Zulema Knievel, policy assistant, 402.687.2100, ext. 1036 or [email protected]; or Rhea Landholm, communications manager, 402.687.2100 ext.1025 or [email protected]
LYONS, NE—A recent revision to Nebraska’s cottage food law provides new guidance for individuals selling homemade food products. The updated law, which took effect in 2024, expands the types of foods that can be produced and sold under cottage food regulations to include some foods that require refrigeration.
The cottage food law previously allowed individuals to produce and sell certain low-risk foods made in their home kitchens, such as baked goods, jams, and jellies. The updated law now also permits the sale of foods that require time and temperature control for safety, like cheesecakes and cream-filled pastries.
“With more than 2,000 registered producers and $1 million in revenue in 2023, Nebraska’s cottage food industry is a thriving example of local entrepreneurship and community-driven economic growth,” said Zulema Knievel, policy assistant with the Center for Rural Affairs. “As the industry continues to expand, it’s creating new opportunities for rural Nebraskans to turn their passions into successful businesses while also providing consumers with fresh, unique, and locally made food products.”
To comply with the cottage food law, producers must complete a food safety and handling education course, register their business with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and follow proper food safety and handling procedures.
The Center for Rural Affairs has developed a fact sheet on Nebraska's cottage food law, providing a resource for producers to navigate the law's current requirements and recent updates.
To read and download a copy of “What You Need to Know: Nebraska’s Cottage Food Regulations,” visit cfra.org/publications.
