Regulations | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: July 27, 2021

Regulations and Insurance Requirements

Regulations and Insurance Requirements is part of the Maryland Retail Products Producer Program. This section will provide information about food processing regulations, food safety, and regulatory requirements, pest control, food venture insurance coverage.

Updated: July 19, 2021

Horse Boarding Enterprise

If you’re looking for something that is predictable and never varies from day to day, do not get involved with horses! When horses are involved, you will never have a “normal” day again.

Updated: July 16, 2021

Rules for Specific Foods

Food processing regulations are specific to each type of food. Different agencies regulate different types of food. Different food processing facilities may be restricted to producing only certain types of food. For example, processing regulations differ for perishable and non-perishable foods. Processing regulations differ for hazardous and non-hazardous foods.

Updated: June 8, 2021

To Weigh or Not to Weigh

I recently took a call from a vegetable producer who operates a roadside stand. He was selling very large tomatoes and was having trouble pricing them. His standard sales method was to fill a quart container with tomatoes and price them by the container. But he found these large tomatoes didn’t work well in his model. I suggested selling them by the piece or better yet, by the pound. He was reluctant to use a scale because it took time to weigh the veggies and then calculate the price. Also, he didn’t want to have to make exact change.

Updated: June 7, 2021

Market Season-Ready, Set, Sell

Despite the colder temps and slow start to the growing season, farmers markets, roadside stands and on-farm markets, need to get ready for sunnier days and the first flush of customers looking for fresh local produce, fruits, and other locally produced foods.

Customer purchasing an apple at a farmer's market

Updated: February 19, 2021

Processing for Profits

Processing For Profits-An Assessment tool and guide for small-scale on-farm food processors This publication addresses product development, manufacturing, understanding the food safety system, labeling, acidified food, FAQs about Maryland’s food regulations, specific Maryland processed farm products, business planning, and marketing for specialty food producers and processors. Any producer interested in the potential and pitfalls of on-farm and value-added food processing will find this new resource helpful in their planning and implementation process.

Updated: February 17, 2021

Licenses and Regulation Updates for Farmers Marketing Value-Added Products Directly to Consumers

While some farmers now market their valued-added products year round, for many, late spring signals the start of the new market season in earnest. With so many more value-added products showing up at markets now, it’s good to get the necessary paperwork and required licenses before opening day.

Farmer passing over a paper bag full of produce to a customer at a farmer's market

Updated: February 12, 2021

Marketing Farm Raised Meats Module

Are you a small livestock farmer in Maryland wanting to capitalize on your urban location and strong demand for locally produced meats? If so, this web module, Farm to Table Marketing Model for Small Farm Meat Producers, was created specifically for you. This module delivers educational materials developed for several training sessions by educators and professionals who are highly knowledgeable and who are presently engaged in Farm-to-Table production and marketing.

Updated: January 21, 2021

Maryland Niche Meats & Poultry Producers Directory (EB-402)

The Maryland Niche Meats & Poultry Producers Directory was developed jointly by the Maryland Niche Meat and Poultry Working Group and the Ag Marketing Program of University of Maryland Extension. This directory serves as a way to connect buyers, consumers, producers and market masters to fresh, high-quality farm-raised meats from Maryland producers. For ease of aggregating suppliers, this directory has been organized by product, though many producers offer multiple products. USDA on listing only applies to Beef, Bison, Chevon, Lamb, and Pork.

Updated: January 20, 2021

Launching a Cottage Food Business In Maryland

The Cottage Food Industry Law of 2012 in Maryland opened the door for small-scale food entrepreneurs to launch a food business without investing in a commercial kitchen. The change in Maryland’s regulations allows individuals to prepare certain types of food items in their home kitchen. This report outlines the parameters of the Maryland Cottage Food Industry Law, including production and labeling requirements. The report also provides detailed information on approved cottage industry products, the requirements for selling them through various outlets, and regulations regarding limits on revenues and sales.