Selling Regularly

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SIMPLE GUIDE 02

Selling Regularly

If you grow produce specifically to sell, list food regularly or operate an organised growing business, there are some additional responsibilities you need to understand.

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QUICK ANSWER

Selling food regularly?

If you supply food regularly to the public, you are likely operating as a food business and should register with your local authority.

This can apply even if you work from home, sell only fresh produce, sell part-time or take orders online through a marketplace such as GrowHive.

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WHERE DO I FIT?

Does this sound like you?

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You grow fruit, vegetables or herbs specifically because you intend to sell them.

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You regularly add produce to GrowHive throughout the growing season.

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Customers can normally expect produce to be available from you.

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Selling produce has become organised rather than an occasional clear-out of surplus.

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You operate a farm, market garden, growing business or similar regular food operation.

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You sell regularly even if GrowHive is not your only way of selling.

Only selling the occasional excess?

If you simply have more home-grown produce than you can use once in a while, our surplus guide may be more relevant to you.

Read Selling Surplus Produce →
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FOOD BUSINESS REGISTRATION

Register with your local authority

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Register before you start trading

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, food businesses should normally register with their local authority at least 28 days before trading.

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Registration is free.

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Home-based food businesses can need to register.

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Selling food online counts as food trading.

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Your local authority handles the registration.

Based in Scotland?

Food business guidance and registration in Scotland is handled through Food Standards Scotland and your local authority.

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AFTER REGISTRATION

What happens next?

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Register your food activity

Give your local authority details about where you operate and what food activity you carry out.

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Keep your details up to date

Tell the authority if your food operation changes significantly.

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Be ready for contact or inspection

Your local authority may contact you or arrange an inspection depending on the nature of your food business.

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Follow the requirements that apply to you

The exact requirements can depend on the produce you grow, how it is handled and how your business operates.

FRESH PRODUCE GROWERS

You may be classed as a primary producer

Fruit and vegetable growers can fall within the food-law category of primary producers.

The exact rules that apply can depend on what you produce, how you handle it and who you supply. Your local authority can confirm how your growing activity should be classified.

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RUNNING YOUR FOOD BUSINESS

Basic responsibilities

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Keep food safe

Produce you sell must be safe and suitable for customers.

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Work hygienically

Keep harvesting, handling, storage and packing areas appropriately clean.

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Describe food accurately

Product descriptions, growing claims and other information must not mislead customers.

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Provide required information

Make sure customers receive the product information that applies to the food you sell.

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Store and transport safely

Produce should remain suitable for sale during storage, collection and delivery.

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Keep useful records

Keep the records required for your particular food operation and supply chain.

SELLING FROM HOME

Regular home growers can still be food businesses

You do not need a farm or commercial premises to fall within food-business rules.

If you provide food on a regular and organised basis from your home, you can still be considered a food business.

Also check whether you need any permissions relating to your home, rented property, mortgage, insurance or local council requirements.
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BUSINESS & TAX

Regular selling may create other responsibilities

If you begin operating as a regular business, you should also check whether you need to tell HMRC, keep financial records, arrange appropriate insurance or meet any other business requirements that apply to you.

GrowHive does not determine your individual tax status.

ORGANIC CLAIMS

Organic still requires certification

Running a registered food business does not give you permission to describe produce as organic.

Organic certification is a separate requirement. GrowHive will only allow verified organic claims where the required certification has been checked.

ON GROWHIVE

What will regular sellers need to confirm?

GrowHive keeps the process simple while making each grower responsible for meeting the requirements that apply to their own operation.

✓ I am responsible for registering my food business where registration is required.
✓ I have permission to grow and sell from the land or premises I use.
✓ I will only list produce that is safe and suitable for sale.
✓ My product information and growing claims will be accurate.
✓ I will follow any relevant food safety and hygiene requirements.
✓ I agree to follow the GrowHive Grower Rules.
THE SIMPLE VERSION

Regular selling is absolutely welcome on GrowHive

Farms, market gardens, home growers and small local producers are all welcome. If selling becomes regular, make sure the appropriate registrations and requirements for your operation are in place.

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE

Need to check something?

For definitive advice about your own situation, check current Food Standards Agency guidance and speak to the food safety or environmental health team at your local authority.

Growers in Scotland should use Food Standards Scotland guidance and their Scottish local authority.

About this guidance

This is general GrowHive guidance intended to make the main requirements easier to understand. It is not legal, tax or regulatory advice and does not replace guidance from your local authority, Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, HMRC or another relevant body.