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 19, 2026
Safe firewood practices reduce risks to agriculture and ecosystems
LANSING, Mich.—With camping season underway, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Natural Resources (DNR) are reminding residents and visitors that invasive pests and diseases can hitchhike in untreated firewood, spreading easily from one location to another.
More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult and often impossible to eliminate, leading to costly, long-term impacts on our environment, economy and agricultural industries.
Invasive species can:
MDARD and DNR recommend the following tried-and-true solutions to avoid transporting hidden pests and help keep Michigan's forests safe:
In addition to protecting Michigan s natural resources from invasive pests, campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially during dry summer months and near heavily wooded areas.
Simple safety tips include:
MDARD and DNR are reinforcing this message through a statewide outreach campaign this summer, including billboard placements and other educational efforts to remind residents and visitors not to move firewood.
For more information on how to prevent the spread of invasive species through firewood, visit Michigan's Don't Move Firewood web page.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders to keep food safety in mind as they prepare for the start of picnic and barbeque season this Memorial Day weekend.
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.
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.