Minot military spouse, business owner looks to expand state’s cottage laws

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - On average, military families move every two and a half years.

For military spouse Jenetta Sawyer, she’s moved three different times in three years.

Prior to North Dakota, Jenetta Sawyer and her family were stationed in Florida and Nevada.

Growing up in a military family, she’s used to being on the move.

Jenetta said there’s one thing she’s always known since she was a little girl—the mission always comes first.

“I will be the military wife. I will put my life on hold. I will stop my career if I need to stay home. Whatever needs to be done, because mission comes first,” said Jenetta.

She owns Jenetta’s Simple Treats, a small business she started because she wanted to bake a cake for her son Jenson that wouldn’t break the bank.

Three years later, her hobby turned into a career.

Her husband, 2nd Lieutenant Jason Sawyer, gave her two rules.

“It can’t be about money because this business was not founded about needing to make ends meet. The second rule was that if it was no longer fun, you have to stop,” said Jenetta.

Under North Dakota’s cottage food law, businesses that operate out of a home cannot ship foods anywhere outside of the state.

“When I was in Florida and saw that I couldn’t do shipping, it broke my heart because Florida allowed shipping,” said Jenetta.

She started doing research on how to pass a bill, connected with the local chamber, and messaged business owners.

Sure enough, Jenetta found her way and has been testifying at the legislative session to allow for interstate commerce from North Dakota.

“Families like mine would be able to continue to serve communities outside of North Dakota while we work tirelessly to rebuild in our new locations,” said Jenetta at her testimony last month to the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs.

“It’s going to give us the ability to ship in and out of state, work on consignment, take online orders and phone orders. It’s really going to allow us that true freedom that we need to make our business successful both in and out of state,” Jenetta said.

The bill gained bipartisan support, and those out of state also testified for it to pass.

“Thirty-five out of 50 states allow for shipping, but North Dakota is not on the list yet. I think it’s time to move forward with this. We have some of the best cottage laws in North Dakota,” said Senator Desiree Van Oosting, one of the senators who introduced the bill to the House Agriculture last week.

“To be able to help and get this through not only for myself, but for other bakers, artisans and farmers was just really cool,” said Jenetta.

North Dakota is a Food Freedom State as of 2017.

It allows for people to sell homemade food directly to customers without needing licenses, permits or inspections.

Jenetta said they hope to hear about a final decision on the bill before Easter.

To view the first engrossment of the bill with house amendments, click here.