Producing a Value-Added Product on the Farm Series
March 13, 2023 - Author: Jamie Rahrig, Ana Heck, Meghan Milbrath, Clarence Rudat, Diane Longanbach, Bob Culler, Culler Consulting, and Kevin Halfmann, MDARD, and William Hull, MDARD
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