More and more people are looking to make extra money by selling their food products, but they might not have the training to ensure a safe product.
That’s according to Tom Hooten, a Montezuma County extension agent, and Wendy Rice, an area extension agent.
In 2012, Colorado enacted the Cottage Foods Act, allowing producers to sell specific types of food products directly to consumers without licensing or inspections. Many producers can earn an extra $10,000 by participating, but must be certified every three years, typically through Serv-Safe for Food Managers training at a cost of $100-$200.
But next month, the Montezuma County CSU Extension, in cooperation with La Plata County Extension, will offer Cottage Foods Safety Training for $30 on Oct. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez.
“This training will meet the certification requirement required under the act,” Hooten said. “Many vendors at the Cortez Farmers Market have the training certification to sell for additional income. “It offers protection from liability, helps insure public safety and assures buyers that food is properly processed.”
Consumers are looking to buy fresh, local foods from producers with whom they can establish relationships, and clean, wholesome food plays a significant part in customer confidence, Hooten said.
The Cottage Food Safety certification focuses on food hygiene and is good for three years.
Under the Cottage Foods Act, entrepreneurs may produce food items that do not require refrigeration for safety, such as pickled fruits and vegetables with pH of 4.6 or below, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butter, flour, candies, empanadas, tortillas and baked goods.
Up to 250 dozen whole eggs per month can also be sold directly to consumers as well as farm-butchered poultry, Hooten said. Other foods such as salsa, cream pies and jerky do not qualify.
Participants must register before 4 p.m. on Oct. 4. To register, call Kathy at the Montezuma Extension office at 970-565-3123 and notify the office at least five days in advance of the event if you need accommodation because of a disability.
For more information, visit Colorado Farm to Table’s website at https://bit.ly/2MMMeNP.
