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 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 26, 2026
“Investing in horticulture research helps ensure Michigan growers have the tools and knowledge they need to remain competitive and sustainable,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These projects focus on real-world solutions that strengthen our industry, support long-term growth and ultimately boost quality of life across the state.”
Following a competitive review process conducted by the Horticulture Advisory Committee, MDARD selected the following three projects to receive funding:
Michigan is among the nation’s leading producers of begonias, geraniums, impatiens, petunias and other popular nursery plants. More than 1,000 nursery producers across the state generate approximately $700 million in annual sales.
Since Fiscal Year 2019, MDARD has awarded nearly $400,000 in horticulture fund grants. The grants were part of more than $250 million MDARD delivered over the past seven years to invest in agricultural science and education, enhance food and agriculture production, and protect the environment.
For additional information about MDARD's plant health mission, visit the Pesticides and Plant Management Division web page.
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Media Contact:
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is partnering with the Food Export Association of the Midwest (Food Export) to bring international food and beverage buyers from 17 countries to Detroit for the Summer in the Cities Buyers' Mission (SITC) on August 10, 2026. Early registration for the event is open until June 12.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted today to approve $275,000 in Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grant funding to fairlife, LLC. The funding, awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will allow the business to complete an expansion project that will help meet consumer demand and create 150 new jobs.
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.
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.