Michigan direct-to-consumer compliance guide, 2026

Fruits

Whole, uncut fresh fruit sells license-free; anything cut, canned or juiced follows another path.

Farm Exempt (Whole, Uncut)

YesWhat's covered

  • Whole, uncut fresh fruit at roadside stands, farm markets and farmers markets
  • Whole and sliced dehydrated fruit under the cottage exemption
  • Fruit jams and jellies in glass jars (see Preserves)
  • Baked fruit pies and pastries under the cottage exemption

NoNeeds a different path

  • Cut, washed or ready-to-eat fruit: MDARD license needed
  • Canned fruit and fruit butters
  • Dehydrated or cut melon
  • Fruit juice or cider: licensed facility (see Beverages)

Three compliance steps

  1. A

    Sell whole and uncut

    MDARD exempts produce stands selling only whole, uncut, fresh fruits and vegetables. A license would be needed for storing the food product.

  2. B

    Move processed fruit to the right path

    Dehydrated fruit and baked pies are cottage foods. Cut fruit, canned fruit and juice need a licensed facility.

  3. C

    Follow federal produce safety rules

    Farms above the FDA produce safety rule thresholds must comply with 21 CFR 112 unless a qualified exemption applies; check your size and sales.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Whole fresh fruitNo food establishment license for uncut produce standsMDARD
Cut or ready-to-eat fruitLicense required at a base facilityMDARD
Dehydrated fruitCottage allowed; not melonMDARD
Canned fruitNot allowed as cottage foodMDARD
Farm produce safety21 CFR 112 applies unless exempt or qualified exemptFDA
Sales taxUnprepared fruit exemptMI Treasury

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell cut apples at the market?

Not under the produce exemption. Cut fruit needs a licensed base facility.

Do I need a license to store produce?

MDARD notes a license would be required for storage of the food product.

Can I sell fruit trees?

That is a plant sale. See Plants & Flowers for the nursery license.

Printable checklist