Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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.
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.
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
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Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health
Tim Slawinski is the director of the Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health (BFA) of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The BFA is responsible for protecting, regulating, and promoting animal health and also ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply, while working to maintain a viable food and dairy industry.
Michigan's grocery and convenience stores, food/feed processors, dairy farms, food service establishments, food warehouses, and produce farms are regulated by BFA, in partnership with Michigan's 45 local health departments. BFA staff works with a variety of food and feed industry, regulatory, consumer, and academic partners to assure the food produced, distributed, and sold in Michigan is safe and wholesome.
To accomplish the mission of protecting animal health, the bureau mainly focuses on three key functions: monitoring and responding to reportable diseases, ensuring animal traceability, and licensing and inspecting certain animal-related businesses—such as registered animal shelters, aquaculture facilities, and livestock haulers. Together, these efforts help to ensure animal welfare as well as limit the spread of diseases that could negatively impact Michigan’s agricultural economy and public health. The efforts of the bureau are further strengthened and amplified through collaboration with other state and federal agencies, industry stakeholders, and other animal health partners.
Tim was named director for BFA in 2023. Before that, he served as the director of the Food and Dairy Division. Since joining MDARD in 2012, Tim has had several roles within the department, including Emerging Issues Specialist, Food Safety Modernization Unit Manager and Acting Deputy Division Director. Prior to joining MDARD, Tim spent 12 years working for industry in the field of food safety for several companies including Cargill and Kellogg’s.
Tim Slawinski
Director of the Food Safety and Health Bureau
SlawinskiT@Michigan.gov
517-420-5364
