Agriculture and Rural Development

About MDARD

Go to About MDARD

Bureaus

Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.

Meeting Notices and Reports

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Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below.

Media Room

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This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos

Boards, Councils, and Commissions

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The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends and determines policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues. MDARD oversees several additional boards and commissions.

Maps and Open Data

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Contact Us / File a Complaint

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Want to know how to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development? On this page you will find phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, and online contact forms for everything we do here at MDARD. We even have a complaint form for those of you with complaints.

Ag Emergency

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Ag Emergency: Emergency Plans, Preparedness, and Response

Food and Agriculture Jobs and Careers

Go to Food and Agriculture Jobs and Careers

Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.

Laws and Regulations

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Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

Online Services

Go to Online Services

List of services offered on Michigan.gov by MDARD

Animals

Animal ID & Movement

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Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan

Veterinarian Resources

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Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.

Animal Diseases

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Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan

Exhibitions

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Requirements to exhibit livestock in Michigan and more.

Resources for Exhibitions

Animal Related Licensing

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Privately-Owned Cervids

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Privately-Owned Cervids

Animal Feed & Antibiotics

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Feed & Antibiotics

Animal Feed Safety

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Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.

Disposal of Dead Animals

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Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).

Animal Research Facilities Annual Reports

Go to Animal Research Facilities Annual Reports

Animal Welfare Fund

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Animal Control Officer

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Materials developed to provide information on how an individual may become a qualified Animal Control Officer.

Business Development

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Grants & Funding Opportunities

Go to Grants & Funding Opportunities

Find funding for your organization.

Economic & Community Development

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Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.

Success Stories

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International Marketing

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International Marketing

Michigan Craft Beverage Council

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Qualified Small Distiller Certificate

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Producer Security

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Commodity Organizations

Go to Commodity Organizations

Conservation

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Regenerative Agriculture

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Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality

Demonstration Farm

Conservation Programs

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MDARD works with local providers of natural resource management services that help citizens implement conservation on their land and protect the environment for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Michigan.

Farmland and Open Space Preservation

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Farmland Preservation

Forestry

Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.

Intercounty Drains

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Intercounty Drains

Upcoming Events

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Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

Go to Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

MAEAP helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. We are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.

Right to Farm

Go to Right to Farm

MDARD will assess a farm operation at a farmer's request.

Food

Cottage Food

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The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.

Farm to Family

Go to Farm to Family

Dairy

Dairy

Food Recalls

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Food Recalls

Local Health Department Resources

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Resources for Regulators

Food Safety

Go to Food Safety

The food industry is responsible for producing safe food. Government sets standards, conducts inspections, and monitors food. Consumers also play a huge role in keeping their food safe and wholesome. Learn more.

Dietary Supplements

Go to Dietary Supplements

Lab Services

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Gasoline Information

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Retail Motor Fuel Outlet Licensing

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Find a Registered Serviceperson

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Serviceperson Examination Schedule

Go to Serviceperson Examination Schedule

Weights and Measures

Go to Weights and Measures

Licensing

Go to Licensing

Search for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Go to Search for MDARD Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Find Businesses Licensed by MDARD

Go to Find Businesses Licensed by MDARD

Find a licensed firm in Michigan, from pesticide businesses to retail establishments, and more.

Agricultural Products

Go to Agricultural Products

Animal Related Licensing

Go to Animal Related Licensing

Food Industries

Go to Food Industries

Horse Breeder/Owner Awards Program

Go to Horse Breeder/Owner Awards Program

For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.

Migrant Labor Housing

Go to Migrant Labor Housing

Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.

Pesticide Licensing & Certification

Go to Pesticide Licensing & Certification

Retail Motor Fuel Outlet

Go to Retail Motor Fuel Outlet

Retail Motor Fuel Outlet licensing information, applications and forms.

Weights & Measures Service Agency & Person

Go to Weights & Measures Service Agency & Person

Information on Weights & Measures service person and agency registration, as well as weights and measures advisories.

Plant & Pest

Go to Plant & Pest

Pesticides

Go to Pesticides

For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.

Plant Health

Go to Plant Health

The plant health program protects agricultural and environmental resources through the early detection and management of invasive species and the inspection of plants and plant products for pests and diseases, while facilitating international and domestic commerce.

Agricultural Bulk Storage

Go to Agricultural Bulk Storage

Each new, existing, and proposed commercial pesticide or fertilizer bulk storage facility is required to register annually with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Fertilizer and Liming Materials

Go to Fertilizer and Liming Materials

Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements

Fruit and Vegetable Inspection

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Fruit and Vegetable Inspection

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Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grants

Value-Added, Regional Food Systems, and Supply Chain Grants

Overview

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides grants to promote the expansion of value-added agriculture production, processing, develop food systems, healthy food access, and supply chain business development within the state to enhance Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.

Grant Program Status

The 2026 Grant Cycle Request for Proposals will open on February 18, 2026, and will close on April 8, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. All applications must be submitted on the new MiAgGrants site under a Citizen or Business Account. Find support and learn more about the MiAgGrants and MiLogin partnership.

Grant Documents

FY25 Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant Program Guidelines

FY25 Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grant Program Fact Sheet

February 19, 2026

Release Request for Proposals

March 4, 2026

Informational Webinar via Microsoft Teams

Teams meeting from 10am - 11:30 am (EST).

Join Webinar Online

April 8, 2026

Proposals Due

Due by 5pm (EST)

May 2026

Joint Evaluation Committee Receives Proposals for Scoring

June 2026

Joint Evaluation Committee Meeting

July 2026

Announce Award Funding

Dashboard

View dashboard of all MDARD grant recipients

Reports

2025 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

2024 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

2023 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

2022 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

2021 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

2020 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

2019 Value Added & Regional Food Systems Grant Recipients (PDF)

Questions

For more information about this funding opportunity, please contact the Grants Program.