The Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau is comprised of the Consumer Protection Division, Laboratory Division, and the Integrated Support Division
.| Bureau | Program | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgD | Economic & Community Development | 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. | Contact: Donna LaCourt. Acting Economic & Community Development Program Manager |
| AgD | International Marketing Program | The mission of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's International Marketing Program is to assist Michigan food and agricultural businesses in developing domestic and international market opportunities to effectively grow their business. View an overview of Michigan's agricultural exports. In conjunction with various partners and service providers, the International Marketing Program offers Michigan businesses a variety of export marketing programs and services. | Contact: Elissa Mutschler or Holly Gaffnev. International Marketing Program Coordinators |
| AgD | Grants Program | The Agriculture Development Bureau offers a variety of grant programs to meet the needs of Michigan’s food and agriculture businesses. To apply for a grant, visit www.Michigan.gov/MiAgGrants and login to the MiLogin page. | Contact: Tracey Barnes, Grants Program Manager |
| AgD | Michigan Craft Beverage Council | The Michigan Craft Beverage Council is a 10-member, governor-appointed board that is advisory to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Craft Beverage Council was established within MDARD to provide for research into Michigan agricultural products, such as fruits, hops and barley, that are used in the production of Michigan wine, cider, beer, spirits and mixed spirit drinks. The Michigan Craft Beverage Council may also take actions that will enhance the marketing and promotion of Michigan agricultural products, such as fruits, hops and barley, that are used in the production of Michigan craft beverages. | Contact: Jenelle Jagmin. Director of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council |
| AgD | Michigan Agricultural Commodity Organizations | Michigan is home to many commodity organizations representing the state's diverse agricultural sectors. | View a list of commodity groups and contacts |
| AgD | Producer Security | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) works to help ensure our state's farmers are paid for the grain they transact with Michigan's grain dealers. Commodities covered by the Farm Produce Insurance Authority include corn, soybeans, dry beans, small grains and cereal grains. Learn more about the Producer Security Program at MDARD. | Contact: Jeff Haarer. Producer Services Section Manager |
| AgD | Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program | The Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (commonly known as P.A. 116) protects farmland and open space through voluntary agreements and conservation easements that restrict non-agricultural development and may provide certain tax benefits in exchange for program participation. | Contact: Forest (Chip) Kraus, Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program Manager |
| AgD | Forestry | The Forestry Assistance Program is designed to help private forestland owners manage their forests in an economically beneficial and environmentally sound manner. Conservation District foresters work with private landowners to increase the understanding of the value of forest resources. They also refer landowners to private sector foresters for management plan development, forest management practice implementation, and to verify landowner eligibility for Michigan's Qualified Forest Program (QFP). QFP encourages landowners to actively manage their privately owned forests for commercial harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and improvement of other non-forest resources. In exchange for managing their forests in a sustainable manner, the landowner will receive an exemption from the local school operating millage. | Contact: Ben Schram, Forestry Assistance Program Manager |
| AgD | Intercounty Drains | County and intercounty drains play a key role in the development of agriculture, roads and highways, residential, and commercial properties by removing excess soil moisture, reducing flood impacts, and improving public health. Agriculture Development Bureau staff chair intercounty drainage boards that oversee drain management and balance upstream benefits with downstream costs between counties. | Contact: Mike Gregg, Intercounty Drains Program Manager |
| AgD | Migrant Labor Housing | Migrant Labor Housing is designed to ensure the safety of housing occupied by five or more migrant agricultural workers. ESD inspects and licenses 4,000 living units a year. | Contact: Majed Ghussaini, Migrant Labor Housing Program Manager |
| AgD | Fruit and Vegetable Inspection | Agriculture Development Bureau provides third-party inspection services to verify fruit and vegetable grading under government standards and processor specifications. Staff also inspect and license controlled atmosphere storage rooms. | Contact: Patricia Bizoukas, Fruit & Vegetable Program Manager |
| BFA | Animal Control | The Animal Control Program works with local animal control agencies to provide support, education, and guidance on animal health issues and state regulations. | Contact: Pollyanne McKillop |
| BFA | Animal Disease Traceability | The Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Program educates others on the requirements for animals moving into, within, and out of Michigan and enforces these standards. Overall, these requirements provide assurance of animal health and traceability. The ADT Program also gathers and stores searchable data on animal identification and movement, enabling a rapid response when an outbreak of a reportable animal disease occurs. | Contact: Theresa Drysdale, DVM |
