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.
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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 25, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced $150,000 of Animal Welfare Fund grants to help registered Michigan animal shelters care for homeless pets.
“MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them. We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur-ever home.”
Thanks to Michiganders who kindly checked the “Animal Welfare Fund” box on their annual state tax returns, MDARD will distribute $150,000 to 24 registered animal shelters throughout the state this year:
Mid-Michigan
Northern Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Southwest Michigan
Statewide
West Michigan
Upper Peninsula
Over 85% of the projects funded this year involved increasing a shelter’s capacity to provide spay/neuter services. Some other innovative projects selected this year include:
Grants through Michigan’s Animal Welfare Fund help shelters finance spay/neuter programs, educate others about proper animal care, train staff, and provide the means for maintaining animal health throughout local communities. Collectively, these efforts help shelters to adopt out more animals and promote animal health and welfare in their communities. All of this is made possible by charitable Michiganders checking the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns.
One hundred percent of the contributions made to the fund goes directly to registered Michigan animal shelters to help them better care for local animals and support their broader community. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $2.1 million to over 357 animal shelters.
The generosity of Michigan taxpayers makes the beneficial projects, programs, and services provided by registered shelters across the state possible. For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund, how to contribute, and stories from past grant recipients, please visit MDARD’s Animal Welfare Fund page.
Photos from MDARD’s recent Animal Welfare Fund outreach events are available for media use.
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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.
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
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