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HB 4245

Food: processors; maple syrup and honey producers; designate as limited food processors. Amends sec. 4105 of 2000 PA 92 (MCL 289.4105).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 36 co-sponsors

Raises the licensure-exemption threshold for honey and maple syrup producers from $15,001 to $25,000 in gross sales, easing regulatory burdens for small producers.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
#food:processors #stateagencies(existing):agricultureandruraldevelopment
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Bill Summary · HB 4245

Summary — HB 4245 (2025): Honey and Maple Syrup Producers — Licensure Threshold

Status: Introduced March 18, 2025; Passed House with immediate effect April 22, 2025; Referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture (4/29/2025). Sponsor: Rep. Gregory Alexander. Amends: MCL 289.4105 (section 4105 of the Food Law, 2000 PA 92).

Purpose

HB 4245 raises the gross-sales threshold that allows honey and maple syrup producers to be exempt from licensure under Michigan’s Food Law. The intent is to reduce regulatory burden on small producers by aligning the exemption for honey and maple syrup with the dollar threshold used for cottage food sales.

Key provisions

  • Amends section 4105 of the Food Law (MCL 289.4105).
  • Increases the gross sales threshold for exemption from licensure for producers of honey and maple syrup from $15,001.00 (current law) to $25,000.00.
  • Maintains the existing exemption for a producer-operated retail outlet that sells only prepackaged, in-state-produced honey or maple syrup when the processing facility is licensed.
  • If both the retail outlet and processing facility are exempt under the new sales threshold, the product must carry labeling “substantially similar” to the cottage food product label described in section 4102(3).
  • Leaves in place the director’s authority to require licensure for activities the director determines constitute operating as a food establishment.

Context / Related provisions

  • Honey and maple syrup are not currently classified as “cottage food products” under state law; the bill simply matches the exemption dollar amount to the cottage food threshold ($25,000).
  • Cottage food products are non–potentially hazardous foods (examples: jams, dried fruit, dry mixes). Potentially hazardous foods (e.g., certain canned goods, meat, dairy) remain excluded under federal regulations referenced in the bill analysis (21 CFR parts 113, 114, 150).
  • A different proposal (HB 4122) would raise the threshold to $50,000 and index it to the Detroit CPI.

Who is affected

  • Small honey and maple syrup producers whose gross sales fall between $15,001 and $25,000 — these producers would no longer be required to obtain MDARD licensure.
  • Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) — potential increase in program responsibilities related to exemptions, labeling compliance, or oversight.
  • Retail outlets owned and operated by exempt producers that sell only their prepackaged syrup/honey.

Fiscal and administrative impacts

  • House committee analysis: the bill could create additional responsibilities for MDARD, possibly requiring more resources or staffing; the precise fiscal impact was not estimated at the time of reporting.
  • Supporters recorded at committee: MDARD and Michigan Farm Bureau.

Legislative history (selected)

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025 (filed March 10/18, 2025).
  • Reported from House Agriculture Committee with recommendation (4/17/2025).
  • Passed House (immediate effect): April 22, 2025 — Yeas 105, Nays 3.
  • Referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture: April 29, 2025.

For statutory detail, see amended MCL 289.4105 (section 4105 of the Food Law).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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