The basics

To operate as a legal business in Monroe County and within The Commissary, you’ll need to submit these required permits and documents.

If you’re selling food directly to the public (including caterers, bakers, virtual restaurants, and food trucks), your business will be regulated by the Monroe County Health Department.

If you are a producer of packaged food goods or shelf stable food products, your business will be regulated by the Department of Agriculture & Markets.

Still not sure which Department will permit your food business? Click here.

Get a general idea of The Commissary’s operations by listening to our episode on SCORE’s Rethinking Business radio show.

Packaged food goods

Learn more about getting a 20-C License for Food Processing, necessary for selling any packaged food products.

Interested in taking your idea for a packaged food good from home kitchen to grocery store shelves? This presentation from local experts will help you get started.

CORNELL VENTURE CENTER
With one of the world's leading food science universities just down the road, we are very fortunate to have Cornell as an affordable, knowledgeable resource for food business of all scales. The CFVC provides process reviews for safety and stability of food products with focus on small and mid-sized manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

For more information on different types of food goods and the regulations surrounding each, along with instructions and the required documents, check out The CFVC Guide. Still looking for more direction about what regulations your food product requires? Give the team a call at (315) 787-2280.

NEW YORK STATE FOOD PROCESSOR’S ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the Associated New York State Food Processors is to create an environment for the food manufacturing sector to be able to network with similar companies and suppliers sharing ideas and solutions for their everyday needs. The Association brings companies and individuals together that have experience and resources that enable food processors to improve their operation and explore new technologies.

If you are looking for a local copacker for your product, we recommend checking out Craft Cannery.

FARMER’S MARKET VENDING

If you have a 20-C license and want to sell your packaged food good in its original packaging at a farmers market, you should be able to do so without any additional licenses under NYS Department of Ag & Markets “direct marketing” policy. Click here for additional guidance.

“Home Processing Exemption": a limited number of non-hazardous foods such as candy, cookies, and jams can be produced in home kitchens and sold at farmer's markets. Click here to learn more. 

For how to obtain a 20-C Exemption Certificate from NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, click here.

Rochester Public Market Application

Application to operate at a Seasonal Farmer's Market in Monroe County

Farmer's Market Federation of New York requirements for sellers