Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Annual Reports
Fruit and Vegetable Controlled Atmosphere Storage Licensing Details, FAQ's, & Forms
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
All public meetings, that fall under the Open Meetings Act, scheduled by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will be posted here. Questions about any of these meetings should be directed to contact person in the division listed on the notice.
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).
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.
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is charged with certifying sites where industrial hemp is to be grown under the authority of the federal Agriculture Act of 2014 and the state Industrial Hemp Research Act of 2014.
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May 31, 2022
Animal Welfare Fund grants help local shelters meet community needs
LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is recognizing National Pet Month—a month where the important role pet’s play in the lives of many Michiganders can be celebrated. Grants through MDARD’s Animal Welfare Fund help Michigan’s registered animal shelters care for and support homeless animals who are waiting for the opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life.
According to statistics derived from the American Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan is home to approximately 2.4 million dogs and 1.8 million cats; and some of these animals are in one of Michigan's 201 registered animal shelters, waiting to become someone's beloved pet.
The Animal Welfare Fund is supported by charitable Michiganders during tax season when they check the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns.
This year, MDARD will distribute $150,000 to 23 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support their various animal welfare projects.
“Thanks to the generosity and kindness of Michigan taxpayers, MDARD can continue to support the increasing needs of our registered animal shelters," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. "These grants help fund spay/neuter programs, outreach and education efforts, and even training for animal control officers and other shelter staff. This funding has a real impact on pets and the people who care for them by helping shelters meet the needs of their communities."
“The Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO) is grateful for the opportunities the Animal Welfare Fund provides for bringing quality, hands-on training and continuing education to our officers,” said DeeDee Mendyk, MAACO Treasurer. “The additional knowledge and skills officers learn are brought back to their local communities, helping them in their critical role to ensure public and animal safety.”
One hundred percent of the contributions made to this fund go directly to registered Michigan animal shelters to help them better care for local animals and support their broader community. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.4 million to over 213 animal shelters.
The following animal shelter organizations were awarded 2022 Animal Welfare Fund grants:
In recognition of National Pet Month, you can support your local shelters and pets by directly volunteering or donating to your chosen organization. Or, if you filed an extension on your state taxes, consider protecting homeless animals and improving their care by checking the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule on your state tax returns.
For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund and how to contribute, please visit Michigan.gov/AnimalWelfareFund.