How to legally sell chicken

[jgeer]

Hi, this comming spring im wanting to start raising free range meat birds to sell, how do i go about this legally so i dont run into any problems. I process at a USDA approved butcher shop but i dont know any further legalities that i need to know or do before i start.
Thanks for any help.

 

[donrae]

Always, always, always go to your state Department of Agriculture. Look on their website, or give them a call. Laws vary from state to state, so it's best to go to the source and be sure you're getting correct information.

Many states basically ignore you if you're selling less than 1,000 birds. But some do have restrictions that sales have to be on the farm, not off-site, etc. Since you have an inspected facility, you may have more options.

But search your Ag Dept, they should spell out exactly what is legal and how you need to go about it.