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.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
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.
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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January 12, 2026
Proposals due by 5 p.m. on March 18, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for county fair and exposition grants until 5 p.m. ET on March 18, 2026.
“County fairs and expos are a summer and fall tradition cherished by millions of Michiganders,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These infrastructure and expo grants help ensure these annual opportunities for people to experience all things agriculture can continue and grow for years to come.”
MDARD’s County Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program administers grants of up to $100,000 for building renovations, infrastructure upgrades or capital improvements that enhance the productivity, usefulness or longevity of fairground facilities. To be eligible for this grant program, prospective applicants must:
MDARD’s Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant Program administers grants of up to $25,000 to fairs, festivals or expositions for activities including promotions, awards and premiums. To be eligible for this grant program, events must meet the required number of exhibitors:
Applications for both grant programs will be subject to a competitive process with review by an evaluation committee. Grant proposals must be submitted via the MiAgGrants online grant portal no later than 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Funding will be issued on a cost reimbursement basis with 50% cash match required.
According to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Michigan's 86 county fairs attract more than 4.5 million attendees annually. Since Fiscal Year 2019, MDARD has delivered more than $7.9 million in grant funding to help county fairs build grandstands, livestock barns, campground facilities and other infrastructure as well as to help expositions promote Michigan livestock and agricultural commodities.
Visit MDARD’s County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants web page and MDARD’s Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grants web page for grant application details and submission criteria.
For more information about submitting grants via the MiAgGrants portal, visit the MiAgGrants web page.
For information about additional funding opportunities, please visit MDARD’s grant web page.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is providing food and drinking water safety reminders as extreme winter weather leaves tens of thousands of Michiganders without power Monday evening.
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.