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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July 21, 2022
This program connects kids with fresh Michigan food from area farms
LANSING, MI – Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell and Michigan Department of Education (MDE) members celebrated Michigan’s Farm to Summer Month at the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing by joining their daily lunch service to the community. Farm to Summer is a program connecting early care education programs, children, and teens with fresh, healthy food from local Michigan farms and producers.
Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with the MDARD and MDE, proclaimed July as Michigan ‘Farm to Summer’ Month,’ celebrating the state’s local food and agriculture, allowing Michiganders to consume fresh produce and local products. Michigan’s shorter growing season means summer is the best time to source and serve Michigan produce.
“The future of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is in the hands of younger generations, which is why it is so important we provide opportunities for young Michiganders to learn and connect with how their food is grown,” said MDARD Director McDowell. “I’m proud that several summer programs across the state focus on teaching healthy habits and highlight our fresh fruits and vegetables. Efforts like this show Michigan’s future in the food and agricultural industry is bright.”
“It is importation that children continue to learn during the summer months and that includes learning about healthy eating habits,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “Children learning that healthy food is grown in their own state builds a connection with their neighbors and broadens kids’ knowledge of the many different kinds of nutritious food they can enjoy.”
Farm to Summer Month is directly aligned with Goal 3 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan to “improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.”
These programs help children develop health habits through hands-on learning activities and educational opportunities, including school gardens, teaching where food come from, and taste-testing a variety of fruit and vegetables, during the summer months when school is not in session.
SFSP sponsors can take advantage of Michigan’s growing season and source many locally grown products into their menus. SFSP is encouraging meal sites to celebrate Farm to Summer with special activities the week of July 18 through July 22, 2022, and has created a newsletter that highlights fruits and vegetables, fun recipes, and educational and physical activities for each day.
Read the full Michigan Farm to Summer proclamation.
