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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June 08, 2022
Marquette, MI - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell visited several local food and agricultural businesses in Marquette, including Seeds & Spores Family Farm, Cafe Bodega, and Partridge Creek Farm. McDowell continues to travel across the state to meet with food and agricultural businesses as they advance during Michigan's economic recovery and revitalization.
"Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, and the Upper Peninsula is an important portion of that," said McDowell. "The food and agricultural industry in the Upper Peninsula help create economic opportunities for food and agricultural businesses while utilizing environmental sustainability practices. As I meet with companies around the state, I want businesses of all sizes to know MDARD is their partner in growth. When we work together, we can move Michigan forward boldly."
Seeds and Spores Family Farm is located just outside of Marquette. Their passion is growing delicious food for their community and leaving the land healthier than they found it. As a family, Seeds and Spores Family Farms have been in the area for about 20 years focusing on growing vegetables, fruit, and mushrooms. They also raise Heritage breed pigs, Scottish Highlander and Red Angus cattle, and laying hens.
Back in 1884, Bodega was home to the Third Street School, but now Cafe Bodega is a restaurant and bar owned by an art teacher who works locally teaching art to middle schoolers and her partner, who is the artist behind “Because Marquette.” Café Bodega prides itself on using local ingredients, like eggs from BSB Farms in Skandia and all-natural local beef from Superior Home Farms in Rapid River and has become known for its breakfast. Additionally, Café Bodega works with Partridge Creek Farm to compost everything before the plate.
Partridge Creek Farm is focused on reducing food insecurity, supporting food-based economic development, and providing education to the next generation on sustainable food systems through hands-on farming. The farm is working toward
closing food-insecurities gaps through fresh, locally grown food that is equitable and easy to access. They believe health and well-being depends on intentional environmental stewardship that includes planning for various land uses.
Throughout 2022, Director McDowell is meeting with Michigan’s food and agricultural businesses having conversations focused on how they can continue to thrive in Michigan's new economy and how best MDARD can assist their continuous development.
