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.
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 28, 2026
MDARD director, food and farm advocates join institutions working to bring more local food to schools, hospitals through new initiative
LANSING, Mich. – Alongside dozens of local growers and food producers, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) on Tuesday unveiled a new way for schools, hospitals and other institutions to commit to serving more locally grown food.
At the Farmers Market at the Capitol, MDARD Director Tim Boring joined representatives of the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), food and farm advocates and school officials to announce the Good Food for Michigan Pledge, which encourages farmers to sell their products to local schools, hospitals and other institutions and boost interest among those institutions in purchasing locally grown food.
“We are building an incredible network of schools, hospitals and institutions bringing food grown in Michigan soil by Michigan farmers,” Boring said. “With this new pledge, the Good Food for Michigan Project is further expanding its efforts to increase demand for and interest in products grown in the Great Lakes state.”
The Good Food for Michigan Pledge is a collective commitment to take steps toward supporting a culture of Good Food Purchasing, which means buying more Michigan-grown and values-aligned food and for food suppliers to prioritize selling locally grown products to institutions across the Great Lakes state.
“Every signature shows that Michiganders care about healthy communities, thriving farms, strong local economies and more,” said Melanie Tran, the Michigan impact manager at the Center for Good Food Purchasing. “The Good Food for Michigan Pledge showcases collective commitment to bringing more local food into procurement practices while offering support and flexibility to farmers and school officials.”
The Good Food for Michigan Project is a partnership between MDARD, the Center for Good Food Purchasing and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. It is the result of collaboration between state agriculture officials, farmers and community groups.
“The pledge is a great opportunity to show support for Michigan agriculture whether you are a farmer interested in expanding local markets or you’re a school official who wants to bring more Michigan-grown products into your cafeteria,” said Lindsey Scalera, assistant director of policy at the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
MIFMA coordinates the Farmers Market at the Capitol three times each year to showcase the importance of Michigan food and agricultural products and to educate state decision-makers about the importance of supporting farmers, ag-based businesses and farmers markets.
“Our organization is committed to promoting local food consumption in Michigan, and today’s event showcases the incredible diversity among farmers and growers in every corner of our state,” said Amanda Shreve, executive director of MIFMA. “Our mission and today’s market is the perfect atmosphere to lay out the next phase of the Good Food for Michigan Project.”
Kayla McDaniel, director of Food & Nutrition Services at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, said signing the pledge continues the district’s commitment to serving fresh, nutritious food to the more than 16,000 students who attend school in the Metro Detroit district.
“With all of us working together, school districts across Michigan can serve more healthy, fresh food while also supporting our local farmers,” McDaniel said. “We are proud to be part of an initiative dedicated to making Michigan agriculture more resilient.”
To learn more about and to sign the pledge, visit the Good Food website.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today invited the public to share input on proposed updates to the state’s scientifically based guidelines for agricultural management and food processing.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund (MYLSF) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a modernized approach to commercial fertilizer bulk storage facility oversight that will better protect Michigan's environment while supporting the state's agricultural industry.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development today approved $450,000 in Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grant funding for Star of the West Corn Milling LLC. The funding, awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will enable the company to construct a new mill facility, implement advanced technology and create 17 new jobs.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and its partners today announced a groundbreaking NextGen Crop Insurance pilot that gives farmers greater choice and flexibility in their coverage options when they implement regenerative practices that improve soil health.
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).
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July 17 Conservation District Day to honor the hard work and dedication of the conservation districts that provide local natural resource management assistance to farmers, landowners and communities throughout Michigan.
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.