What is covered and what needs another path
Covered
- Whole raw fruit sold from your own farm
- Sales at farmers markets
- Fruit sold direct to consumers
Needs a different path
- Cut, peeled or packaged fruit cups
- Juice or dried fruit as a farm product
- Fruit from other farms sold as your own
Three compliance steps
A
Confirm produce rule status
Farms with small produce sales are generally outside the FDA Produce Safety Rule. Check your numbers.
B
Sell whole only
Processing moves you to a food-processing path.
C
Handle tax
Unprepared groceries are generally exempt from the 5% state rate; local rates can still apply.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Whole fresh fruit | Generally no state processing license | LDAF / LDH |
| Cut fruit | Processed food path | LDH |
| Produce rule | Small farms may be outside coverage | FDA |
| Sales tax | State exempt for groceries; local may apply | LDR |
FAQ
Do I need a license to sell whole fruit?
Generally not for raw whole produce, but check local market rules.
Can I sell jam?
Jam is a separate path; see the Preserves guide.
Checklist
- Fruit is whole and raw
- Produce rule checked
- Market rules confirmed
- Records of source
- Tax checked
- Labels if packaged