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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.
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Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
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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).
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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.
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The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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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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August 24, 2022
LANSING, MI – Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell toured Planted Detroit and Ruhlig Farms to meet with local companies helping to address food insecurities while bolstering economic development in urban areas of Michigan. Throughout 2022, McDowell is traveling across the state, meeting with food and agricultural businesses as they advance during Michigan's economic recovery and revitalization.
"At MDARD, we're constantly encouraging innovation, creativity, and development across our robust food and agricultural industry," said Director McDowell. "Planted Detroit and Ruhlig Farms are outstanding examples of how our food and agriculture industry is adapting through innovation to meet the needs of Michiganders while helping address the ongoing food insecurities across our state.”
Planted Detroit is known for its vertical farming system, biosecurity measures, and controlled environmental agriculture. According to the company, after gathering a group of plant nerds, IT geeks, grocery gurus, and food lovers, Planted Detroit set out to grow fresh, nutritious greens all year long on Detroit's east side. They're located three miles from the city of Detroit to ensure they can get fresh food to areas with the most need.
Planet Detroit has gone from 11 to 61 jobs between 2018 to 2022. They are currently working on a third facility, a 100,000-square-foot greenhouse. When this new facility is up and running, it is estimated to bring an additional 100 jobs to the Detroit area.
Ruhlig Farms LLC was established in 1970 and is a fourth-generation farming family. They have been responsible for providing outstanding fresh produce, bedding plants, hanging baskets, and potted plants to the Detroit area for over 40 years. Ruhlig's operates on a strictly wholesale basis.
Throughout 2022, Director McDowell is meeting with Michigan's food and agricultural businesses to focus on how they can continue to thrive in Michigan's new economy and how best MDARD can assist their continuous development.
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