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).
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
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.
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.
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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October 20, 2026
Proposals must be received via email no later than November 20, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for the 2027 Horticulture Fund grants to help Michigan’s nursery and ornamental industries combat emerging plant pests and advance innovative growing practices.
The application period will run through Friday, November 20, 2026.
Horticulture Fund grants provide up to $20,000 of funding for research projects, program development, and/or outreach materials that focus on protecting Michigan’s nursery and ornamental industries from harmful plant pests. By supporting research and education, the grants help businesses address pest threats, improve growing practices and protect the plants they produce and sell.
Eligible applicants include all faculty and staff members of universities and colleges in Michigan, as well as teams of university/college investigators and private individuals. However, university or college personnel must be the principal investigator of the proposal.
Pilot programs and/or research projects that are continuing from the previous grant funding year are eligible for grant funding. All proposals must fall under one of three funding categories:
Proposals must be submitted via email to MDARD’s Nursery Program no later than Friday, November 20, 2026. Applications and grant guidelines are available on MDARD’s website.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee, whose members are appointed by MDARD’s Director. MDARD plans to announce grant recipients in May 2027.
Visit MDARD’s website for additional information about MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division.
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Working as one to protect all: Maintaining animal, public, and environmental health through collaboration and partnership
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Farm to Family Program today launched a Scratch Cooking Pilot that provides grants of up to $100,000 to help Michigan schools serve students more meals made from locally sourced foods.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced more than $320,000 of Food Safety Education Fund grants for seven entities across the state.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a cattle herd from Alcona County, part of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ). The herd was identified as part of the routine annual whole herd surveillance testing that occurs in the MAZ.
State’s food hub, farm stop grants generate nearly fivefold surge in local food sales, strengthening Michigan’s local food economy LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced outstanding first-year results from its 2025 Food Hub and Farm Stop Grant Program, which was the first investment made by the agency’s innovative Farm to Family Program last summer.
New USDA cost-share requirement to take effect in 2027 LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced an opportunity for residents to help inform funding priorities for Michigan’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a farmed cervid from Hillsdale County, which was identified through the state’s CWD surveillance program.
Multi-year partnership will protect agricultural productivity and empower farmers LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a five-year partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to bolster PFAS monitoring across Michigan, providing farmers with the tools and expertise needed to protect their land, livestock and productivity
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking public comment on a proposed order that would expand bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements in specific portions of Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw counties. A separate order, signed Aug. 1, 2026, established testing in different areas of the three same counties.