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
Applications are due by 5 p.m. March 31, 2026
LANSING, Mich.— 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.
"By exporting nearly $3 billion of food, agriculture and forestry products each year, Michigan companies have made our state world-famous for everything from apples and tart cherries to dry beans and dairy products," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "This award recognizes the hard work of producers, manufacturers and shippers whose export activities help create good-paying jobs for Michiganders and drive Michigan s economy forward."
Each year, MDARD recognizes a leading food, agriculture or forest product business that has demonstrated success in export growth. Eligibility is open to Michigan producers, manufacturers or shippers that are actively pursuing international markets. More than 50 percent of the company s exported products must be grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan as part of the requirements. Companies of all sizes are encouraged to apply.
The Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year was first awarded in 2006. Recent winners include Cooperative Elevator Company in the Thumb Region; Banks Hardwoods in southwest Michigan; and Zeeland Farm Services in west Michigan. Information on previous winners is available on the Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year Award Recipients web page.
For more information, please visit the MDARD Ag Exporter of the Year webpage or contact International Marketing Program Coordinator Holly Gaffney.
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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.
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.