Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Boards, Councils, 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.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
This area contains information for press and media agencies. Press Releases, Pics, Podcasts & Videos
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.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in 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.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
The Agricultural Preservation Fund Board is charged with managing the distribution of grants to preserve farmland and help conserve Michigan's agricultural heritage. The Board consists of seven members including the director of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (or his/her designee) and the director of the Department of Natural Resources (or his/her designee). The five board members appointed by the Governor include two individuals representing agricultural interests and three individuals representing the general public. Act 451 of 1994, Part 362; abolished in Executive Order 2009-45 and re-created in Executive Order 2009-54.
Agricultural Preservation Fund Grants, Applications, and Qualifications
Chairman - Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Stephen Shine, designee for the Director
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Gwyn Atkinson-Lewis
Representing Agricultural Interests
Brian Bourdages
Representing the General Public
Dr. Mary Ann Heidemann
Representing the General Public
Remy Long
Representing the General Public
Gregory Thon
Representing Agricultural Interests
Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Policies and Procedures
Hutchinson Conference Room
Public call in: 248-509-0316
Conference ID: 895 434 158#
Hutchinson Conference Room
Public call in: 248-509-0316
Conference ID: 826 577 688#
Draft Meeting Minutes - April 23, 2025
Approved Meeting Minutes - December 4, 2024
Approved Meeting Minutes - May 1, 2024
Approved Meeting Minutes - February 21, 2024
Approved Meeting Minutes - December 14, 2023
Approved Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2023
Approved Meeting Minutes - June 13, 2023
Approved Meeting Minutes - April 27, 2023
Approved Meeting Minutes - February 14, 2023
Approved Meeting Minutes - December 5, 2022
Approved Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2022
Approved Meeting Minutes - March 10, 2022
Approved Meeting Minutes - August 19, 2021
Approved Meeting Minutes - February 16, 2021
Approved Meeting Minutes - August 6, 2020
Policies and Procedures: Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Policies & Procedures, Application Process & Scoring System
Part 362 of Public Act 451 of 1994
Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program Contact Information