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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March 04, 2026
Lansing, Mich.— This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month. To mark the annual occasion, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is launching the 2026 Michigan Agriculture magazine, which features stories about the hardworking growers, producers and business owners who power the state's second-largest industry.
"At MDARD, we're focused on showcasing and supporting the many ways our nearly $126 billion food, forestry and ag industry feeds Michiganders and fuels economies," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Whether it's through publications like the magazine or at listening sessions our Farm to Family team is currently hosting around the state, MDARD is working to ensure Michigan remains one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country. And while that work doesn't start and end in March each year, it's great to take time and celebrate how deeply agriculture is tied to Michigan's vibrancy."
The latest edition of the magazine comes on the heels of MDARD surpassing $250 million in grant awards since Gov. Whitmer took office in 2019.
With ongoing bipartisan support, that momentum will continue in 2026. Earlier this month, Director Boring shared plans for FarmStart, an innovative program that would create a statewide approach to supporting the industry's next generation when passed in the next fiscal budget. Last week, he highlighted the Good Food for Michigan project in Kalamazoo as MDARD and its partners work to change procurement processes throughout the state to better prioritize local contracts.
Michigan Agriculture magazine highlights some of the businesses that have benefitted from past MDARD grants. That includes Cherry Republic, Inc., which received a Food and Agriculture Investment Program last year and is featured in this year's cover story of the magazine.
"Farming and everything that revolves around the growing, processing, and manufacturing the foods we put into our bodies is the foundation of Michigan's economy," said Cherry Republic Founder and President Bob Sutherland. "Cherry Republic is extremely proud to be a part of this industry, which is so diverse, which is full of so many wonderful people who love this land and this wonderful state as much as I do. While Cherry Republic is very connected to tourism, my heart is with the farmers, and always will be."
The 2026 cover was celebrated Tuesday at the company's Frankenmuth store. Photos are available for publication on MDARD's Facebook page.
Copies of Michigan Agriculture can be found at Michigan's Welcome Centers, MSU Extension and Conservation District offices, and at featured businesses and advertisers across the state. MDARD also distributes copies at events throughout the year.
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Guaranteed sales and custom marketing assistance will support farmers, increase Michiganders’ access to local foods
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) invites Michiganders to celebrate an important consumer watchdog during National Weights and Measures Week, March 1-7.
ByHeart infant formula continues to be found for sale in surplus and distressed food sales locations around Michigan. A recall was initiated, and later expanded in November 2025, for possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum
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.