Regulations | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: October 23, 2024

I want to sell worm castings or insect frass. Do I need a permit?

Invertebrates can be an important component of urban agriculture. Composting using worms – vermicomposting – is popular both as a hobby and as a method of waste management for urban farms. And innovative entrepreneurs are exploring ways to produce edible insects for human and animal consumption. The “end”-product of both activities – earthworm castings and insect frass – can be a beneficial soil amendment. Selling these products successfully and legally requires testing, registration, and labeling.

"earthworm castings" by Vilseskogen is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Updated: September 6, 2024

Licenses and Regulation Updates for Farmers Marketing Value-Added Products Directly to Consumers

While some farmers now market their valued-added products year round, for many, late spring signals the start of the new market season in earnest. With so many more value-added products showing up at markets now, it’s good to get the necessary paperwork and required licenses before opening day.

Updated: April 12, 2023

Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland (EBR-2022-0648)

Starting a farm or adding a new farm enterprise can be an enjoyable and attractive business decision. This factsheet lists contacts and resources to explore as you consider a new or expanding farm enterprise. Resources from government agencies and organizations provide production information vital for starting and operating a successful farm business. Author: Shannon Dill; Title: Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland (EBR-2022-0648)

Updated: March 9, 2023

Women In Agriculture Webinar Series on Risk Management: Marketing

This webpage is the Marketing archives of the Women In Agriculture webinars.

Updated: November 1, 2022

Food Processing in Maryland

Are you a specialty food entrepreneur? If so, check out the Food Processing in Maryland module. This invaluable module provides information about how to sell and process food in Maryland. This module will include rules for specific foods and important regulatory information. Our interactive map of Maryland's regulatory environment provides you with location-specific contacts.

Updated: October 6, 2022

Considerations for Acquiring a Farm: Selecting the Best Farm Property (FS-1094)

A successful farm operation requires thoughtful property selection, whether you are leasing or purchasing land. When looking at properties, you need to consider how the property will support the goals in your business plan. Will the farm be productive? Will the location and regulatory environment fit into your marketing strategies, or can you adjust your strategies to suit your income needs? Is the price of the farm reasonable and realistic given your financial goals? Are there any zoning, covenant, easement, or plat restrictions that might prevent you from producing or selling what you want, where you want? Authors: Ben Beale, Greg Bowen, Paul Goeringer, and Margaret Todd; Title: Considerations for Acquiring a Farm: Selecting the Best Farm Property (FS-1094)

Updated: December 17, 2021

Farm Market Managers and Farmer Vendor Workshops

The University of Maryland Extension - Maryland SNAP-Ed Program, in partnership with the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) is offering free workshops for farmer vendors and for market managers.

Updated: September 2, 2021

Cottage Food Business Law

Labeling and packaging

Updated: July 27, 2021

Other Resources

Other Resources is part of the Maryland Retail Products Producer Program. This section will provide information on other resources that will help your product to become ready for retail.

Updated: July 27, 2021

Getting Things Right

Getting Things Right is part of the Maryland Retail Products Producer Program. This section will provide information on supply, storage, purchasing, establishing prices, ordering and delivery schedules, invoicing and payment terms, and product promotions.