I’m sorry to hear this. It’s a shame that these cottage laws have so much interpretation to deal with. I hope you find a way to reopen and this is just a bump in the road and not a complete road block.
As a former health inspector for the state of Florida, I encourage you to reach out to your inspector and discuss your options on how you can operate and meet the state expectations. Most inspectors are not looking to hurt people or prevent them from operating. I worked with many restaurant operators with finding alternative ways to operate their business and meet state laws/rules. I hope you find a way to be able to operate your stand.
👍🏻👍🏻 I appreciate your comment because I believe that there are ways to work these things out and not everyone in the government is out to get farmers. 😊
No. Very simple: Americans should simply label items "govt compliant" or "non-compliant" and allow customers to assess risk themselves. Where I live they turn a blind eye to Amish neighbors that sell FOOD. Old Order, so no coolers or anything. My door would be kicked in and my home surrounded by guns. Real sick and tired of this shit. The state is incompetent and has no place with doling out "rules". Everything is in the name of helping us, isn't it?
I am in SE Michigan, I stop at farm stands all spring, summer and fall. I buy my eggs every week from one. I've never seen a person! I think someone made specific complaints against you for some reason and looked at the Cottage laws while they were doing it. I'm so sorry this happened! Your stand is beautiful! I hope you figure something out AND that Michigan isn't getting even crazier they better not take away my farm stands!!
Have it open for specific hours during the week and do the sales face-to-face if that is a main requirement. Maybe even have a volunteer to be present during some of the times the stand is open. Do not give up. Your Farmstand is awesome!!!!
I am guessing that most of these laws spring from a time that didn't have the technology we do today. People got sick and someone probably died and the government reacted by creating a law that restricted that thing that caused the incident in the first place. What needs to happen is to go back and question those laws. If they are truly outdated and are no longer needed, then the state legislature needs to change the law.
And people still think America is a free country. Think about it, people can make the choice to go have their private parts cut off, but they can’t choose what they put into their own bodies. Let that sink in America.
I used to know someone who had "open houses" regularly. That way she would have visitors come, maybe 10-1 on a saturday. She would have snacks set up and sell her goods in person at that time. That way people got to taste her jams and things, and she sold face-to-face, but not every day.
I’m so sorry…but you really do have the greatest attitude going forward. I love you sharing your recipes and techniques in the kitchen. I have learned so much from you and I would have been a loyal customer if I lived in your area! It will all work out, I am confident of that! ❤
I feel so sad for you because the joy the farm stand brought you was very visible. Perhaps a booth in a community farmer's market is the way to go. The calmness you have displayed during this video reinforces your character. Thank you for sharing and for being a positive example for all to witness.
I have a friend who does a farm stand and she has a motion ringer that goes off whenever a customer walks up to her stand. She has the stand open on days when she's doing things around the house and can hear it. She picks her days "open" as her work days and has them on the same days every week. Blessings to you ❤
Talk face-to-face with the inspector. They are usually really cool in-person, and willing to work with you, and help you to figure out how to sell and what to sell. And maybe sharing what you learn will help others too!
I’m so sorry, government overreach is something our Founding Fathers fought against. These laws are an egregious violation of your right to pursue happiness.
I agree, but some laws are MUCH needed, as any old dummy could incorrectly prepare foods to sell, and cause people to get sick. Then, if their information is not on the label, then they can't track down the source, etc. Too many picky little stupid rules are pathetic, though. I don't understand the face to face aspect, at all. Government needs to be in our lives as little as possible, I agree!!
@@sassyherbgardener7154You forgot about the person buying it. It is their responsibility to either make sure the product is safe to consume or not consume it or take the risk and consequence.
Rolling my eyes!!! It’s the government!! They don’t want us to survive on our own. You calmed me down though Rachel as you talked about it. It still makes me mad. I can’t shop there as I’m in Arkansas but I would so love to shop your goodies. I pray it works out! Much love and prays to you and Todd.
I am in Michigan and I see farmstands all over the that are not face-to-face sales .. I wonder if there’s was nearby person that is in competition with you that reported you?
Oh my gosh😢 i am really disheartened for you. I love that Todd suggested that you take a moment before you video’d ❤. And your prayerfelt approach moving forward is an inspiration and a showing of your belief in God
They don't mind letting big companies have recall after recall yet they never get shut down. Seems like government doesn't want people to have access to fresh food locally grown.
This was my first thought. I see people commenting that this is for the safety of the public. No, it’s for control. Big food and big ag can make all the people sick but you’re right, they never get shut down.
What a bummer, indeed! Thank you for addressing it with calmness and grace and using this experience as a teaching moment for all of us. I love that you are looking to working with the inspector as a partner, vs bashing the government even though there are a lot of things we don't agree with. I know you are SO busy, but could you take your show on the road to a farmer's market or craft show? Keep up the great work in all the things you do!
I have a home cottage food business and yes, that’s the law here in Florida too. Proper labeling that includes (your address, description, ingredients, and amount), it’s have to be face to face, no shipping, only you can deliver or sell, no one else, no online ordering. Also stuff like jams and jellies, you cannot leave at your stand, or under the sun outside. Mine is a cookie shop, that’s a different than yours but rules are kind of the same, sorry for the bad experience you had! 😢
Protect out health? Have u seen what's in supermarket food hahahha that made me lol. They dont gaf about our health they just want here their grimey hands in everything we do!
Thank you! Applied for a state sponsored high tunnel. Central Kentucky, rules say I have to open a road side veggie stand. Even selling at a loss, it's considered an income and the wife would loose her health insurance. So much for that.
Also, we used to have a raw milk dairy near us. It was amazing. And then a pregnant woman consumed raw milk, got sick (what knows what caused the sickness) and then reported them and shut this small family farm down. Seriously, people have lost their minds.
