Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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
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.
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.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
October 27, 2022
Over $1.2 million in federal dollars coming to Michigan’s food and agriculture industry
Lansing—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the Michigan recipients of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded by H.R. 133. The program offers federal funding to a state department of agriculture to support the specialty crop industry and the impacts on the food system due to COVID-19. These grants focus on marketing, training, certifications, food safety, pest control, and plant health for specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, plants, and flowers.
"My administration is committed to supporting Michigan's rich food and agriculture sector. These federal dollars will directly allow these recipients to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, promote the expansion of value-added agriculture production within Michigan, and support our rural communities," said Governor Whitmer. "I appreciate both USDA’s and Senator Stabenow's leadership and partnership to grow Michigan's farmers and vibrant specialty crop industry."
“Michigan leads the nation in the production of many fruits and vegetables and is one of the top states in the country for agricultural diversity. Our fruits, vegetables and nursery crops are not only a source of great pride – they are critical to our state’s economy,” said Senator Stabenow. “This additional support is a big win for Michigan agriculture, as our producers continue to recover from COVID-19 pandemic challenges. This support will help our farmers keep their competitive edge and continue to provide healthy fruits and vegetables to American families.”
"I am thankful for USDA's ongoing commitment to Michigan producers through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program," said Gary McDowell, MDARD Director. "These investments allow for more innovative research and new economic opportunities in Michigan's specialty crop sector. With USDA's support and Governor Whitmer's bipartisan budget agreement, Michigan's food and agricultural sectors are ready to succeed and thrive."
Below is the list of grantees:
| Applicant | Project Title | Amount Awarded |
| Area Community Services Employment and Training | Supporting Specialty Crop Growers in Promoting Leadership and Food Safety Certifications While Upskilling Their Workforce. | $123,540 |
| Cherry Marketing Institute | Support Michigan Tart Cherry Industry by Increasing Demand for Superfruit Among Food and Beverage Developers | $125,000 |
| Eastern Market Corporation DBA Eastern Market Partnership | Next Generation Eastern Market Wholesale Distribution & Processing Center | $68,500 |
| Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo | Sustaining the Diversity of Specialty Crops in Michigan Through the Great Lakes Expo | $83,200 |
| Great Lakes Hops | Great Lakes Hops Collaborative Grow Group Initiative | $85,800 |
Michigan Apple Committee |
Social Media Marketing to Raise Brand Awareness of Michigan Apples | $125,000 |
| Michigan Apple Committee | Trade Advertising and Retail Outreach for Marketing Michigan Apples | $75,000 |
| Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board | Michigan Asparagus for the Digital World | $125,000 |
| Michigan Cider Association | Developing Cider Making Expertise for the Michigan Apple Industry | $125,000 |
| Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association | Top Ten MI Nursery Weeds: Optimum Controls in MI New Crops | $100,000 |
| Michigan Potato Industry Commission | Building relationships and communicating Michigan Potatoes as a key healthy, available, and affordable ingredient. | $125,000 |
| Revolution Farms | Educating Families About Hydroponic Farming by Getting Kids Excited to Eat More Greens | $67,894 |
###
Media Contact:
Author: