Each year the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recognizes the top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell cou
When do I need to renew my license?
Annually. You must renew your license by December 31 each year. The renewal fee is the same $150 plus a $7.50 surcharge annually. If you renew later than December 31, a $50 late fee will be applied. A license renewal form will be mailed to you before December each year. Licenses may be renewed online or by mail.
| Gross Annual Food Sales & Services | Renewal License Fee | MDA Processing Surcharge | Late Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| No monetary limit | $150 | $7.50 | $50 |
Review the MDA webpage Starting a New Business. This includes information on topics including:
- Applicable regulations such as Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – Preventive Controls for Human Food
- MINN. STAT. 34A. Food Law; Inspection and Enforcement
- Additional specialized regulations (acidified foods, juice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), seafood HACCP, etc.)
- Food business zoning requirements
It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws in Minnesota to make sure you are handling food safely and protecting public health. Depending on what kind of food you are buying or selling, you might need to hire someone with special training, get more education yourself, or ask an expert for help. For example, you may need extra training if you are importing seafood or if a co-manufacturer is making an acidified food product for you.
What regulations must I know and understand before obtaining a license?
Review the MDA webpage Starting a New Business. This includes information on topics including:
- Applicable regulations such as Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – Preventive Controls for Human Food
- MINN. STAT. 34A. Food Law; Inspection and Enforcement
- Additional specialized regulations (acidified foods, juice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), seafood HACCP, etc.)
- Food business zoning requirements
It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws in Minnesota to make sure you are handling food safely and protecting public health. Depending on what kind of food you are buying or selling, you might need to hire someone with special training, get more education yourself, or ask an expert for help. For example, you may need extra training if you are importing seafood or if a co-manufacturer is making an acidified food product for you.
You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. You need to determine which type of sales will make up most of your business. If retail sales (to consumers, online, etc.) will be 50% or more of your total sales, you’ll need a Retail Food Broker license. If wholesale sales (to other businesses) will be 50% or more, you’ll need a Wholesale Food Broker license. If you're unsure, contact the MDA licensing liaison for help.
If your business is based in Minnesota, you’ll need a food broker license from the MDA. However, if your business is outside of Minnesota and you’re selling to Minnesota distributors, you don’t need a Minnesota food broker license.
Contact the MDA to determine your area food inspector. The area inspector may request an in-person inspection. The inspector will provide you with a copy of the MDA Food Broker license application. An electronic form of the license application is NOT available through the MDA website.
Contact the MDA or submit a Food Licensing Liaison Request. The MDA licensing liaison will email you the area inspector’s contact information.
NOTE: Please contact your area inspector at least two weeks prior to your anticipated business start date.
In addition to basic business information such as legal name, doing- business-as (DBA), physical, and mailing addresses, the following four items are required on the license application:
- Minnesota Tax ID number (associated with the business name registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State) OR your Social Security number (if filing as an individual)
- Workers Compensation Insurance policy number and effective dates if applicable (if you plan on having paid or compensated employees)
- Estimated gross annual food sales (January 1 – December 31)
- Check, money order, or cashier’s check for the license fee
The license fee for a food broker is $150.00 per year. If a food business is determined to be operating without a license, then a no-license penalty fee will apply.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our services, the MDA is introducing a license and permit surcharge (MINN. STAT. 17.033). This surcharge is an application processing charge that will be added to all licensing and permitting applications and renewals beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The surcharge will be calculated as 5% of the license or permit fee, with a minimum charge of $5.
| Anticipated Gross Annual Food Sales & Services | License Fee | MDA Processing Surcharge | No License Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| No monetary limit | $150 | $7.50 | $99 |
Annually. You must renew your license by December 31 each year. The renewal fee is the same $150 plus a $7.50 surcharge annually. If you renew later than December 31, a $50 late fee will be applied. A license renewal form will be mailed to you before December each year. Licenses may be renewed online or by mail.
| Gross Annual Food Sales & Services | Renewal License Fee | MDA Processing Surcharge | Late Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| No monetary limit | $150 | $7.50 | $50 |
Review the MDA webpage Starting a New Business. This includes information on topics including:
- Applicable regulations such as Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – Preventive Controls for Human Food
- MINN. STAT. 34A. Food Law; Inspection and Enforcement
- Additional specialized regulations (acidified foods, juice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), seafood HACCP, etc.)
