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.
March 01, 2024
The State’s Weights & Measures Program is committed to ensuring Michiganders are getting what they pay for, keeping more money in consumer’s wallets
LANSING, MICH - Each day, as commerce moves and consumers shop, a lesser-known program housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) ensures weights and measures devices used by retailers function correctly. The Weights and Measures program within MDARD’s Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau works diligently to ensure a fair playing field within Michigan’s economy.
"Every Michigander deserves to know they're getting fair value for their goods and products," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "At MDARD, our team works incredibly hard to ensure accuracy in the marketplace. While much of this work occurs daily behind the scenes, our staff is present all across the state. Their efforts keep hard earned dollars in the pockets of Michigan consumers."
Weights and Measures Week is celebrated nationally every year from March 1 to 7 to commemorate President John Adams signing the first U.S. weights and measures legislation into law on March 2, 1799.
MDARD’s Weights and Measures program is responsible for everything sold by weight, count, or measure. Inspectors verify everything from the accuracy of gas pumps and grocery scales to the content of the packages that consumers purchase.
Inspectors across the country, including here in Michigan, have been verifying and testing scales and meters and the net contents of packaged goods for many, many years. Making sure those meet standards ensures Michiganders are getting what they pay for regardless of what it is they’re buying. It may seem routine, but it is a constant challenge to keep pace with new technology and marketing practices.
“With spring right around the corner, MDARD also checks for items of particular interest to consumers this time of year, like bags of mulch and soil,” said Craig VanBuren, MDARD’s Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau Director. “And, of course, let’s not forget the gallon of gas you buy for your lawnmower. Or, the items you scan at the store. Our inspectors work daily to ensure Michiganders get what they’re paying for every time.”
Consumers with concerns about any advertisement, purchase, service, or transaction based on weight, measure, or count may call 800-632-3835 to register a complaint.
###
Media Contact:
Author: