Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below.
This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos
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
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.
Find funding for your organization.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality
MDARD works with local providers of natural resource management services that help citizens implement conservation on their land and protect the environment for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Michigan.
Farmland Preservation
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
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.
The food industry is responsible for producing safe food. Government sets standards, conducts inspections, and monitors food. Consumers also play a huge role in keeping their food safe and wholesome. Learn more.
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.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
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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December 22, 2025
Grant proposals due February 27 at 5 p.m.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission (HRAC) announced today that they will accept proposals for the 2026 Equine Grant Program until February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.
Established by Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995, the Equine Grant Program provides a total of up to $125,000 in grant funding annually for:
• The promotion and marketing of horse racing
• Equine-related research
• Equine-related support and aftercare
• Other equine-related or horse racing programs
To qualify for the Equine Grant Program, entities must be in good standing with the State of Michigan, must be able to provide financial statements for the prior fiscal year and must have been in business for at least two years. Additional program information, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on MDARD’s website.
Prospective applicants must submit their grant proposals to MDARD no later than 5 p.m. ET on Friday, February 27, 2026. Proposals for this grant program are subject to a competitive process that includes review by an evaluation committee.
MDARD and the HRAC plan to announce grant recipients for this round of funding in April 2026. MDARD will issue funding to grant recipients on a cost reimbursement basis.
For more information about the Equine Grant Program, email MDARD-Equine@michigan.gov.
Visit MDARD’s grant web page for more information about agriculture and rural development grants.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for Specialty Crop Block Grants until 5 p.m. ET Thursday, February 5, 2026. MDARD encourages prospective applicants to attend an informational webinar on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.
Funding will help producers deliver locally grown foods to Michigan institutions, markets and consumers. Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Farm to Family Program launched a new grant opportunity called Last Food Mile to support the development of transportation and distribution infrastructure for small and medium food producers across Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recommends careful consideration before selecting pets as gifts this holiday season.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) yesterday presented Drytec Hardwoods, LLC with the 2025 Agriculture Exporter Rising Star Award.
Event provides Christmas trees for military families across the country, celebrates Michigan Christmas Tree Month. This week, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) joined the Michigan Christmas Tree Association for a Trees for Troops event at Tannenbaum Farms.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed December as Michigan Christmas Tree Month, honoring the economic, environmental and social benefits of the state’s Christmas tree industry.
Alert of nationwide outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The outbreak occurred after two horses that attended the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas in early November were confirmed to have the disease