1. MDARD
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  3. MDARD Organization Contacts

MDARD Directory Listing

  • Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

    MDARD is comprised of six divisions that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public’s food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $101.2 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.

    Organizational Details
    Contact Information
    Mailing Address

    Michigan Department of Agriculture
    & Rural Development
    P.O. Box 30017
    Lansing, Michigan
    48909     


Agriculture Development

  • Agriculture Development Division

    The Agriculture Development Economic & Community Development Team delivers expertise and leadership to support growth of Michigan’s food, agriculture and forest product industries and communities.  Working hand-in-hand with community partners and other state and federal agencies, the team strives to create a culture of seamless customer service delivery to existing and new businesses.  The team connects businesses to technical and development resources including funding and financing, regulatory assistance or international trade.

    • Director: Peter Anastor

Animal Industry Division

  • Animal Industry Division

    The Animal Industry Division (AID) protects the public's health and the health of domestic animals, livestock and pets. The State Veterinarian is responsible for overall livestock and poultry disease programs and toxic substance contamination concerns as they relate to animal health. The division also works on the eradication of animal diseases, which in turn helps provide for the importation and exportation of healthy livestock. These provisions have a significant impact on human health and welfare through the protection of the food supply.  Some of the diseases that threaten Michigan livestock are tuberculosis (TB),   Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE),  Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), Pseudorabies, rabies, and various toxicities. 

    • Director: Dr. James Averill

Environmental Stewardship Division

  • Environmental Stewardship Division

    The Environmental Stewardship Division (ESD) provides assistance to soil and water conservation districts, drain commissioners and land users in the conservation and development of our soil and water resources. Programs administered by the division encourage the installation and management of sustainable resource protection practices at the local level.

    • Director: Jim Johnson

Food & Dairy Division

  • Food and Dairy Division

    The mission of the Food and Dairy Division (FDD) is to protect public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply, while working to maintain a viable food and dairy industry.  Food safety is the division's top priority.

    • Acting Director: Terry Philibeck

Laboratory Division

  • Laboratory Division

    The Laboratory Division helps safeguard consumers every day – whether it be at the gas pump or ensuring our food is pathogen free. As part of MDARD’s regulatory programs, the Lab tests for various food and feed pathogens, provides diagnostic testing, ensures the quality and quantity of gas being sold, prevents economic fraud by looking for credit card skimmers, and ensures packages contain the amount of product they claim. Their efforts continue to protect public health, preserve the integrity of the food safety net and ensure consumers are safe at the pump.

    • Director: Craig VanBuren

Pesticide and Plant Pest Management

  • Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division

    The Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD) is responsible for the implementation of programs and enforcement of laws concerning agricultural products, export commodities, pesticide sale and use, pest management and groundwater protection.

    • Director: Gina Alessandri​