New York Cottage Food Law: What Changed in 2022
New York's cottage food law has expanded significantly since it was first enacted. The current framework allows home-based food sales up to $20,000 gross per year with mandatory state registration through the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. New York is a Tier 2 state — registration is required before your first sale, but there is no home kitchen inspection.
New York City sellers face an additional layer: NYC has its own local health rules that may add requirements beyond state law. If you are in any of the five boroughs, confirm with the NYC Department of Health in addition to the state.
How to Register in New York
- Go to the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets website
- Complete the Home Processor registration form
- Submit to the Division of Food Safety and Inspection
- Registration is typically approved within 2-4 weeks
- Keep your registration certificate — markets and events will ask for it
If you are located in New York City (any of the 5 boroughs), the NYC Department of Health has jurisdiction over food businesses operating within city limits. Contact them separately from state registration. NYC cottage food rules may be more restrictive than state law.
What You Can Sell in New York
- Baked goods — cookies, cakes (no custard/cream), breads, muffins, scones, brownies
- Candy — fudge, brittles, hard candy, toffee, chocolate bark
- Jams, jellies, preserves — high-acid, high-sugar shelf-stable
- Granola, trail mix, cereal
- Roasted nuts
- Dried herbs and spices
- Honey (New York has a separate beekeeper exemption)
New York also has a popular maple syrup producer exemption — a separate framework with different rules for maple product sellers. If you make maple products, look into the maple producer exemption specifically.
Not permitted: Anything requiring refrigeration, canned low-acid vegetables, meat products, cheese or fresh dairy, juices.
New York Cottage Food Label Requirements
"THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT INSPECTED BY THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS."
Additional required fields: producer full name, home address, product name, ingredient list (descending by weight), net weight/volume, allergen disclosure.
Farmers Markets in New York
New York has a strong farmers market culture, especially in the New York City metro area, Hudson Valley, and upstate markets. Key markets accepting cottage food vendors:
- GrowNYC Greenmarkets (75+ locations around NYC) — significant vendor screening process
- Ithaca Farmers Market — one of the most established markets in the Northeast
- Troy Waterfront Farmers Market
- Saratoga Springs Farmers Market
Upstate New York markets are generally easier for new cottage food vendors to enter. NYC Greenmarkets are competitive and have extensive application requirements — they often prioritize farms with direct agricultural connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes — New York requires Home Processor registration with the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets before your first sale. Registration is free and does not require a home inspection.
- Yes, but be prepared for a thorough application process. GrowNYC Greenmarkets have detailed vendor requirements. Additionally, if you are located in NYC, contact the NYC Department of Health about any local requirements that apply.
- Maple syrup and maple products have a separate exemption in New York. If you are a maple producer, look into the New York maple producer exemption specifically rather than the cottage food framework.
- State cottage food law allows home sales in New York. NYC adds local jurisdiction — contact the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for current local requirements for home-based food sales within city limits.
Official Source
New York Home Processor law: NY Agriculture and Markets Law §251-z. Administered by the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets.