The cottage foods industry may sound small, but it represents a growing segment of Wisconsin’s local food economy, and right now, producers say it’s at a crossroads.
Cottage food makers are individuals who prepare food in their home kitchens and sell directly to consumers. In Wisconsin, current law only allows the sale of non-hazardous baked goods, limiting what many entrepreneurs can offer. According to Jobea Murray, president of the Wisconsin Cottage Food Association, the group was formed in 2021 amid a legal challenge aimed at expanding those rules.
“We were trying to expand out the sale of non-hazardous, non-baked items into Wisconsin,” Murray explained, pointing to products like Rice Krispie treats, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and truffles that are currently prohibited.
Now, the association is raising concerns about two identical bills moving through the Legislature. While the proposals would expand the types of foods allowed for sale, they would also cap cottage food revenue at $40,000 and introduce new registration requirements, classes, and home inspections for producers earning more than $10,000 annually.
Murray worries the added costs and regulations could do more harm than good. “With such a low revenue cap to have to invest time and money into registration, classes, and inspections is going to effectively decimate the industry,” Murray said, noting that $40,000 in revenue does not come close to a sustainable living wage once expenses are factored in.
Supporters of cottage foods argue the industry offers low barriers to entry, flexible income opportunities, and a way to build local, circular economies, especially in rural areas where shared kitchens and food-business support systems are scarce. As lawmakers debate the bills, cottage food advocates say education and awareness will be key to ensuring the industry can continue to grow and serve communities across Wisconsin.
Leave a Reply