I'm sorry you've had to shut down your farm stand Rachel. I'm glad you're not giving up though. Maybe if you reopen you can include some cute T-shirts that say "A lot of what I want to do is illegal"!😅
Hi Rachel. I feel bad that things had to come to this. The laws in the States is crazy, but we all have to go by them at all cost. Rachel, you are a trooper and a wonderful woman and don't you forget it Sweet Heart ❤️. God Bless you and hope you can do it next year. HUGS 🤗. Mari'a. 🤗❤️🤗❤️👍👍👍👍👋👋👋💕💕💕🍂🍁🍂🍁
A local farmer near me got shut down for selling homemade bread. Something about agriculture permit and some sort of special license needed. I think that is crap and people should just leave him alone. My husband keeps saying wait for Gov't to force us from growing a garden. We only grow for family and do not sell anything. I like when you take us along on your homestead. Beautiful homestead you and Todd have, Blessing to you both from SC
I am so proud of you and the way you are handling this situation. I have also enjoyed following your journey with your farmstand and everything else you endeavor to do; you ARE such are an inspiration!! Never let mean spirited people dull your sparkle!!
OH NO - I am so sorry to hear your stand was shut down! You have been such an encouragement to me. I'm in the INDY area and have begun to read up on our cottage laws here. I was hoping to do some fashion of porch pick up, take and bake sourdough cookie dough, but as you said I cannot do refrigerated items 🙃. So, back to dreaming up some product ideas while staying within the (tight) agriculture guidelines. Thankful for you and the time you spend to share, teach, and encourage all of us!
I'm so sorry you had to close your stand. There are so many kill-joys out in this world. Hopefully, you'll find a way to get your stand up and running next year. ❤
How sad! The weird thing is that in one of your last videos, there was a comment from someone saying they either worked for an agency or they knew someone that did and that you better be careful not to get shut down. When I saw it, I thought that person is probably going to try to get you shut down. Horrible Karens in this world!
There is alot of this type of stuff going on in our state of Michigan coops getting closed down for raw milk and butter and made to throw it all in thentrash I wouldnt have been so nice about it .😮 I'm glad your contacting the inspector and hope it all works out. very sad 😢
I’m sorry that happened. Here in Texas I’ve seen a few self serve farm stands with vegetables, eggs, even our raw dairy place is self serve. Hope it gets figured out and you can continue on at a later time!
Little village homestead on RU-vid is in Michigan and has a farm stand. She has a ringer on hers when someone visits it so she can go out and help them. I wonder if you had any questions if you could reach out to her for help as someone who already follows the laws. I really appreciate you taking the time to let us know what was happening with the farm stand and I pray you work it all out. God bless you
Aww, Rachel. What a bummer. I am sorry that you had to take a pause in your farm stand. i believe that if this is what you desire, you will find a way to acheive it. Don't give up hope.
I love your plan to reach out to collaborate with your inspector for success in the future. One thing to remember too is laws and statutes can be changed! Take heart Rachel! Your farmstand is a wonderful thing and I feel very confident that you will find a way to keep it going!!! Big hug!❤❤❤
This is absolutely ridiculous. Criminals are let out with NO bond for horrible things. But, you can't sell something wholesome that the goob hasn't had their hands on to contaminate??? I'm so glad I don't live in the draconing state of MI.
I can see why they want “face to face”. Someone could come to your stand and put something on it that you did not make. It is getting really creepy out there who knows.
I am sorry to hear that. Best of luck when you talk to the inspector. Hope you can reopen it. I see stands all over the place here. Many are self serve. Your set up looked amazing. Sorry to hear there were those complained - just jealous.
We live in rural Ohio, I have know idea what the laws are here for sales for little farm markets. But I will tell you, because we buy from several self serve farm stands. So I truly hope all this gets settled for you and you can continue doing what you love.
I am so sorry! We had something similar happen. Our neighbor caused our "issues" Definitely work with the inspector and you can get back up and running. I'm praying for you🙌🙏
It's disappointing that you received the letter. However, it appears that there are a few things you can do about it to get your adorable stand up and running again. I appreciate that you are having a mature response to the enforcement of safety regulations in your county. Not everyone is as responsible about their products as you are, so it's understandable that health standards need to be in place. I hope 🙏🏼 it goes well for you. Thanks for sharing this video.
I am so sorry 🙏 that you can work through this. I love the little farm stands , we have some in our neighborhood popping up South Jersey hope they don’t have any problems.
So sorry to hear about the shutting down of the farmstand, for know. Hopefully an inspector can help sort out what will be your options. Keep the faith. God bless 🙏
So proud of you and Todd. I agree with another comment to work with the inspector and find the right way. Who knows with their input your second grand opening will be bigger and better!!!🎉
There was a young boy selling ice cream and he was shut down by a neighbor calling. The young boy was raising money for his baseball club. He reopened with the sign "Ice Cream" donations accepted. He raised over $1,000.00 that day.
I'm so sorry, I really enjoyed looking at your videos of products and how beautifully arranged everything was, but, I'm sure you will figure out how to continue what you love doing. What a shame it's so restrictive, I didn't realize. Best wishes Rachel.
So sorry to hear this! Just a thought....what about a driveway alarm to notify you that a customer is at the stand so that you could go and be face to face with your customers?
I hope you figure out a way to make your Farm stand work. It looked adorable. I for sure would have stopped if it were in my area. Over regulate everything....sad times.
This makes me so sad for you all 😢 and our country in a wider lense… need to return to our roots. Your response is truly gracious… Hoping you are able to collaborate with local officials & restart your retirement hobby ❤
