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January 12, 2024

Media Contact:
Chase Cook, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649

Maryland Department of Health announces free virtual Cottage Foods Business workshop in 2024
Online training will provide industry guideline updates and tips to start and grow a business

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health today announced a free virtual Cottage Food Business workshop, to be held in partnership with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission on February 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

The Cottage Foods Business Workshop  - Basics, Next Steps & Beyond free online training will provide an overview of Maryland’s cottage food law and regulations and build upon information covered during the 2023 workshop. Participants will learn the definition of a cottage food business, the types of products that can be sold, labeling requirements, and approved ways to sell products at a retail food store. The workshop will also present steps for growing a cottage food business. 

Participants will receive handouts and links to the latest Maryland Department of Health Cottage Food resources and guidelines. Established cottage food businesses, farmers market managers, and on-farm store and stand vendors, retail food stores and anyone considering starting a home-based food business are encouraged to participate. 

Interested participants can register here

This workshop is made possible by the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Food Protection, in partnership with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. 

For information about the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, visit www.SMADC.com

To learn more about Maryland’s cottage food industry, visit the Maryland Department of Health Office of Food Protection.​

​​Save the Date: February 22, 2024. MDH Cottage Foods Business Workshop - Basics, Next Steps and Beyond. Live Webinar Event 

Virtual Cottage Food Workshop, presented by Maryland Department of Health in partnership with Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. February 22, 2024, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Register here.


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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. 

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