Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below.
This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos
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.
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.
Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).
Materials developed to provide information on how an individual may become a qualified Animal Control Officer.
Find funding for your organization.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality
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.
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
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.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
Find a licensed firm in Michigan, from pesticide businesses to retail establishments, and more.
For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.
Retail Motor Fuel Outlet licensing information, applications and forms.
Information on Weights & Measures service person and agency registration, as well as weights and measures advisories.
For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.
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.
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 License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
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Are you thinking of opening a restaurant, coffee shop, bar, catering kitchen, food truck, mobile unit or other food service establishment?
On this page, you will find information on food service establishment license types and requirements. In many cases a plan review is necessary prior to licensing. Please visit the MDARD Plan Review webpage for more information.
Food service establishments include, but are not limited to, restaurants, cafeterias, coffee shops, sandwich shops, bars, catering kitchens, food concessions, food trucks, mobile units, temporary food service establishments, and transitory food units. These types of establishments are licensed by Local Health Departments. Contact the Local Health Department in your area for help with the licensing process.
A fixed establishment is a facility that is at a permanent location. This is an operation where food or drinks are prepared for direct consumption through service on the premises or elsewhere, or any other eating or drinking establishment or operation where food is served or provided for the public. Examples include, but are not limited to a restaurant, cafeteria, catering kitchen, food concession, theatre, coffee shop, bar or other brick and mortar food service establishment.
Previously called Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU)
Transitory Food Units are permanently licensed food operations, commonly known as food trucks. Transitory Food Units can occur in various physical forms including, but not limited to trailers, pushcarts, vehicles, watercrafts, tents, or other non-fixed food service establishments.
Mobile Food Establishments are permanently licensed food operations. Mobile Food Establishments can occur in various physical forms including, but not limited to, trailers, pushcarts, vehicles, watercrafts, tents, or other non-fixed food service establishments. A Mobile Food Establishment is required to return to a licensed commissary kitchen every 24 hours. A mobile food establishment license is for food operations where the unit is not equipped to handle all food preparation, storage, dishwashing and other food service activities, so a commissary kitchen is needed.
A temporary food establishment is a food establishment that operates at one physical location for a temporary time period not to exceed 14 consecutive days.