| BFA | Animal Feed Safety | Routinely inspects the manufacturer and distributor of commercial feeds and feed ingredients (including medicated feed) to ensure all products are safe and effective for their intended purposes. The Animal Feed Program also reviews product labels to prevent deceptive labeling practices and investigates reports of animal deaths or illnesses where feeds may be implicated. |
For general information, including feed labeling and tonnage questions, contact MDARD-AnimalFeed@Michigan.gov For feed-related questions or complaints: 800-292-3939 |
| BFA | Animal Shelters | The Animal Shelters Program is responsible for registering animal shelters. This includes both municipal open-admission animal control shelters and animal protection shelters, which are closed-admission facilities typically operated by private (mostly non-profit) organizations. The Animal Shelters Program staff work with shelters to provide guidance and education on animal health issues and state regulations. | Contact: AnimalShelters@Michigan.gov |
| BFA | Aquaculture | The Aquaculture Program manages the registration and regulation of aquaculture facilities. It also serves to protect and promote the aquaculture industry by addressing issues related to fish health, environmental protection, and industry concerns. Specific activities of the program include pre-licensing inspections, routine annual inspections, and reportable disease or escapement responses. Further, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the program oversees the issuance of all prior-entry import permits, including permits for baitfish and other aquaculture intended for stocking public waters. Lastly, the program works with other state agencies to prevent and control aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes area. | Contact: Michael Thome |
| BFA | Bovine Tuberculosis | The goal of the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Program is to prevent, control, and ultimately eradicate the disease in cattle. The activities of the program are critical in order to ensure Michigan’s cattle industry has access to national and international markets. Within the state, there are currently two TB zones: a four-county area in northern lower Michigan called the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) and the remainder of the state is referred to as the Accredited Free Zone (AFZ). In the MAZ and its adjacent counties, the Bovine TB Program works daily on disease surveillance, animal traceability, and prevention of bovine TB transmission from deer-to-cattle. These efforts are complimented by a variety of communication strategies intended to increase awareness and engagement. | Contact: Michael VanderKlok |
| BFA | Companion and Exotic Animals | The Companion and Exotic Animals Program investigates cases of reportable disease within species such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and pet birds. Common reported diseases include rabies, leptospirosis, brucellosis, and poisonings. In addition, the program serves as a subject matter expert in state laws related to companion and exotic animals, oversees the importation of these animals into Michigan, licenses zoos to breed large carnivores (i.e., exotic cats and bears), and approves euthanasia and chemical capture training programs for animal shelters and dealers. | Contact: Michele Schalow, DVM |
| BFA | Compliance Investigative Unit | The Compliance Investigative Unit’s (CIU) purpose is to investigate allegations of violations to the laws, regulations, and program standards that the Animal Industry Division (AID) is responsible for carrying out under Chapter 286 and 287 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. The CIU is also tasked with utilizing fair and uniform progressive enforcement measures to obtain compliance with these laws, regulations, and program standards. | Contact: Al Rodriquez |
| BFA | Milk and Dairy Product Safety and Inspection Program | The Dairy Safety and Inspection Program regulates and inspects Michigan’s dairy farms, milk haulers, bulk milk tankers, dairy plants, milk laboratories, and milk distributors, tests pasteurization systems, and collects and submits milk and dairy product samples for analysis to ensure that these products are safe. | Food and Dairy Division Call Center: 800-292-3939 |
| BFA | Dead Animal Transport and Disposal | In Michigan, dead animals can be buried, composted, burned, or rendered—including being made into animal feed. The Animal Industry Division (AID) licenses and regulates businesses producing animal feed and/or other products from dead animals and used restaurant grease. Additionally, AID licenses and regulates businesses that collect, transport, and/or transfer dead animals and used restaurant grease for further processing. There are currently 18 licensed businesses transporting and disposing of dead animals. | Contact: Michele Schalow, DVM |
| BFA | Emergency Management | The Emergency Management Program serves to plan and facilitate activities that increase the state’s preparedness when responding to animal-related emergencies, ensuring a quick and effective response. To help build this preparedness, the program guides owners and producers in the development of secure food supply plans, enhanced biosecurity protocols, and disposal plans. This collaboration helps to raise awareness of potential vulnerabilities, directly address concerns, and reduce the potential for introducing and spreading a disease. Overall, the primary objectives of the program are to protect human health, safeguard the health and welfare of animals, and provide for a safe and viable food supply. | Contact: Justine O'Malley |
