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 30, 2026
Feedback must be submitted to MDARD by 5 p.m. August 30, 2026
LANSING, Mich.— 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 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) are scientifically based guidelines for farm operations. The Generally Accepted Processing Practices (GAPPs) are scientifically based guidelines for the commercial preparation of dairy, fruit, grains, meat and vegetables.
The GAAMPs and the GAPPs help mitigate nuisance conditions and promote environmental stewardship, sound management of agricultural inputs and a strong and stable food and agriculture industry.
Advisory committees that are independent of MDARD review the GAAMPs annually and the GAPPs as needed to ensure that they reflect the latest scientific understanding, technological advancements and industry standards. The expert committees propose updates to the GAAMPs and GAPPs and present their proposals to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development for review and approval.
This year, MDARD is offering the opportunity to provide input on new GAAMPs for greenhouses and indoor growing facilities. These practices provide a resource to help greenhouse and indoor growers enhance their management practices and mitigate potential nuisance conditions.
Consistent with annual practice, MDARD has also opened the other eight GAAMPs to public comment:
To promote transparency, MDARD is opening the GAPPs to public input for the first time this year. The proposed updates to the GAPPs include new guidelines for managing dust and airborne particulate emissions from certain food and agricultural processing activities.
Interested individuals may review the proposed updates on the MDARD GAAMPs web page and the MDARD GAPPs web page. Public input may be submitted via:
MDARD will forward all public input received by the August 30 deadline to the respective GAAMPs and GAPPs and the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development for consideration. The advisory committees will present their recommendations to the Commission at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 9, 2026.
Read the proposed updates to the GAAMPs.
Read the proposed updates to the GAPPs.
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Media Contact:
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.
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.
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.