- Food business zoning requirements
It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws in Minnesota to make sure you are handling food safely and protecting public health. Depending on what kind of food you are buying or selling, you might need to hire someone with special training, get more education yourself, or ask an expert for help. For example, you may need extra training if you are importing seafood or if a co-manufacturer is making an acidified food product for you.
Category
License Title (formerly Alternate License Title)
Food Broker License
June 2, 2025
Minnesota is proud to host this year’s National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, “Lakes, Land, and Legends,” June 23–26, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, MN. Organized by the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO), this premier professional development event brings together Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, volunteers, and agricultural literacy leaders from across the country. Participants will take part in workshops that connect agriculture to core subjects in alignment with national education standards. Traveling workshops will also give attendees a firsthand look into Minnesota’s diverse agricultural landscapes.
Twenty-five teachers from across Minnesota have been awarded full scholarships to attend the conference, thanks to the support of the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Foundation. Representing a wide range of subject areas and schools from Kelliher to Worthington, these educators are committed to connecting students with agriculture though everyday learning.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson will deliver welcome remarks as the conference kicks off on Tuesday, June 24th. “Minnesota’s agriculture is as rich and varied as the landscapes that shape it," said Commissioner Petersen. "From our lakes and forests to our family farms and farmers markets, there’s a story to be told in every corner of our state. I’m excited to welcome educators from across the country to experience the spirit of Minnesota firsthand through the 'Lakes, Land, and Legends' conference."
Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the MAITC Foundation that seeks to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. MAITC programs help students connect real world agricultural content to subjects like science, social studies, language arts, and nutrition. For free classroom resources, visit minnesota.agclassroom.org.
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization is a 501c3 nonprofit that works to improve agricultural literacy nationwide by helping teachers and students understand the value of agriculture. Through strong partnerships with state programs and its annual conference, NAITCO has reached millions of students and thousands of teachers across the country. To learn more or register for the conference, visit agclassroom.org/conference or contact events@naitco.org.
2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference Scholarship Recipients
- Jody Ruen – Lanesboro Public School, Lanesboro
- Beth Sletta – Minnesota Virtual Academy, Rogers
- Kerry Schulte – AFSA K-12 Charter School, Circle Pines
- Kimberly Penning – Owatonna High School, Owatonna
- Carrie Stencel – Princeton Intermediate School, Princeton
- McKenzie Gregory – Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School, Buffalo
- Andrea Finnigsmier – Thomas Lake Elementary, Eagan
- Lisa Patrick – Minnetonka High School, Plymouth
- Savannah Stafford – Lake Ripley Elementary School, Grove City
- Tiffany Kobbermann – Minnewaska High School, Hancock
- Julie Bauman – Prairie Elementary, Worthington
- Libby Wickum – Northome School, Mizpah
- Beth Gruenke – Hilltop Elementary, Inver Grove Heights
- Carrie Allord – St. Francis, Fort Ripley
- Meghan Sunderland – MACCRAY, Montevideo
- Hannah Seeger – JA Hughes, Red Lake Falls
- Renae Swanson – Red Lake Elementary, Red Lake, located in the Red Lake Nation
- Tiffany Kortbein – Greenvale Park Elementary, Northfield
- Marie Kruse – Bluff View Elementary, Lake City
- Haven Fillbrandt – Northern Light Community School, Grand Rapids
- Heather More – Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Elementary, Mapleton
- Sara Browen – Worthington Middle School, Worthington
- Amy Mastin – Kelliher High School, Kelliher
- Jeni Braidenbach – Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka
- Jodi Landro – Thomas Lake Elementary, Eagan
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
The following table is a list of all licensed and permitted dairy plants in Minnesota.
