Rock County, WI Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- Baked goods
- No license, direct to consumer
- Legal basis (baked)
- 2017 Kivirist ruling
- Pickle bill cap
- $5,000 per year
- Pickle bill foods
- pH 4.6 or lower
- Allowed venues
- Farmers'/community events only
Summary
Wisconsin lets home producers sell non-hazardous baked goods directly to consumers without a license (the 2017 Kivirist ruling), and sell home-canned high-acid pickles and preserves under the 'pickle bill' up to $5,000 a year at farmers' markets and community events.
A person is not required to obtain a license to sell at retail food products that the person prepares and cans at home if the food products are pickles or other processed vegetables or fruits with an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lower... and the person receives less than $5,000 per year from the sale of the food products.
Full Breakdown
Cottage food in Rock County follows Wisconsin state law administered by DATCP, not a county ordinance. Under the 2017 Lafayette County court ruling, home bakers may sell baked goods that are not potentially hazardous directly to consumers without a DATCP license; wholesale still requires licensing. Separately, the 'pickle bill' (Wis. Stat. 97.29) lets a person sell home-canned pickles or acidified/fermented fruits and vegetables with a pH of 4.6 or lower without a license, but only at community or social events, flea markets, or farmers' markets in Wisconsin, and only up to $5,000 per year. Labels must state the food was made in an uninspected private home and list ingredients and allergens.
Violations & Fines
Selling outside these exemptions (wholesale, online, out of state, or non-qualifying foods) without a retail food license is a DATCP violation and can require ceasing sales and obtaining licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell home-baked goods in Rock County without a license?
How much can I earn selling home-canned pickles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin home business overview
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