Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below.
This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos
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.
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.
Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
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.
Find funding for your organization.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality
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 Preservation
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
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.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
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.
For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.
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.
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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The Multistate Partnership for Security in Agriculture and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are excited to announce its fourth round of Incident Command System (ICS) trainings, April 27 through June 18, 2026. Through generous support from USDA's National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response (NADPRP) grant program, these courses bring animal disease emergency responders and response partners together to build capability and capacity in response to animal disease emergencies.
Please review each section of this webpage before registering for an in-person class. Questions about courses and travel arrangements can be directed Elizabeth Zay (zaye@michigan.gov).
Lansing, MI Area Course Offerings:
Virtual Course Offering:
Pre-Register Online for In-Person Trainings
All attendees will receive formal course registration confirmation, travel assistance approval/denial, further instructions, and hotel reservation information* within 10 business days of course registration.
Hotel reservations will be made for all attendees needing lodging. We will pay for eligible traveler rooms by direct bill. Federal employees will need to pay their own bill.
Travel Reimbursement Eligibility
Travel Reimbursement Procedures
All individuals or organizations seeking travel reimbursement are required to register in the State of Michigan's payment system, SIGMA
Your reimbursement method depends on the organization you work for. For instance:
Eligible Expenses
Expenses allowed under their organization's travel policy are eligible.
If your organization does not have an established travel policy, you may utilize Federal GSA rates. Federal per diem rates can be found on GSA.gov.
Registration
After receiving formal acceptance into the course(s), you will receive:
SIGMA Vendor Self Service (VSS): required for any individual or agency wanting to be reimbursed. Address in SIGMA should be the address where you can receive and physical check AND must match the spreadsheet or invoice requesting reimbursement. EFT is an option in SIGMA, if that is preferred.
Individual Reimbursement
• Complete reimbursement request spreadsheet provided to you at conclusion of training
• Provide completed spreadsheet and receipts to zaye@michigan.gov
Organization Reimbursement
• Submit your reimbursement request to your organization
• After your reimbursement from your organization has occurred, your organization's financial staff sends an invoice detailing the reimbursable expenses, documentation showing the organization has reimbursed you, and receipts to zaye@michigan.gov
State of Michigan Employees
• MDARD - submit SIGMA travel expense request using coding provided to you at conclusion of training
• Non-MDARD - submit SIGMA travel expense request using your normal procedures and have your organization's financial staff send an invoice detailing the reimbursable expenses, documentation showing the organization has reimbursed you, and receipts to zaye@michigan.gov; MDARD will pay your agency via IET
Flights
Course Venues and Lodging
REMINDER: Hotel reservations will be made for all attendees who need lodging. We will pay for eligible traveler rooms by direct bill to us; ineligible travelers will need to pay their own bill. Depending on the hotel, you may receive confirmation information directly from the hotel or from event planners.