Home-based Processing and Microprocessing

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services are partnering to support farm friendly legislation. House Bill 391 and Farmers Market Legislation allows Kentucky farmers who grow and harvest produce to process value-added products and sell them from designated farmers markets, certified roadside stands and the processor’s farm. There are two processing categories in HB 391, Home-based Processors and Home-based Microprocessors.

Home-based Processors may sell jams, jellies, breads, fruit pies, cakes and cookies after they register with the Cabinet for Health Services. There is no fee and application forms are available from your county health department, county Extension Office or on-line at http://chs.ky.gov/publichealth/Food-Program.htm. Instructions are on the application form.

Step-By-Step Towards HBM Certification (PDF)
HBM Brochure (PDF) HBM Brochure (Microsoft Publisher)
Labeling Requirements (PDF)
Scheduled Process Form (PDF)
Submit Scheduled Process Form on-line

Home-based Microprocessors may sell acid, acidified and low acid foods. Prior to sending the Home-based Microprocessor application form and $50.00 application fee to the Cabinet for Health Service, farmers must attend a Home-based Microprocessor Workshop and have their recipes approved. Workshops are $50.00, including lunch. Farmers must attend the entire workshop and pass both exams to complete the Home-based Microprocessor Workshop as established by HB 391 regulations. Questions should be directed to Dr. Sandra Bastin at 859-257-1812 or email sbastin@uky.edu. Recipes must also be approved by a designated representative of the University of Kentucky, at a fee of $5.00 for each recipe. Then it is up to the processor to follow recommended, safe canning procedures before the sale of their value-added products. The next workshops are listed below.

Send the registration form and payment to