It’s not every day that a bill opens the door to entrepreneurship from your own kitchen, but Georgia just did it. I’m excited to share that the General Assembly passed House Bill 398, and the governor recently signed it. This new cottage food law in Georgia gives home-based food businesses more room to grow, and that’s good news for our rural economy.
What the New Cottage Food Law in Georgia Means
Until now, Georgia’s cottage food operators could only sell directly to consumers. That meant transactions had to happen face-to-face – at a farmers’ market, from their home, or at a local event. While that worked for some, it limited opportunities for others who were ready to scale up.
House Bill 398 allows cottage food producers to sell their products through third-party retailers. That includes small grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Operators must still follow all safety and labeling requirements, but now they have access to more potential customers.
This law protects food safety for the public while giving small businesses room to grow. This is especially the case in rural areas where startup costs can be a barrier and shared commercial kitchens are scarce. It’s a big win for local entrepreneurs.
What Is and Is Not Cottage Food?
The term “cottage food” refers to food made in a home kitchen, not a commercial one. These products must be non-potentially hazardous, meaning they don’t require refrigeration.
Examples of cottage food include:
- Baked goods like cookies, bread, and muffins
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Candies and dried fruits
- Spice blends and snack mixes
Cottage food does NOT include:
- Meat, poultry, or dairy products
- Anything that must be kept cold, like cheesecakes or cream pies
- Pickled vegetables or low-acid canned items
Cottage food operators must complete a food safety training course and label products clearly. Information regarding Georgia’s cottage food program may be found at the Department of Agriculture’s site.
Cottage Food Entrepreneurs Represent the Best of Georgia
As a former teacher and now a small business owner myself, I know that some of the best ideas start small – sometimes around the kitchen table. Cottage food operators are often moms, dads, grandparents, or young entrepreneurs taking a chance on a family recipe. They’re building something meaningful with just a few tools, a lot of heart, and a little counter space.
These small-scale entrepreneurs:
- Invest their own time and money into ingredients, packaging, and permits;
- Learn to price, market, and improve their products through trial and error; and
- Often juggle other jobs or family responsibilities while pursuing their passion.
This new cottage food law in Georgia recognizes the value of that work. It says we believe in them. More importantly, it says we want them to grow.
It also opens more ways to keep dollars local. When someone from Vidalia or Alamo can sell homemade products at the corner grocery store, that helps build stronger communities. Finding out whether or not a product is appealing to a larger market could lead to the business owner deciding to expand and create jobs.
Working Together for Small Business Wins
I’m especially grateful to Tony West at Georgia Americans for Prosperity and Katherine Russell at the Georgia Department of Agriculture for their partnership on this bill. Their expertise, guidance, and persistence helped make this win possible.
House Bill 398 is proof that when state leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs work together, we can create real, meaningful change. Rural development is my priority, and I’ll keep working to cut red tape, expand opportunity, and support the creative, hardworking people who make our communities thrive. Read about other new Georgia laws here.