Resources

Looking to Break into the Farmers Market Biz?

We're not the ultimate authority on safe food handling procedures, but we know the people who are. We also know a lot of people who in tune with the latest in farmers market trends. We're happy to share what we know -- here's a start.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus COVID-19
- Resuming Business Toolkit

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety During Emergencies
- Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Charles County Economic Development
- Farms & Agriculture
- Starting & Growing Your Business

Small Business Development Center, Southern Region (College of Southern Maryland, La Plata)

Maryland Department of Health Office of Food Protection
- Cottage Foods
  - Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions (02/2020)
  - Frostings and Icings (02/2020)
  - Guidelines for Cottage Food Businesses (Revised 06/2021) Updated link!
  - Allowable Foods (02/23/2021/Under Revision)
  - Foods Not Allowed (02/23/2021/Under Revision)
  - Cottage Food Business Request form
  - Cottage Food Business Checklist for Retail Food Sales (Revised 07/2021)
  - Cottage Food Business Labeling Guide
- Center for Facility and Process Review (includes guidance for all processing (wholesale) operations in the State, including on-farm home processing, shellfish plants, crab meat plants, canneries, food manufacturing plants, frozen food plants, ice manufacturing plants, confectionery plants, food warehouses, soft drink, and water bottling plants)
  - Processing and Selling Value Added Food Products in Maryland (11/2019)
- Center for Food Processing

State of Maryland Farmer's Market Information

Grow & Fortify Value-Added Agriculture Regulatory Resource Hub
- What Do You Need to Know to Get Started?

University of Maryland Extension - Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center
- Entrepreneurial Coaching
- Food Processing Specialty Module