Center for Regional Food Systems

Producing a Value-Added Product on the Farm is a series of information sheets featuring various farm products that help producers decide if adding a product is right for their farm. Whether you are starting or expanding, value-added production can help add additional revenue to a farm business.

The information shared in the series of information sheets breaks down selling options, food safety, equipment, licensing, regulation, and labeling needed, along with varying costs for production for specific types and quantities sold.

Producing Shell Eggs: Less than 3,000 laying hens	Producing Shell Eggs: Greater than 3,000 laying hens	Producing Liquid Honey: Less than $15,000 in sales
Download File	Download File	Download File

Related Resources

Licensing and Regulation

• MDARD - Food Establishment Licensing Details, FAQ, and Step-by-Step Guide
• MDARD - Regarding getting a license for food and dairy, organic and other areas
• Michigan State University Extension - Starting and Keeping Bees in Michigan: Rules and Regulations 
• Michigan State University Extension - Rules and Regulations for Selling Honey in Michigan  

Food Safety

• MDARD - Generally Accepted Agriculture and Management Practices (GAAMPs) 
• United States Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection Service, Shell Eggs from Farm to Table 

Marketing and Labeling

• MDARD - Growing Michigan’s Future: A Guide to Marketing Your Michigan Food and Agriculture Products
• MDARD - Food Labeling Guide
• National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition - Am I Affected by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)?
• University of Maryland Extension - Direct Marketing and Value Added Products
• National Center for Appropriate Technology - Beyond Fresh: A Food Processing Guide for Texas Farmers

Funding

• USDA Value Added Producer Grants: Funding from the USDA to establish, retain, attract or develop value-added agricultural processing.
• MDARD Value Added and Regional Food Systems Grants: Grants to establish, retain, attract or develop value-added agricultural processing in Michigan or for programs that develop or expand regional food systems or increase access to healthy foods.
• MSU Center for Regional Food Systems - Funding Sources for Food Related Businesses: A directory of funding sources available to food and farm businesses in Michigan and across the globe.
• MSU Center for Regional Food Systems - Beginning Farmers: 10 Steps to Loan Readiness

Cottage Foods

• MDARD - Michigan Cottage Foods Information and Michigan Maple Syrup and Honey Licensing Exemptions 
• MSU Extension - Cottage Foods Law 
• MDARD - Cottage Foods 

Product Specific Resources:

Shell Eggs

• MSU Center for Regional Food Systems - Developing Large-Scale Sustainable Local Egg Markets
• MDARD - Becoming a Michigan Licensed Shell Egg Operator
• USDA - Guide for Organic Processors

Honey

• Michigan State University – Don’t Panic, It’s Organic, or Is it? 
• Michigan Beekepers Association 
• University of Vermont Extension – Hygienic Design of Small Scale Produce Farms 

Acknowledgements

This project was created in partnership by MSU Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS), MSU Product Center, MSU Extension, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

The author and CRFS are grateful to the following partners for their contribution for making this project possible.

• Charli Holloway, Charli Renae Design, design and layout 
• Emma Beauchamp, CRFS, Communications Manager, layout and copyediting 
• Lindsay Mensch, CRFS Outreach and Communications Specialist, copyediting 
• Andrea Weiss, CRFS, Communications Director, copyediting 
• Lori Yelton, MDARD, consulting and review 
• Mollie Woods, MSU Product Center, partnership and review 
• Wendy Weiland, MSU Product Center, partnership and review 
• Yma Johnson, Lion Mountain Scriveners, consulting services 

Suggested Citation

Rahrig, J., Culler, B., Halfman, K. (2022) Producing a value-added product on the farm: Shell eggs. Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/producing-a-value-added-product-on-the-farm

Rahrig, J., Heck, A., Hull, W., Longanbach, L., Milbrath, M., Rudat, C. (2023) Producing a value-added product on the farm: Honey. Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/producing-a-value-added-product-on-the-farm