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.
Official press releases, articles, media contact information, email subscription options, social media accounts: everything you need to stay informed, all in one spot.
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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May 15, 2026
Applications due June 18, 2026
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) today announced a new application period for the Qualified Small Distiller Program, which is open until June 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.
"The Qualified Small Distiller Program is a key facet of MDARD's and MCBC s support for Michigan's world-class craft beverage industry and the hard-working agricultural producers who supply it," said MDARD Director and MCBC Chair Tim Boring. "By lowering markup costs on spirits that use Michigan-grown inputs, this innovative program strengthens the position of craft distillers and commodity growers throughout our state."
The Qualified Small Distiller Program was established by Public Act 135 of 2022, which was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to assist Michigan s growing craft distillery industry. The program lowers markup costs on bottles of spirits produced with at least 40 percent Michigan-grown grain, barley, oats, potato, corn, fruit, sugar beets or honey.
Michigan distillers that produce no more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year are eligible to apply for a certificate through the program. Out-of-state entities that produce no more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year may also qualify for the program provided they meet additional requirements. Entities applying for this certification may be eligible for a reduced markup beginning January 1, 2027.
All businesses that are renewing their certification must also fill out the online application form to be a certified Qualified Small Distiller on January 1, 2027. For more information about the Qualified Small Distiller Program, visit the MDARD website. Questions about the Qualified Distiller Program can be directed to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.
More information about the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, including research and education grants and industry communications, can be viewed on the MCBC webpage.
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Following overwhelming interest from Michigan farmers and agribusinesses, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced the recipients of its Last Food Mile grant program to improve transportation infrastructure and give more Michigan families access to nutritious, affordable, locally grown foods.
The State of Michigan today released its first annual report under the updated Domestic Action Plan (DAP) for reducing the phosphorus runoff that feeds harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie. The DAP outlines measures to reduce phosphorus loads in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) by a sustained 40 percent over a baseline measurement taken in 2008. The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); and Natural Resources (DNR) updated the DAP in 2025 to introduce innovative new strategies for meeting the phosphorus reduction target.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising consumers to avoid using or consuming certain products produced by Dancing Goat Creamery at its Ionia County processing plant. Inspectors identified potential for undeclared ingredients such as peanut butter, eggs and soy as well as unsanitary conditions, posing possible health risks. Individuals who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to items such as eggs, peanuts or soy may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced $525,000 of grants to fund infrastructure improvements at county fairground facilities and to support livestock and commodity expositions.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a cattle herd from Iosco County. Following a bovine TB detection in an adult cow identified at a United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant, the animal was traced back to the Iosco County herd. The herd was subsequently tested, and additional bovine TB cases were found.
The Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission (HRAC) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Equine Grants. The grants will provide a total of $125,000
As the spring wild-foraged mushroom season gets underway, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding foragers, retailers and consumers that the Michigan Food Code requires all wild-foraged mushrooms to be inspected and found safe by a certified mushroom identification expert before they can be sold.
Proposals due June 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced that it will accept proposals for Food Safety Education Fund (FSEF) grants now through Tuesday, June 16 at 5 p.m. ET.
Projects build resilience across the middle of Michigan’s food supply chain