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.
August 15, 2023
LANSING As Michigan children start to return to school as summer break comes to a close, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding schools to practice safe integrated pest management (IPM) in spaces where students learn and play. School districts using IPM techniques can reduce the spread of pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and ants while practicing smart pest control that doesn't rely solely on chemical intervention.
"Pesticide applications are just one of many pest management tools in the toolbox available to schools," said Mike Philip, Director of MDARD's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. "Integrated pest management uses a variety of techniques to combat pests while improving management, lowering costs, and protecting the health and safety of people and the environment."
IPM emphasizes preventing pests from entering buildings by fixing holes in window screens, repairing damaged door sweeps, and sealing holes where pipes and supply lines enter buildings. Putting sanitation practices in place removing food sources attracting pests like removing trash daily, cleaning food debris, and storing food in pest-proof containers.
"When prevention and sanitation methods haven't proven effective, pesticide applications might be the best tool at the end of the day," added Philip. "If schools need to use pesticides, then they need to be following MDARD requirements related to IPM before using a pesticide to keep kids protected."
MDARD requires all Michigan K-12 schools to establish an IPM program and provide notice to parents and guardians before pesticides are applied. Maintaining records of pesticide applications is also required.
Thanks to Governor Whitmer's historic bipartisan budget, MDARD's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division received additional funding to invest in more training, expand and enhance pest management practices and partner with Michigan school districts to help keep kids safe and healthy.
Visit MDARD's IPM website for more information, including educational resources for applicators and school administrators. For more information about MDARD s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest.
###
Program contact: Emily Pochubay, 517-231-8723
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724