Maryland direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Fruits
Fresh whole fruit from the farm
Farm Exempt (Raw Produce)0State license for raw fruit
FSMAProduce Safety Rule scope
CutCut fruit is prepared food
ExemptRaw whole food sales tax
What is covered
YESCovered by this path
- Whole raw fruit grown on your farm
- Sales at farmers markets and farm stands
- Sales to consumers
NONeeds a different path
- Cut, peeled or packaged fruit
- Fruit sold as juice
- Fruit from other farms sold as your own
Three compliance steps
ACheck FSMA
Very small farms are outside the rule; qualified-exempt farms follow modified requirements
BWash and handle
Use potable water and clean containers to avoid contamination
CDescribe honestly
Label origin and variety accurately
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|
| Whole fruit | No state license for farm sales | MDA |
| Cut fruit | Prepared food; licensed facility | MDH |
| Juice | Licensed facility | MDH |
| FSMA | Very small farms outside the rule | FDA |
| Labels | Not required for raw whole fruit | FDA |
FAQ
Do I need a license to sell apples?
The sources reviewed show none for raw whole fruit; confirm local market rules.
Can I sell cut fruit?
Not under cottage law.
Does FSMA apply?
Depends on size and sales volume.
Checklist