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 12, 2026
Milestone reached as U.S. recognizes National Pesticide Safety Education Month
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that the Michigan Clean Sweep Program has now safely disposed of more than four million pounds of potentially hazardous pesticide containers since its creation in 1996. The milestone follows a record-breaking year in 2025, when the program collected nearly 280,000 pounds of old or excess pesticide products—the largest annual total in Clean Sweep history.
"Old pesticides tucked away in barns, basements and storage sheds can pose serious risks to children, pets and the environment," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Michigan's Clean Sweep Program offers a free and easy way to protect your family and our natural resources through safe disposal of unwanted pesticides."
The Clean Sweep Program is open to Michigan residents, agribusinesses, greenhouses, nurseries and golf courses who seek assistance disposing of excess or unwanted pesticides. Interested participants should contact the nearest Clean Sweep collection site for details, as collection procedures, accepted materials and participation requirements may vary by location.
Pesticide dealers and individuals who sell and/or apply pesticides may also participate if they make arrangements in advance with the Clean Sweep collection site. At a minimum, participating agribusinesses are responsible for cataloging products for disposal, including the product name, EPA Registration Number and weight (with tare weight separated). Collections are for pesticides only; fertilizers are not accepted unless they are part of a pesticide formulation.
The Michigan Clean Sweep Program is made possible by a strong and unique state, federal, local and industry partnership. In 2025, MDARD awarded 19 Clean Sweep grants worth nearly $400,000 to support a total of 62 pesticide collection sites across the state. These grants enable participating Clean Sweep sites to accept old or unwanted pesticide products free of charge from any Michigan resident.
Clean Sweep collection schedules and procedures vary by county. Collection sites are not required to accept other types of household hazardous waste from residents outside their county.
Additional information about the Michigan Clean Sweep Program, including site locations and collection schedules, is available online at the Michigan Clean Sweep Program web page.
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Applications are due by 5 p.m. March 31, 2026. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for the 2026 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award now through 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
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.
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.