Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends and determines policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues. MDARD oversees several additional boards 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.
Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
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Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
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Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality
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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.
MAEAP helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. We are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.
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For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.
The plant health program protects agricultural and environmental resources through the early detection and management of invasive species and the inspection of plants and plant products for pests and diseases, while facilitating international and domestic commerce.
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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October 16, 2025
Funding boosts competitiveness of Michigan apples, cherries and other specialty crops
Lansing, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it has distributed $2.08 million of funding to 19 food and agriculture entities throughout Michigan under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
"Specialty crops are the backbone of Michigan's agricultural success, but market uncertainty, unpredictable weather and labor constraints are making them harder to grow and get to market," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "These Specialty Crop Block Grants are strategic investments that will help Michigan farmers boost yields and access new markets, thereby giving Michiganders more access to locally grown foods and enhancing community health and prosperity."
In testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate earlier this year, Director Boring urged Congress to maintain high and consistent funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Today s specialty crop block grants will support the following 22 projects across the state of Michigan:
The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides funding to U.S. states and territories to enhance the competitiveness of fruit and vegetable, tree nut, dried fruit, horticulture and nursery crop production. MDARD uses those funds to award specialty crop block grants to eligible Michigan entities annually through a process.
Michigan is a top five U.S. producer of specialty crops including apples, asparagus, blueberries, dry beans, squash and nursery plants. These specialty crops are critical to the health and resiliency of Michigan's nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry.
For more information on the MDARD Grants Program and how we can help you, visit our Grants and Funding Opportunities online portal or email us at MDA-Grants@michigan.gov.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today it will accept applications for Rural Development Fund Grants now through 5 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, December 3.
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced today that it will accept proposals for the 2026 research and education grant program until 3 p.m. (EST) on November 10, 2025.
This bipartisan budget ensures we can continue protecting Michiganders through our food safety efforts, creating economic opportunities for farmers and producers who put food on the table and preparing for future emergencies so we’re ready to respond when emerging threats hit Michigan’s ag industry.
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock from Ottawa County.
Celebrate with a visit to a Michigan cider mill, pumpkin patch, corn maze and more. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October as Michigan Agritourism Month – the perfect time for family-friendly fun at any of the hundreds of agritourism farms and orchards across Michigan
You, me, community: Every Michigander has a role to play in protecting against rabies. Together, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Natural Resources (MDNR) are recognizing World Rabies Day, a day devoted to raising awareness about rabies and its prevention
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Allegan County Flock. Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock from Allegan County.