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 26, 2026
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grants now through 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
This MDARD grant program supports value-added agricultural processing businesses and community organizations, including traditionally underserved groups, as they:
The maximum grant award is $100,000 per proposal. Applicants must provide a 30 percent match or a reduced 15 percent match available for underserved entities; self-certification is required for underserved applicants.
The grant proposals will be evaluated through a competitive selection process. Applicants must outline in their applications how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for Michigan's food and agriculture industry.
All applications for Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grants must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system. Interested applicants should visit the grant program webpage for additional details.
MDARD encourages prospective applicants to attend an informational webinar from 10-11:30 a.m. ET on March 11, 2026 via the Microsoft Teams virtual platform. Registration for the webinar is not required.
For more information about MDARD's grant programs, visit the MDARD Grants webpage.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it awarded $296,299 to Conservations Districts across the state to expand and enhance education and outreach events that promote regenerative agriculture practices and farmer-to-farmer networks.
“Scholarship funding encourages continued growth and opportunities for younger generations,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD's mission is to improve quality of life for Michiganders and supporting the future of our industry is another tangible way we work toward that goal.”
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a dairy herd from Charlevoix County, located west of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) —an area where the disease is known to be present in the white-tailed deer population.
Wednesday morning, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring discussed Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2027 executive budget recommendation during a roundtable event in Oak Park.
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 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.”