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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Director of Communications
Jennifer Holton, APR, is the Communications Director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) overseeing the Office of Communications, including emergency and crisis communications, media relations, social media, and both internal and external relations. MDARD’s communications team strives to provide timely, factual, and easy-to-understand information to the public, journalists, and stakeholders to promote full transparency and build trust in and support for the department’s overall mission. The communications team works closely with staff, leadership, and serves as the communications liaison with other state, federal, and local agencies as well as nongovernmental organizations.
Since beginning her public relations/communications career in 1998, Jennifer has provided public relations and communications counsel for several area organizations and businesses including an account executive for Lezotte Miller Public Relations, Communications Director for the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, Assistant Public Relations Director for the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery. She has served in state government since 2002. Jennifer joined MDARD in 2004 and has served as the department’s Communications Director since 2012.
She is an accredited public relations practitioner through the national Public Relations Society of America, and currently serves on the national board of directors for the Communication Officers of the State Departments of Agriculture. Additionally, she was the professional advisor for the Michigan State University Public Relations Student Society of America for four years and has previously served on the board for the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America.
Jennifer is credentialed by the Food and Drug Administration. She has also received the National Association for the State Departments of Agriculture Honor Award for Outstanding Achievement in Communications (2012), the Gordon Guyer Award for Collaborative Partnership (2016) and the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America’s PACE Maker of the Year award (2024).
She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Spanish.
Jennifer Holton
Director of Communications
HoltonJ@Michigan.gov
517-284-5724
