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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February 10, 2026
LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it has administered more than a quarter billion dollars in grant funding to strengthen Michigan's food, forestry and agriculture economy; create new jobs; and cultivate rural prosperity since the start of Governor Gretchen Whitmer s administration in 2019.
"Michigan's $125 billion agriculture industry powers our economy, supports global supply chains, and makes our state one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Amid a lot of tariff-driven uncertainty at the federal level, I'm committed to supporting farmers and rural communities across Michigan. These historic investments are helping strengthen small and medium sized farms, support sustainable agriculture and good, local food, and protect our precious natural resources. Let's keep supporting farms and farmers and making Michigan the best place to live, work, and raise a family."
"As federal policies fuel rising costs and greater uncertainty for farmers and families, it's more important than ever for state government to invest in resilient and sustainable agricultural systems," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "MDARD is leveraging its grant programs to create more economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and food processors and to give Michigan families more access to nutritious, locally grown foods."
Over the past year, MDARD has launched innovative new grant initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture and strengthen regional food systems. The department's first-of-its-kind Farm to Family Program awarded more than $730,000 in 2025 to support food hubs and farm stops that give Michigan farmers and families more opportunities to sell and buy locally grown foods while addressing gaps in regional food supplies. And in January 2026, MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Program launched its first grant program to accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices that will strengthen profitability for farmers and growers.
In addition to these new initiatives, MDARD has invested more than $252 million since 2019 in areas including, but not limited to:
MDARD continues to help Michigan's small and medium-sized farms and food processors purchase equipment, expand production and hire new workers. Over the past seven years, the department has invested more than $38.3 million in food and agriculture business development, including $11.1 million in value added and regional food systems grants and nearly $6.6 million in Food and Agriculture Investment Program grants.
Since 2019, MDARD has invested more than $26.2 million in infrastructure to support sustainable agriculture, food production and rural prosperity throughout Michigan. These investments include more than $11.7 million in rural development grants to build or repair drinking water, energy, food processing and transport infrastructure. They also include more than $7.9 million to build infrastructure, support local commerce and promote agriculture education at Michigan's county fairs.
MDARD has invested more than $44 million in agriculture research and education since 2019 to ensure that Michigan farmers and food producers retain their competitive edge in global markets. The department administered more than $17.8 million in specialty crop block grants to help ensure Michigan remains a national leader in the production of apples, blueberries, tart cherries and other fruits, vegetables and floriculture crops. MDARD also invested nearly $3 million in craft beverage research and education to ensure Michigan retains its status as a world-renowned producer of craft beer, wine, spirits and cider.
MDARD has put nearly $108.6 million toward protecting soil, water and forest health in Michigan over the past seven years. These investments include $9.3 million of Forestry Assistance Program grants, more than $10.6 million to preserve Michigan farmland, more than $22.2 million to reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters and more than $33.1 million to support local conservation efforts.
Explore MDARD's interactive grants map and learn how to apply for MDARD grants and funding opportunities.
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Due to recent poisonings, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are warning residents to avoid purchasing unregistered pesticides containing dichlorvos (DDVP), including brand names “Sniper” and “Nopest.”
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will conduct a referendum on the Michigan Wheat Program from Monday, February 9 through Friday, February 20, 2026.
Keep it Safe and Local for a Winning Spread. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding party hosts to prioritize food safety when preparing and serving game day snacks for Super Bowl Sunday with these tips
Feeling the chill? Chances are your animals are too. As extremely cold temperatures settle in around the state, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals warm and safe.
Funding supports and enhances the state’s growing craft beer, hard cider, spirits and wine industries . The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced today that it has awarded $439,460 of research and education grants to further strengthen Michigan’s world-renowned craft beer, wine, spirits and hard cider industries.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting applications for its new Regenerative Farmer Network Grant, which will support farmers in implementing practices that improve soil health, protect water quality and promote the long-term sustainability and profitability of Michigan agriculture.
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.
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.