Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Grains & Flour
Whole grains, milled flour, and dry baking mixes.
Cottage Food EligibleWhat is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Milled flour, cornmeal, and whole grains in sealed packages
- Dry baking mixes made from shelf-stable ingredients
- Sales in person at home, markets, and events
Needs a different path
- Grain sold for planting (MDA Seed Program)
- Grain sold as animal feed (commercial feed license)
- Shipping, wholesale, or sales over $78,000
Three compliance steps
Keep it dry and identify allergens
Flour and mixes are shelf stable when dry. Declare wheat and other allergens on every label.
Register with MDA
Register every year before selling. Sales of $7,665 or less: free Tier 1 with a yearly MDA training and exam. $7,666 to $78,000: $50 and an approved course every three years. The registration year runs April 1 to March 31.
Label it, post the sign, sell in person
Label each package with your name or business name, address or registration number, date produced, ingredients with allergens, and “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.” Post the same statement on a sign or your website. You or an employee must be present at the sale or delivery.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Sales cap | $78,000 gross per calendar year per registered person | MDA |
| Registration | Tier 1 free ($7,665 or less); Tier 2 $50 per year | MDA |
| Label | Name, address or reg. number, date, ingredients, allergens, homemade statement | MDA |
| Shipping | Human food may not be shipped now; MDA says allowed from Aug 1, 2027 | MDA |
| Seed grain | Seed law labeling and permit rules apply | MDA Seed Program |
| Sales tax | Grain and flour are exempt food | MN Revenue |
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell fresh-milled flour?
Yes under the cottage law if you register, label it, and sell in person.
Do I need a grain license?
Buying grain from producers needs an MDA grain buyer license; selling your own milled flour does not.
Can I sell to a bakery?
No. Cottage sales must go to the ultimate consumer.
Printable checklist
- Register or renew (April 1 to March 31 year)
- Finish the Tier 1 exam or Tier 2 course
- Post the homemade sign and web statement
- Track gross sales against $7,665 and $78,000
- Check city or township rules on home sales
- Allergens declared on label