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.
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.
Food Industry Related Resources, including Emergency Action Plans
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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July 17, 2026
BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. – Thursday afternoon, Director Tim Boring of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) joined owner Mike Hildebrand and local leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hildebrand Fruit Farms' new packing facility.
The expansion comes as the family farm is set to celebrate its centennial next year. The new packing facility was funded in part by a grant from MDARD’s Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP).
“MDARD is proud to support Hildebrand Fruit Farms through this Food and Agriculture Investment grant, and we’re excited to help cut the ribbon on the new building,” said Director Boring. “Expansion projects like the one we’re celebrating today strengthen regional food systems, support jobs, and ultimately drive economic impact. With a rich history and dedication to community, farms like Hildebrand are the backbone of Michigan’s agriculture industry. Congratulations to Mike, his family and the entire Hildebrand operation.”
In July 2025, MDARD awarded Hildebrand Fruit Farms a $175,000 FAIP grant to help fund the construction of the new packing facility. The new facility doubles the square footage of Hildebrand’s current packing operation, introduces a more efficient layout, increases capacity and equipment options and will help create two new jobs.
“We were just out of space and kept growing, and eventually our building was going to be a limiting factor on growth,” said Mike Hildebrand, owner of Hildebrand Fruit, LLC. “This is the finish line for the construction but it’s just the starting line for our company because we’re going to start packing peaches [Friday]. We’re very glad for MDARD and the help that everybody gave.”
Established in 1927, Hildebrand Fruit Farms is a fourth-generation fruit farm and packing facility in Berrien Springs. The company grows apples, peaches, pears and other fruits, sourcing half of its products from its own farm and the remainder from growers across west Michigan. Hildebrand embarked upon a $4 million expansion project and applied for grant funding through MDARD’s Food and Agriculture Investment Program after the company outgrew its prior 60-year-old packing facility.
MDARD’s FAIP grants are an important driver for Michigan’s $125.8 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry by providing critical financial support for Michigan businesses that seek to expand their processing capacity.
MDARD has invested nearly $6.5 million in FAIP grants since 2019. These grants are part of more than $276 million of grant funding MDARD has delivered over the past seven years to strengthen Michigan’s economy, increase families’ access to locally grown foods and support the creation of good-paying jobs in communities across the state.
Michigan is the second-largest producer of apples in the United States, growing nearly 1.3 billion pounds of apples on 850 family-run farms each year. Michigan processed apples generate $108 million annually, while Michigan fresh market apples generate roughly $34 million. Michigan also grows roughly 24 million pounds of peaches worth approximately $19 million each year.
Learn more about MDARD’s Food and Agriculture Investment Program and explore other MDARD grant opportunities.
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Michigan’s State Veterinarian released the following statement in response to the ongoing statewide air quality alert: “Animals react to poor air conditions much like humans do, and certain groups—such as birds, young or older animals, and those with heart or respiratory issues—face higher risks during air quality alerts,” said State Veterinarian, Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “MDARD urges owners to monitor their animals for signs of coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, watery eyes, low energy, changes in how they sound, reduced appetite and reduced thirst. If you see anything concerning, contact your veterinarian.”
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced nearly $500,000 of grant funding to build twelve regenerative farmer networks that will promote sustainable farming throughout the state.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering the following food safety reminders to help Michiganders prepare for Fourth of July picnics and barbecues.
Secure your animals and make sure they have proper identification to keep them safe this holiday
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking public comment on two proposed orders that would establish bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements in specific portions of Antrim, Arenac, Charlevoix, Iosco and Ogemaw counties.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed the state's first detection of elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) in St. Clair County. The invasive insect was identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly this summer.
Effective June 17, Michigan implements new domestic animal entry requirements to prevent spread of NWS LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced new domestic animal movement requirements designed to keep New World screwworm (NWS) out of Michigan
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding private landowners that applications to enroll in the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) are due September 1, 2026 to receive the associated tax exemption for the 2027 tax year.