottage industry has re-emerged with the passage of laws, currently in forty-three states, allowing individual operators to again produce safe products in their home kitchens and then sell at venues such as farmers' markets, agricultural-supported events, and farm stands. 

 

The NEW cottage food industry is still in an evolving industry with different laws in each state. Although this industry continues to grow, most people are still unaware of the opportunities, benefits and conveniences of Cottage Foods. Consumers however are continually be educated and demanding to know where their food comes from - a positive for the home based food business - since the consumer interacts directly with the person that produced the product. 

 

CFOAA applauds state and local organizations expanding the products and services of cottage food operators and encourages continued action through their tireless efforts for safe food and an alternative to commercially produced product. 

 

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