House Agriculture Committee hears testimony on bills to modernize Michigan cottage food law; sponsors propose higher sales cap, online sales and optional MSU-BC

Lansing — The Michigan House Agriculture Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4122 and companion language on House Bill 4245 to update the state’s cottage food law, including proposals to raise the gross annual sales cap, allow online and mail sales and create an optional registration through Michigan State University’s Product Center.

Representative Alexander, introducing HB 4122, told the committee the bill would raise the gross-sales cap for cottage food operations from $25,000 to $50,000 and set a higher $75,000 cap for individual products priced $250 or more, with the overall cap tied to the Detroit consumer price index so it adjusts for inflation. The bill would explicitly allow online sales, mail orders and third-party delivery platforms while preserving a requirement that the consumer have direct interaction with the producer — either in person or virtually — before purchase. The bill would also create an optional registration system administered by the MSU Product Center so producers could list a registration number on…