# How to sell food at farmers markets.

To sell food at a farmers market, find out whether your product qualifies under your state's cottage food rules or needs a licensed kitchen, apply for any permits and a business license, plan labels, storage and handwashing, and ask the market what it requires. Rules are set by state and county, so check yours first.

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Find out what rules apply to your food.

Food rules are set by your state and often by your county or city health department. What you can sell, where you can make it and which permits you need depend on the type of food. Many states have cottage food laws that allow certain low-risk foods to be made at home. Foods that need refrigeration, meat, dairy and prepared meals are usually treated differently.

- Search your state's cottage food rules and your county health department's site.
- Ask the health department what permit applies to the exact food you plan to sell.
- See the guides at /permits for state and local pointers.

## Permits and registrations.

You may need a business license, a sales tax permit, a food handler card, a temporary or seasonal food permit, kitchen inspection and product labeling. Ask the market manager which documents they require on application and on the day.

- Keep copies of permits at your booth; inspectors can ask to see them.
- Keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file and reuse them across applications.

## Labels, storage and setup.

- Check what must be on your label, such as ingredients, allergens, your name and address, and any required statement.
- Keep cold food cold and hot food hot using coolers and thermometers if your food needs it.
- Provide handwashing, sampling rules and utensils as required.
- Protect food from sun, wind, bugs and handling by customers.

## Ask the market what it requires.

Markets can have rules beyond the law: insurance, product categories, producer-only requirements and cap limits. Ask early in your application, and ask if there are limits on competing products.

## Check the rules for your place.

This guide describes what to ask and check. It is not legal or tax advice. Confirm every requirement with your state and county health departments and the market.

## Questions

**How do I sell food at a farmers market?**

Check your state's cottage food rules, get required permits and licenses, label your products properly, set up safely and follow the market's vendor rules.

**Do I need a permit to sell baked goods at a farmers market?**

It depends on your state and county. Some allow certain baked goods under cottage food rules, others require a licensed kitchen. Check with your health department.

**What is a cottage food law?**

A state law that lets people make certain low-risk foods at home for sale, under conditions. The rules differ by state.

**Does the farmers market handle my permits?**

Sometimes the market holds a group permit, but usually you are responsible for yours. Ask the market manager.

**Do I need insurance to sell food?**

Many markets require liability insurance from vendors, and food sellers often face extra scrutiny. Ask the market what it requires.

## Related

- [Permits and licenses](https://bzar.app/permits)
- [How to start a food booth](https://bzar.app/guides/how-to-start-a-food-booth)
- [Vendor sales tax at markets](https://bzar.app/guides/vendor-sales-tax-at-markets)
- [Vendor insurance for markets](https://bzar.app/guides/vendor-insurance-for-markets)