| BFA | Equine Diseases | With 28 reportable equine diseases, one of the main goals of the Equine Program is to investigate any report of these diseases in Michigan. Common reportable diseases include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile virus (WNV), herpesvirus-1, and strangles. In a typical year, the program receives about 40 reports of potential disease. Also, the program oversees the importation and intrastate movement of equine in Michigan and serves as a subject matter expert in state laws related to equids. | Contact: Michele Schalow, DVM |
| BFA | Fairs and Exhibitions | The Fairs and Exhibitions Program protects, regulates, and promotes animal health by performing inspections and educational outreach for fairs and exhibitions. The program and field staff work with leaders and exhibitors of these events to ensure all livestock not only appear healthy and have proper care but also have appropriate official identification, test charts, and (if needed) interstate certificates of veterinary inspection. Also, when notified, all reportable disease cases at fairs and exhibitions are investigated to assist with diagnostics and control of the disease. Additionally, the program emphasizes the role of biosecurity at these events to protect both animals and humans from disease. | Contact: Jarold Goodrich, DVM |
| BFA | Farmed Cervids | The practice of raising deer and elk (farmed cervids) in captivity is jointly regulated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Animal Industry Division (AID). AID manages the animal health and traceability components of this program, including chronic wasting disease (CWD), bovine tuberculosis (TB), and movement. | Contact: Patricia McKane, DVM, MPH |
| BFA | Large-Scale Dog Breedings Kennels | The Large-scale Dog Breeding Kennels (LDBK) Program provides state regulatory oversight on dog kennels with more than 15 qualifying females that are in the business of selling puppies. The LDBK Program makes certain specific standards are met in order to ensure healthy dogs as well as their safe housing and adequate care. In addition, puppies are required to be accompanied with a current pet health certificate. It is crucial to note these kennels may also require local kennel licensing or licensing by the United States Department of Agriculture. | Contact: MDARD-BreedingKennels@Michigan.gov |
| BFA | Food Safety and Inspection Program | MDARD’s Food Safety and Inspection Program (FSIP) assures the safety and wholesomeness of Michigan's food supply through food safety inspections, complaint investigations, plan reviews, licensing, and education to consumers and industry. Inspectors evaluate retail and manufacturing food establishments for compliance with state and federal requirements, collect food samples for analysis, conduct recall activities, and carry out enforcement. | Food and Dairy Division Call Center: 800-292-3939 |
| BFA | Livestock Depredation | The Livestock Depredation Program provides fair and timely compensation to livestock owners for animals killed, injured to the extent of requiring euthanasia, or missing as a result of wolves, coyotes, and cougars. Some areas of the state, and certain species of livestock and their offspring, experience greater than average depredation events. | Contact: Jeff Schaner |
| BFA | Livestock Markets | The Livestock Markets Program provides regulatory oversight on animal welfare, disease control, and traceability issues pertaining to livestock marketing activities. Entities engaged in the business of buying, selling, transporting, or negotiating the sale and transfer of livestock are required to maintain records and be licensed and bonded when appropriate. Additionally, licensed livestock facilities and transport vehicles must be well-maintained to ensure animal welfare and human safety as well as to prevent the spread of disease. | Contact: Theresa Drysdale, DVM |
| BFA | Produce Safety | The Produce Safety Unit conducts on-farm produce safety inspections and investigations using science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The Produce Safety Unit also works with partners on the Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team to provide education, outreach, and technical assistance to Michigan producers. | Contact: Kim Galloup |
| LCP | Livestock Disease Testing | Lab tests ensure that livestock are disease-free and meet state and federal requirements for shipping across county, state and national borders. | Contact: Bill Thompson ThompsonW9@Michigan.gov, Chemistry Lab Scientist Manager MDARD-ADS@michigan.gov |
| LCP | Motor Fuels Quality | The Laboratory & Consumer Protection Bureau houses the Motor Fuels Quality Program. The administrative personnel for these programs are located at the E.C. Heffron Laboratory. The Motor Fuels Quality Program establishes and regulates the sale and quality of motor fuels through licensing, investigation, inspection and sampling to ensure the fuels that consumers buy contain the proper materials and abide by legal standards. The Motor Fuels Quality Program Hotline number is 1-800-MDA-FUEL or 1-800-632-3835 | Contact: Scott Ferguson, FergusonS9@Michigan.gov, Deputy Director Motor Fuels Quality |
| LCP | Product Labels | Product label accuracy is tested to verify nutritional content for consumer and animal foods. | Contact: Robert DeRubeis, DeRubeisR@Michigan.gov, Weights and Measures Program Manager |
| LCP | Weights and Measures | The Weights and Measures Program, through the enforcement of applicable laws and regulations, prevents economic fraud and deception by testing all weighing and measuring devices. This ensures that when a product is weighed or measured, it is done accurately. The program prevents economic deception by checking the accuracy of over 200,000 commercial weighing and measuring devices, the proper net content of packaged commodities, and proper methods of sale at over 50,000 retail establishments and production facilities in Michigan. The state-of-the-art E.C. Heffron Metrology Laboratory provides support to the program and Michigan industry by providing mass, volume and length calibrations that are in accordance with national standards. | Contact: Robert DeRubeis, DeRubeisR@Michigan.gov, Weights and Measures Program Manager |
