College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky

Homebased 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 allow 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, Homebased Processor and Homebased Microprocessor. To qualify under either program, the final product must contain a primary or predominant ingredient which is a fruit, vegetable, nut or herb that is grown by the farmer in Kentucky.

Homebased Processors may produce and sell low risk products such as jams, jellies, syrups, baked goods, and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs. There is no fee associated with becoming a Homebased Processor, but annual registration with the Cabinet for Health Services is required and labeling rules must be followed. Information and application forms are available from Shadrick Adams at the Food Safety Branch, 502-564-7181 or Shadrick.Adams@ky.gov.

Homebased Microprocessors may sell higher risk products such as canned tomatoes, pickled fruits and vegetables, salsa, barbecue sauce, pepper or herb jellies, herbal vinegars, low- and no-sugar jams and jellies, and pressure-canned vegetables. The first step to becoming certified as a Homebased Microprocessor is to attend a Homebased Microprocessor (HBM) workshop presented by the University of Kentucky. To complete the workshop, farmers must pay the $50.00 workshop registration fee, attend the entire workshop, and pass both exams, as established by HB 391 regulations. Next, recipes for all products to be sold under the program must be submitted to the University of Kentucky for approval, at a fee of $5.00 per recipe. Proof of workshop completion, approved recipes, and draft labels for all products are then attached to the application for HBM certification and sent to the Cabinet for Health Services, along with a $50.00 certification fee. Once full HBM certification is received from the Cabinet for Health Services, it is up to the processor to follow approved recipes and recommended safe canning procedures in producing their value-added products. Questions should be directed to Debbie Clouthier at 859-257-1812 or debbie.clouthier@uky.edu.

HBM Brochure (PDF)
Step-By-Step Towards HBM Certification (PDF)
Labeling Requirements PDF)
HBM Recipe Form (PDF) | Submit HBM Recipe Form online
Homebased Microprocessor Application (PDF)
Homebased Processor Application (PDF)
Farmers Market Regulations HB 391 (PDF)
Food Manufacturing Inspector Areas (PDF)

HBM workshops for 2013 are listed below. Farmers may register online, by email at debbie.clouthier@uky.edu, or by calling 859-257-1812.

Please send $50 workshop registration fee to:
Dr. Sandra Bastin
206 Funkhouser Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0054
Make checks payable to the University of Kentucky

February 4, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Marion County Extension Office, Lebanon KY
February 6, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Whitley County Extension Office, Williamsburg KY
February 11, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Kenton County Extension Office, Covington KY
February 18, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Mercer County Extension Office, Harrodsburg KY
February 20, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 CT $50 registration fee Monroe County Extension Office, Tompkinsville KY
March 6, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 8:30 to 2:30 CT $50 registration fee Daviess County Extension Office, Owensboro KY
March 6, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Pulaski County Extension Office, Somerset KY
March 20, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Johnson County Extension Office, Paintsville KY
March 25, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 CT $50 registration fee Barren County Extension Office, Glasgow KY
March 25, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 CT $50 registration fee Marshall County Extension Office, Benton KY
March 27, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Breathitt County Extension Office, Jackson KY
April 1, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Rowan County Extension Office, Morehead KY
April 3, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Henry County Extension Office, New Castle KY
April 3, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Nelson County Extension Office, Bardstown KY
April 29, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 8:30 to 2:30 CT $50 registration fee Allen County Extension Office, Scottsville KY
April 29, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 9:30 to 3:30 ET $50 registration fee Laurel County Extension Office, London KY
May 29, 2013 Homebased Microprocessor Videotaped Workshop 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. CT $50 registration fee Muhlenberg County Extension Office, Central City KY

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