Can I sell excess honey from beekeeping hobby on a VLS-TS visa

Ask Anything
21

No but bees are hard working bug_ers LOL

22

Where are you @Paul_Creed - happy to buy some excess honey. I love it on my toast, however, I did read for the most effective benefits one should always use “local” honey which we currently buy several jars of.
I’m in 79 region between Niort - Parthenay.
R.

23

Firstly, if one has a “no-work” visa, I think that means one can’t earn money
 but one can be a volunteer.

Secondly, one has to err on the side of caution when it comes to selling something edible
 I’m sure we’ve all read about a person falling ill after eating/drinking whatever. The Supplier/Manufacturer is investigated blah blah blah
 to find out “who is to blame”. Have rules been followed etc etc etc.

If a friend/neighbour offers something for free
 it’s down to the person receiving the gift to accept/refuse; to eat/drink or throw it away :wink: :wink:

24

I’m not sure if this is usual but there are various sellers at our village Monday markets, selling olive oil from their own trees; another selling honey from their hives; one selling distilled oils and another with fruits from their cacti.

Maybe it’s OK to sell in this small way without waving flags? I never ask for their work permits or seret numbers. Maybe the village police who collect the stall rents do?

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25

For the benefit of everyone who’s following this thread, if it’s cool enough tomorrow morning I’ll go to our Mairie and ask questions.
a) if selling one’s own produce is considered “working” (re the non-working visa thingy)
b) if one can sell one’s own produce (edibles in this case) without being registered
c) and if one can sell, what sort of rules/regs are necessary to follow for Edibles

I’ll particularly talk about Honey as I know we have several Bee Keepers who sell their produce locally and beyond.

the Mairie are well used to me asking stuff
 and are as helpful as they can be. If they aren’t sure or don’t know, they will say so. On the other hand, if they are able to give me an Answer it will be correct.

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26

They will. Markets are generally carefully controlled, but small market gardeners have light restrictions. Although we have one ancient who has been turning up for years with a box from his garden and I’d eat my hat if he had any kind of paperwork! But is probably the local officers’ cousin.

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27

You would need a licence for that. :smiley:

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28

Any food stuffs must meet the standard hygiene regulations, and also rule about making prices clear.
Principales sources législatives et réglementaires :

29

Much appreciated Social SF service! :bouquet:

I look forward to hearing opinions from the :horse:’s :lips:

It may be as one of my French friend says, that people here love rules in general but reserve their rights as individuals to break them. Especially true perhaps to encourage artisans of all stripes.
:slightly_smiling_face:

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30

:rofl:

If my offer to go and ask questions from the horse’s whatzit has produced some more answers from within the forum
 without me melting from over-exertion
 so much the better

It’s too darn hot to go wandering unnecessarily. :roll_eyes:

My Mairie is able to provide a wealth of information and/or to point one in the correct direction.
I am aware that Mairies do vary greatly across the country.
We are fortunate that ours has well trained and helpful staff.

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31

Caniac du Causses 46

32

I appreciate this is a separate issue from Paul’s question about selling honey and visas. For completeness there is of course a useful total exemption from tax for those selling fruit and veg from their garden, subject to the conditions below


Service Public has the following extract:-

Screenshot_20250812-131501-370
Screenshot_20250812-131501-370720×618 65.7 KB

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33

That’s what the old boy must do. He never has much so can’t be enormous, but what he has is good.

34

Good reminder! Also eggs you can sell hut just have to fill in a form.