This year, the Southwest Florida Ag Expo is introducing a new Cottage Food division, the first of its kind in the state. Jennifer Hagen from the University of Florida/IFAS Extension shared her excitement, saying this addition aims to showcase opportunities that can enhance people’s lives.
The Cottage Food law was established in 2011 to help small farms sell homemade products, boosting their income outside of traditional farming. The Florida Department of Agriculture allows individuals to make and sell certain foods from home without needing a license or inspection, as long as their sales stay below $250,000 a year.
Only certain types of foods are allowed under this program. These include items like breads, cookies, jams (made from high-acid fruits), dried fruits, and snacks like popcorn and granola. The key requirement is that these foods don’t need refrigeration and can be safely stored at room temperature.
Unlike traditional competitions at fairs, which often feature baked goods and canned goods judged on taste, this new division is focused on food entrepreneurship. Participants must complete a virtual class about food safety before entering their products. This training is designed to teach essential food handling skills, like proper hygiene and packaging. Once they complete the class, they can enter their creations into the expo.
At the expo, Hagen will evaluate the entries, offering feedback and assistance. Her goal is to help participants succeed not just at the expo, but also in their future food ventures.
The Southwest Florida Ag Expo is set for February 27 to March 9 at the Lee County Civic Center in North Fort Myers. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about food production and entrepreneurship in the community.
Check out this related article: Discover Delicious Creations: Cottage Food Competition Adds Flavor to Ag Expo
Source link