Free Opportunity To Learn About Cottage Food Business

In preparation for the up-and-coming Farmers and Artisan regular market season, the Paris Farmers Market and the Lamar County Extension office are teaming up to host an informational training on the Texas Cottage Food laws.

The class is open to individuals who want to learn more about the Cottage Food requirements in the event they are interested in selling homemade or baked goods at the Paris Farmers and Artisan Market.

Laura Graves, Family and Community Health Extension agent with the Lamar County Extension office, will lead the class.

The Paris Farmers and Artisan Market allow the sales of baked good that fall under the Texas Cottage Food classification. “Texas Cottage Foods Laws are specific about what is eligible to sell at any Farmers Market,” says Cheri Bedford, the Paris Market Manager. “We want as many people to have the opportunity to sell to the public and be successful.”

The Texas Foods Handlers class is also required to sell eligible foods under Cottage laws. You can take it online through the Texas A & M Extension office. We will discuss how to take the Food Handlers Class at the class.

The regular Farmers and Artisan Market season are on May 7, 2022. There will be a whole house of vendors selling items such as fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, coffee, bread and pastries, jams, pasta, pickles, soaps, artisan items, and so much more.

Paris Farmers & Artisan Market is a Texas Department of Agriculture Certified Farmers Market and Go Texas Member. It is in historic downtown at the Market Square 400 S.W. 1st Street. Vendors interested in selling produce or original art can visit the city of Paris website, www.paristexas.gov, for more information, or call 903-784-9293. You can pick up potential vendor applications at the City Hall Annex, 150 S.E. 1st Street, Paris.