Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables sold by the grower.
Farm Exempt$25,000Produce Safety Rule: farms at or below are not covered
$500,000Qualified exemption ceiling
0Food handler license for whole raw vegetables
0%Sales tax on fresh vegetables
What is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Whole raw vegetables you grow, sold direct or at markets
- Washed root crops, greens, and tomatoes
- Vegetable starts (not nursery stock)
Needs a different path
- Cut, peeled, or bagged salad mixes (license needed)
- Sprouts and microgreens sold as ready-to-eat without review
- Pickles and sauces (see Canned Goods and Preserves)
Three compliance steps
A
Know your Produce Safety Rule status
Farms averaging $25,000 or less in produce sales are not covered. Under $500,000 you may qualify for an exemption with records.
B
Harvest and handle cleanly
Use clean water, clean containers, and worker hygiene. Wash only with safe water.
C
Sell with the right scale and signage
Use legal-for-trade scales for sales by weight. Fresh vegetables are exempt from sales tax.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Producers selling their own farm or garden product are generally excluded | MDA |
| Produce Safety Rule | Not covered at or under $25,000; qualified exemption under $500,000 | MDA, FDA |
| Cut or bagged mixes | Licensed processor required | MDA |
| Scales | Legal for trade for weight sales | MN Commerce |
| Sales tax | Fresh vegetables are exempt food | MN Revenue |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to sell sweet corn?
MDA says producers selling their own farm product are generally excluded from licensing.
Can I sell washed and cut carrots?
No. Cutting is processing and needs a licensed facility.
Do I need Produce Safety training?
If you are covered or claim a qualified exemption, MDA’s Produce Safety Program can confirm.
Printable checklist
- Confirm Produce Safety Rule status
- Own-farm produce only
- Legal-for-trade scale
- Clean harvest water and containers
- No cutting or bagging without a license
Scale authority (Commerce) and dollar thresholds follow federal and state guidance; not re-read on the MDA page.