If you're in Michigan, the Governor has signed new legislation into law making it legal to turn a profit on the foods you are making, just trying to be better at keeping it local and keeping it fresh!
Have you taken up canning lately because you've been getting more and more info on "sustainable foods", learning what grows in your area and storing for Winter?
I have and found out I have a talent for raspberry jam that frankly even surprised my own mother.
Or maybe your mom taught you to bake pies, or how to wrap something delicious in a phillo dough.
Well if you've found yourself wishing you could do more than store the canned goods, baked goods and homegrown bounty you find yourself with now that you've become sustainable conscious ... Michigan might be the place for you!
The new measures will allow people to sell their goods publicly at farmers markets, roadside stands, county fairs, flea markets and festivals without a state Department of Agriculture license. An individual residence could make up to $15,000 gross annually from such sales, which could help some families with good bakers and cooks make ends meet or spur the creation of entrepreneurs.
(Michigan Governor, Jennifer) Granholm is to sign the bills during a ceremony at 12:45 p.m. today at the Growing Hope Center in Ypsilanti, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said. They will take effect immediately.
"The legislation will promote the production and sale of Michigan-made food products and promote Michigan agriculture," she said. "It will be a boost to small- and medium-size farms, farmers markets and entrepreneurs throughout the state."
This is huge news for local farmers whose best customers are the kinds of people who can now profit from buying their great produce. And it's wonderful news to people who have learned how easy it is to make your foods and candies and store them, and how it feels when a neighbor or loved one enjoys your gift for goodness.
It's horrible news for the Swansons, the Birds Eyes, and the Del Montes. Oh well, they didn't come to Billy's graduation party anyway..
Hey, you gonna eat that?
No? Well, here I'll give ya $5 for a pack of those!