Kentucky farmers who desire to increase farm profits can produce value-added products such as jams, jellies, baked goods, pickles, salsa and canned vegetables. They must complete a five-hour home-based microprocessing (HBM) training as the first step toward certification required to sell these items as farmer’s markets, roadside stands, or their farms. 

The Marshall County Family & Consumer Sciences agent facilitated the HBM training for ten area farmers who completed the workshop portion. After submitting recipes for approval, producers will then be ready to sell value-added products under the program. 

Since 2012, over 710 Kentucky producers have attended more than 80 trainings offered through the Cooperative Extension Service. Many participants have sold produce at local farmer’s markets, but the HBM program enables them to expand their business and increase profits by adding the sale of other approved products.