What is a value added product?
Products with a permanent change in their raw physical state, like turning berries into jam
- Are produced in a way that enhances the value of the raw product, like growing Certified Organic produce or foods carrying the Made/Produced by American Indians trademark
- Are physically separated from other similar products while they’re being grown on the same farm, like growing traditional heirloom squash varieties
Farmers keep 8 cents out of every food dollar, but food processors retain 14.9 cents out of every food dollar. Value added foods help farmers capture more of the value of their food dollar.
Role of tribal departments of agriculture
- Provide value added processing by offering food safety training, inspection services, help with access to resources and capital, etc.
- Promote individual access to programs such as the USDA Value Added Producers Grant program (VAPG).
- VAPG grants help producers fund processing and/or marketing of value-added foods, whether producers are creating new products and markets or increasing current production.
What is a cottage food law?
- “Cottage food” laws support small value-added processors by allowing certain kinds of food to be processed and sold out of home kitchens instead of commercially licensed facilities.
- Laws regulating cottage foods vary by state. Tribal Departments of Agriculture could provide a point of contact and inspection.
Bay Mills Indian Community passed a cottage food law in 2019
IFAI model food code includes a cottage food law draft that specifically protects non-potentially hazardous foods and foods produced traditionally. Available at www.TribalFoodCode.com
Sources:
(2018 data) https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-dollarseries/documentation.aspx
https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/factsheet/508_RD_FS_RBS_VAPG.pdf
This document is strictly for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor create an attorney/client relationship.