An Iowa State University Extension specialist says a growing number of Iowans are seeking advice in how to start a home-based food business. Penny Brown Huber is a food business specialist with I-S-U Extension’s Food Innovation and Business Hub.
“Last year I talked to 555 people across the state about starting ‘cottage businesses’ and I’m already on track this year to be well over 600,” she says, “so I think it’s really something that’s tapped into something that Iowans are interested in.” Four years ago, Iowa law was changed so foods that do not need to be kept hot or cold may be sold directly to consumer from a home-based or “cottage business” that is not licensed or inspected by the state.
“It’s focused on self-stable products, so there is a large list of food that you can make and sell in your home, but it’s not everything,” Brown Huber said. Many of the Iowans Brown Huber is advising want to start selling cookies, bread and baked goods from their home kitchen, while others are making salsa or barbecue sauce. She’s in Garner this (Thursday) afternoon, meeting with people for one-on-one consultations.
“Really helps people who have dreams maybe begin the dream,” Brown Huber said. Tonight (Thursday) at the I-S-U Extension Office in Garner Brown Huber will give a 90 minute presentation to explain the rules in Iowa’s “cottage business’ law.
