New York's Home Processor exemption (20 NYCRR §276.2) lets residents make and sell low-risk shelf-stable foods from home kitchens after a free registration with the NY Department of Agriculture & Markets. Ulster County adds no additional cottage-food license.
Under the NY Ag & Markets Home Processor Exemption, residents may produce and sell: baked goods without custard or cream fillings, candy, jams/jellies/marmalades, snack items (granola, popcorn, roasted coffee), dried spice blends, and certain dehydrated vegetables. Acidified foods (pickles), meat/poultry/fish, and any temperature-controlled items are NOT allowed. Producers must register (free) with the Department's Division of Food Safety & Inspection, label products with name/address/ingredients/allergens, and may sell at farmers' markets, retail stores, online, and directly to consumers. Ulster County has a vibrant farmers' market scene (Kingston, New Paltz, Woodstock, Saugerties) where home processors routinely sell. No county permit is required, but local zoning must allow the home-occupation activity.
Operating outside the Home Processor exemption (e.g., selling prohibited items) or without registration: NY Ag & Markets enforcement, stop-sale orders, $200-$1,000 fines per violation, and potential seizure of product.
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See how Ulster County's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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