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 16, 2026
Proposals due June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a new County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant Program to help enhance water systems at county fairgrounds across the state. Eligible county fairs may apply for the new grants via the MiAgGrants web portal by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Michigan’s county fairs are more than events — they are longstanding traditions that celebrate our agricultural heritage, support local businesses and improve quality of life in our state,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These new grants will support county fairs as they continue investing in infrastructure that provides safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater systems for millions of visitors and livestock each year.”
The County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant Program offers individual awards of up to $100,000 for projects including:
To be eligible for this grant program, prospective applicants must:
County fairs who lease their grounds also must have a minimum five-year lease to use the grounds for their annual fair and other non-fair events. Visit MDARD’s County Fairs Water Infrastructure Improvement Grants web page for additional information and eligibility requirements.
According to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Michigan's 86 county fairs attract more than 4.5 million attendees annually. MDARD’s new County Fairs Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grants build on two other MDARD grant programs that have delivered more than $7.9 million since 2019 to help county fairs build grandstands, livestock barns and other infrastructure.
For instructions on how to submit grant applications via the MiAgGrants portal, visit the MiAgGrants web page.
For information about additional funding opportunities, visit MDARD’s grant web page.
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Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock from Kent County.
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock from Kent County. This is the first detection of HPAI in Kent County since the virus was first detected in the state in 2022. Even with the cooler temperatures, the virus is still present in the environment and travelling through infected wild birds. MDARD continues to strongly recommend owners remain vigilant and actively protect their animals from HPAI, especially as wild birds complete their spring migration.
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.
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.