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
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July 23, 2025
Grant awards will expand facilities, increase capacity, and create new jobs
LANSING, Mich. — Today, the Michigan Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development approved $400,000 in Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grants to Hildebrand Fruit, LLC and the City of Oak Park. The funding, awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will allow the businesses to build and expand their facilities, increase capacity and create four full-time and five part-time positions.
"The Food and Agriculture Investment Program is a cornerstone of MDARD's economic development strategy," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Today's grants advance MDARD's broader goals of strengthening Michigan's food supply chain, creating more economic opportunities for Michigan growers, and giving Michigan families more access to locally grown foods."
MDARD is awarding a $175,000 grant to support Hildebrand Fruit, LLC s $4 million expansion project. The expansion will enable the Berrien Springs company to double the square footage of their packing operation, introduce a more efficient layout to increase capacity and equipment options, and create two new positions.
"Our family is so appreciative of this support from MDARD. In 2027, we will celebrate 100 years as a family farm. As we have vertically integrated in the past 10 years, we have simply run out of room at our current facility and need to expand to support our growth," said Mike Hildebrand, Owner of Hildebrand Fruit, LLC. "This grant will help us position ourselves for the next generation, our employees, and our farm partners."
MDARD is awarding a $225,000 grant to the City of Oak Park for a Commercial Food and Event HUB Project to support the construction of a new $8.8 million facility. The nearly 8,000 square foot building will include a year-round farmers market space that can accommodate double the vendors the city s current market welcomes and a fully equipped and commercially licensed shared-use kitchen space. The project will create two new full-time positions and five part-time positions.
"This grant will more than double Oak Park s current Farmers Market capacity and expand opportunities for local food entrepreneurs and the services they provide. We're thrilled to partner with MDARD to strengthen support for local farmers, grow agricultural partnerships, and continue building a vibrant food ecosystem," said City Manager Erik Tungate. "This investment comes at a time of exciting momentum for Oak Park and will directly enhance our community kitchen, year-round market, and event space benefiting both residents and businesses for years to come."
FAIP is an important part of Michigan s economic development. The grant program offers financial support for projects that expand food and agriculture processing, enable growth in the agriculture industry and bolster Michigan s economy. MDARD s selection process is based on high and consistent criteria that include the project s potential to impact the overall agriculture industry as well as food and agriculture growth and investment in the state.
Since Fiscal Year 2019, MDARD has awarded more than $5.7 million in FAIP grants. The grants are part of more than $184 million MDARD delivered over the past seven years to help local communities build infrastructure, promote agricultural prosperity, ensure food safety and create jobs.
Read more about the Food and Agriculture Investment Program.
Learn more about MDARD grants.
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