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

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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

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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

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Dairy

Dairy

Food Recalls

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Food Recalls

Local Health Department Resources

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Resources for Regulators

Food Safety

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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

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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

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Weights and Measures

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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.

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.

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.

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

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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

Go to Fruit and Vegetable Inspection

Fruit and Vegetable Inspection

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Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development

Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development has the responsibility to recommend, and in some cases determine, policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues. The Commission is a bipartisan body of five citizens appointed by the Governor.

State law dictates that no more than three Commission members may be from the same political party. The Commission holds monthly meetings, with the exception of May and October, or as it deems necessary, and meetings are open to the public. Citizens and organizations wishing to observe or discuss matters under the Commission's jurisdiction are encouraged to attend.

Commission Policy Manual (PDF) (revised 9/25/2025)

Resolutions/Orders

MDARD Commission Transportation Resolution-Signed 3-18-15 (PDF)
MDARD Commission Water Soldier Order 1-21-15 (PDF)

Contact Us

Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
800-292-3939
MDA-Ag-Commission@Michigan.gov

Commission Members

Kathy Garthe

Chair

David Williams

Vice Chair

Monica Wyant

Secretary

Andy Chae

Member

Dr. Felicia Wu

Member

Upcoming Public Meetings

No meetings scheduled. Check back later.

Meeting Documents

Please Note: Minutes are posted after they have been approved by the Commission at their next scheduled meeting.

Documents from the November 5, 2025 Meeting
Written public comments from the November 5, 2025 Meeting

September 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the September 24, 2025 Meeting

July 23, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 23, 2025 Meeting

May 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 21, 2025 Meeting

March 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 12, 2025 Meeting

January 22, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the January 22, 2025 Meeting

November 6, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the November 6, 2024 Meeting

September 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the September 11, 2024 Meeting

July 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 24, 2024 Meeting

May 15, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 15, 2024 Meeting

March 13, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 13, 2024 Meeting

January 31, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the January 31, 2024 Meeting

November 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes

October 11, 2023 Meeting Minutes

August 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes

July 26, 2023 Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2023 Meeting Materials
Public Comment (part 1) from July 26 Meeting
Public Comment (part 2) from July 26 Meeting

May 17, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 17, 2023 Meeting

March 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 15, 2023 Meeting

February 7, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the February 7, 2022 Meeting

March 16, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 16, 2022 Meeting

May 18, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 18, 2022 Meeting

July 20, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 20, 2022 Meeting

September 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the September 14, 2022 Meeting
Documents, Draft 2023 GAAMPS, from the September 14, 2022 Meeting

November 2, 2022 Meeting Minutes
November 2, 2022 Meeting Materials

January 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2021 Meeting Materials
2021 GAAMPs - DRAFT

March 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 10, 2021 Meeting

May 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 12, 2021 Meeting

July 21, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 21, 2021 Meeting

September 15, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the September 15, 2021 Meeting

November 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the November 10, 2021 Meeting

January 22, 2020 Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2020 Meeting Materials - Part 1
January 22, 2020 Meeting Materials - Part 2

June 9, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
Documents from the June 9, 2020 Meeting

July 15, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 15, 2020 Meeting

September 16, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the September 16, 2020 Meeting

November 5, 2020 Meeting Minutes
November 5, 2020 Meeting Materials
2021 GAAMPs - DRAFT
2021 GAAMPs Public Input Meeting and Written Public Comments

March 27, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 27, 2019 Meeting

May 15, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 15, 2019 Meeting

July 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 18, 2019 Meeting

July 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes

September 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes
TB Program Update - PPT
Generally Accepted Fruit, Vegetables, Dairy, Meat, and Grain Processing Practices - DRAFT 2020-2021
Food and Agriculture Investment Fund Projects - September 2019
Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) Update - PPT
MSU Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center Overview
2019 Proposed MAEAP Standards - Part 1
2019 Proposed MAEAP Standards - Part 2
2019 Proposed MAEAP Standards - Part 3

November 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the November 6, 2019 Meeting

Regular Meeting Minutes
Marsh Swine Appeal Minutes
Documents from the January 24, 2018 Meeting

March 19, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the March 21, 2018 Meeting

May 9, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the May 9, 2018 Meeting

July 18, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the July 18, 2018 Meeting

August 22, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the August 22, 2018 Meeting

September 19, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the September 19, 2018 Meeting

November 7, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the November 7, 2018 Meeting

October 11, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the October 11, 2017 Meeting

November 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Documents from the November 8, 2017 Meeting
GAAMPs Site Suitability Determination Appeal Litle Bend Piggery
GAAMPs Site Suitability Determination Appeal S&T Barns, LLC