Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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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
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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.
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Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
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The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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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 24, 2026
Michigan now among first states to address emerging contaminants in agriculture systems
LANSING, Mich.– The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced an innovative new research grant program to combat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination on Michigan agricultural lands.
To pursue this funding opportunity, qualified researchers must submit a letter of intent to MDARD by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, April 20, 2026.
“With this announcement, MDARD is one of the first state agriculture agencies in the nation to create a research grant program dedicated to understanding how PFAS influences agriculture systems,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These new grants will help protect Michigan’s soil, water and food supply by enhancing our understanding of PFAS sources and PFAS uptake in crops and livestock and, most importantly, help identify how we can mitigate or manage the effects of these chemicals.”
“This new grant program exemplifies MDARD’s commitment to using the best available science and innovative research to further strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture sector,” said Dr. Laura Johnson, MDARD’s Chief Science Officer. “Today’s grants will help build a framework for understanding the movement of PFAS and other emerging contaminants within agriculture systems and mitigating such contamination if it occurs.”
MDARD’s new PFAS research grant program offers individual awards of up to $400,000 for projects focused on the study of:
This grant opportunity is open to qualified researchers at any university or college, including community and tribal colleges. At least one of each project’s principal investigators must be a researcher at an institution of higher learning based in Michigan. The PFAS research grants do not require matching funds.
MDARD will promptly assess letters of intent received by the deadline for relevance to the research priorities and project feasibility. Upon review, qualified applicants will be invited to submit a full research proposal, which must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on June 1, 2026. MDARD will organize an expert-led Joint Evaluation Committee to assess full proposals in June 2026 following the criteria outlined in the request for proposals.
Additional criteria for letters of intent and supplemental materials for the full research proposal can be found on MDARD’s PFAS research grants web page. Prospective PFAS research grant applicants may email questions regarding proposal development, submission or topic areas to MDARD-Research@michigan.gov by May 18.
PFAS are a large group of long-lasting, human-made chemicals that are classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an emerging contaminant. These chemicals have been used throughout the United States in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products, including waterproof clothing, upholstery, personal care products and fire-fighting foams. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain types of PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
The new PFAS research grants join a suite of other research and education grants that MDARD offers in fields ranging from horticulture to farm innovation. Since the start of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration in 2019, MDARD has delivered more than $250 million of grants to strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture industry, advance agriculture research and education, protect Michigan’s natural resources and build rural infrastructure.
For information about other funding opportunities, visit MDARD’s grant web page.
Background on MDARD's Office of Agricultural Science and Research
Dr. Johnson joined MDARD in October 2024 to lead the Office of Agricultural Science and Research. In this role, Johnson is the country's first Chief Science Officer to be embedded within a state agriculture agency, which is a testament to MDARD's commitment to fostering improved environmental outcomes and sustaining agricultural resiliency through the implementation of adaptive, science-backed strategies.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as wild birds complete their spring migration.
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.
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.
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
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) invites Michiganders to celebrate an important consumer watchdog during National Weights and Measures Week, March 1-7.