| LCP | Metrology Laboratory | The laboratory provides mass, volume, and force calibrations. The laboratory also serves Michigan's automotive, pharmaceutical, chemical, service and other high-tech industries requiring traceable calibrations by an accredited source. | Contact: Nick Santini, SantiniN@Michigan.gov, Metrology Laboratory Manager |
| AgD | Agriculture Products Verification | MDARD monitors the quality of commercial grain elevators, feed mills, commercial animal feed for livestock and pets, fertilizer and lime, animal remedy products and storage facilities for agrichemicals. | Contact: Jeff Haarer, HaarerJ@Michigan.gov, Producer Services Section Manager |
| BES | Invasive Species | MDARD oversees programs to detect and manage exotic pests including the spotted lanternfly, hemlock woolly adelgid, box tree moth, and Asian long horned beetle. | Contact: Rob Miller, MillerR35@Michigan.gov Susie Iott, IottS@Michigan.gov |
| BES | Integrated Pest Management and Public Health Pests | PPPM provides assistance to local units of government, non-governmental organizations, schools, day cares, health care facilities, and individuals dealing with urban and public health pest issues. Priorities of the program are to promote an integrated pest management approach to pest problems, provide educational outreach and assistance on the management of urban and public health pests, and facilitate communication between stakeholders. | Contact: Emily Pochubay PochubayE@Michigan.gov |
| BES | Plant Pest Quarantines |
MDARD helps safeguard Michigan agriculture and natural resources against the introduction, establishment, and spread of harmful pests through plant pest quarantines. Plant pest quarantines are legal documents issued by MDARD limiting the movement of specific plant material within, into, or out of the state of Michigan. |
Contact: Amber Neils |
| BES | Seed Program | The seed program helps ensure seed offered for sale in Michigan to growers of crops, landscapers, and private homeowners meet quality standards established by Act 329, the Michigan Seed Law. MDARD accomplishes the objectives of the seed program through routine sampling and testing of commercially available seed to ensure that all standards and requirements of our law are being met. |
Contact: Andria McCubbin |
| BES | Nursery/Plant Certification | Over 2,000 growers and 5,200 dealers are certified and licensed by MDARD to conduct business in the nursery trade. This ensures pest-free stock for consumers, and assures market access for growers. Inspection includes Michigan-grown and imported plant materials. | Contact: Amber Neils NeilsA@Michigan.gov, or Andria McCubbin MccubbinA@Michigan.gov |
| BES | Pesticide Regulation | PPPM is responsible for protecting human health and the environment by ensuring pesticides are available to the people of Michigan and that they are used safely and legally. Key pesticide-related activities performed by PPPM include enforcement of pesticide laws and regulations, licensing of pesticide businesses, certification of pesticide applicators, registration of pesticide products, ensuring pesticide safety standards for agricultural workers, and promoting integrated pest management. | Contact: MDARD-pesticide@Michigan.gov |
| BES | Conservation District Operations | Michigan's conservation districts utilize local, state, federal, and private sector resources to deliver programming designed to solve today’s agricultural and natural resource problems. The Conservation Stewardship Division (CSD) works cooperatively with Michigan's 75 conservation districts who deliver CSD's soil, water, and energy conservation programs directly to landowners. | Contact: John Switzer SwitzerJ3@michigan.gov |
| BES | Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) | MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes, and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. MAEAP also helps farmers with safe and proper disposal of pesticides through the Clean Sweep Program and reporting their water use. | Contact: Joe Kelpinski KelpinskiJ@Michigan.gov |
| BES | Right to Farm | Michigan has one of the most effective Right to Farm laws in the nation. The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development adopts the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPS). These GAAMPs provide a standard for management techniques that mitigates nuisance conditions including noise and odor associated with farm operations, protecting farms from being nuisance lawsuits. Additionally, the program assists new or expanding livestock with siting and odor mitigation The program also provides biosolids education. | Contact: Mike Wozniak WozniakM1@Michigan.gov |
| BES | Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) | Michigan’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was created to help protect our environment and wildlife. Michigan is partnering with the federal government to implement conservation practices of great significance to the state, and valuable to the nation, in matters of soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat. In Michigan’s CREP, farmers and other landowners in priority watershed areas agree to enroll eligible parcels of land in the program for 15 years and establish prescribed conservation practices. In return, landowners receive cost-share assistance in establishing conservation practices. | Contact: Joe Switzer SwitzerJ3@michigan.gov |
| BES | Spill Response Team | Through rapid response and land application of recovered materials, Michigan saves tens of millions of dollars in cleanup costs from agrichemical spills. | Contact: Michael Wozniak WozniakM1@Michigan.gov Report pesticide, fertilizer, or manure spills to the Spill Response line at 800-405-0101. |
