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
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March 01, 2024
LANSING, MI — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month to honor and celebrate Michigan's farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving.
"This March, we recognize every person and business who works incredibly hard to make Michigan s food and agriculture industry what it is today," said Governor Whitmer. "This industry brings in $104.7 billion annually to our economy, creating good-paying jobs for Michiganders. From our local farmers and producers to the hard-working truck drivers - everyone plays a part in ensuring Michigan s food and agriculture industry remains a global powerhouse."
"Coming from a farm family, I know firsthand the personal fulfillment from being a part of Michigan's food and agriculture sector. Regardless, if you're a veterinarian or a food inspector or a farmer, being part of this industry means being a part of something greater than oneself and contributing to a better quality of life for the people of Michigan" said Director Boring. "I'm thrilled to join Governor Whitmer in celebrating all things Michigan food and agriculture this March!"
Throughout Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will be highlighting unique aspects of Michigan s food and agriculture sector while featuring how the industry positively impacts, improves and protects the lives of Michiganders. Production agriculture, food processing and related businesses comprise a large portion of the state's workforce, employing 805,000 people or 17.2 percent of our population, and contributing $104.7 billion to our state's economy each year.
"Michigan is leader in agriculture production. Just as importantly, Michiganders have demonstrated a commitment to equitable and sustainable food system work that promotes healthy communities. Selecting a month to celebrate food and agriculture in our state shows support for this work, whether it be large state-wide projects like the Michigan Good Food Charter or the smallest community seed saving group," said Sarah Monte, Outreach Director, Marquette Food Co-op.
"Michigan invests and contributes to all parts of the agriculture-to-food value chain. The positive impact of Michigan agriculture is felt year around, but each March we pay special attention to the farmers and food processors that are the heart and soul of West Michigan and so many communities across this state," said Randy Thelen, President & CEO of The Right Place.
MDARD is also celebrating National Weights and Measures Week March 1-7, 2023. MDARD works across the state verifying weights and measures devices used by retailers are functioning correctly, ensuring a fair playing field to ensure consumers are getting what they pay for to help stretch their dollar.
Some additional highlights during the month:
February 29: The launch of the 2024 Michigan Agriculture magazine, a guide to Michigan s farms, forests, food, and exports. The magazine features stories about the state's top crops, environmental innovation, livestock, agribusinesses, tourism, food safety, local products and more.
March 1 7: National Weights and Measures Week, commemorating President John Adams signing of the first U.S. weights and measures law on March 2, 1799, and celebrating the work MDARD Weights and Measures staff does year-round to protect consumers and ensure they get what they pay for when items are sold by weight or volume.
March 8: MDARD and McDonald s celebrates Michigan Food and Agriculture Month in Detroit with a local franchise owner. McDonald s restaurants purchase millions of pounds of farm-fresh products from Michigan producers each year, including fresh fruits and cucumbers, as well as eggs, butter, milk, sugar, pork, beef, corn and oats. In 2021, the McDonald s system purchased $162 million in raw supplies from Michigan producers.
March 20: MDARD is celebrating March is Reading Month by partnering with Lansing School Publics to read food and agriculture books to classrooms throughout the district.
March 22: Celebration of National Agriculture Day commemorating the industry s contributions to our nation.
Throughout the entire month of March, MDARD's social media channels will feature unique stories about what Michigan food and agriculture means to people, along with interesting facts about Michigan crops, food and agriculture businesses, and much more.
To view the proclamation, click the link below.
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