Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Boards, Councils, and Commissions
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.
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.
June 03, 2025
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking input on the potential establishment of a legislatively enacted Michigan wine grape commodity group after growers submitted enough signatures to pursue organization. The department is currently taking nominations for a temporary advisory committee composed of industry members, which will oversee the process moving forward.
"MDARD is committed to maintaining a diverse food and agriculture industry within Michigan and highlighting unique agricultural opportunities," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "The potential establishment of a wine grape commodity group would support Michigan craft beverage producers and businesses to continue to grow their product, expand their knowledge and improve their economic impact."
In Michigan, Public Act (P.A.) 232 provides an avenue for commodity growers to organize and vote on whether or not to establish a legislatively enacted commodity group. Two hundred signatures or 25 percent, whichever is lower, from growers are first needed to start the process, which are then submitted to MDARD as required by the statute. MDARD currently has legal, fiscal and program oversight responsibility for 15 legislatively established commodity boards.
Michigan wine grape growers, and businesses affiliated with the purchase of Michigan wine grapes, are encouraged to submit their contact information to receive updates about the P.A. 232 process, including information on committees, public hearings, and referendums.
Using this form, grape growers may also nominate themselves to participate in the temporary advisory committee. Survey responses are due June 11, 2025 to be considered for the committee.
The responsibilities of a temporary advisory committee will include developing program recommendations to be considered by fellow wine grape growers at future public hearings. If the feedback at those hearings is positive, a referendum date will be set for qualified producers of the commodity. A successful referendum is the final step in enacting a wine grape P.A. 232 group.
###
Author: