Greensboro, NC Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

North Carolina does not have a traditional cottage food exemption with a dollar cap. Instead, the state operates a Home Processor program through the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Food and Drug Protection Division. Greensboro residents who wish to sell homemade food must submit an application to NCDA and CS that includes a detailed business plan covering ingredients, production methods, storage, transportation, and sales locations. A mandatory home kitchen inspection must be passed before any sales begin. There is no application fee from the state, but lab testing for acidified products such as pickles, salsas, and sauces can cost between 150 and 500 dollars. Allowed products include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried herbs, granola, popcorn, honey, and other shelf-stable non-potentially hazardous foods. Acidified foods require pH testing from an approved laboratory. There is no annual sales limit once approved, and sales are permitted at farmers markets, retail stores, roadside stands, and online. All products must be labeled with the product name, business name and home address, ingredient list, and net weight. A significant restriction is that no pets or animals may enter the home at any time if operating as a home processor. Within Greensboro, home food production must also comply with the home occupation standards of LDO Section 30-8-11.5, meaning no external signage, no alteration of residential character, and a city business permit under Chapter 13 is required.