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.
This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos
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 Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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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The Agricultural Preservation Fund and associated Agricultural Preservation Fund Board provides grants to eligible local units of government and their qualified Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. The term "local unit of government" refers to counties, cities, townships, and villages that have the authority to zone property as provided by law. Applications for grants occur on an annual basis. If an applicant receives a grant, the grants may be used for the purchase of permanent agricultural conservation easements to preserve farmland.
The Agricultural Preservation Fund has three revenue sources:
If the Agricultural Preservation Fund balance exceeds $5 million after grants have been awarded, the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board may approve the Purchase of Development Rights by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The APFB was established through legislation in 2000 to award grants to local agricultural conservation easement programs. The Board is comprised of 7 members, appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for the distribution of grants. The Board makeup includes:
Grant application minimum requirements and scoring criteria are found in the Policies and Procedures for the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board.
A selection committee within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will review and score all grant applications using the approved scoring criteria. The results will be presented to the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board at a public meeting for consideration, evaluation, and award.
Prior to applying for a grant, a local unit of government must be qualified to be eligible to make a grant application. To qualify for the current fiscal year that begins on October 1, the local unit of government must be approved by MDARD in the previous fiscal year (no later than September 30 prior to application). For a local unit of government to qualify to apply for a grant under MCL 324.36203, the following requirements must be met.
The Agricultural Preservation Fund Board has also adopted policies that describe the comprehensive land use plan requirements, and the requirement that the local unit of government have a monitoring and enforcement plan for conservation easements.
A grant application notice will be sent out to qualified PDR programs when the fiscal year grant cycle begins. The notice will include a blank application form. Applications will be due 60 days after the application release. Completed applications must be submitted to MDARD by the indicated deadline. Contact information and due date will be included on the attached cover letter.
| Date(s) | Actions |
|---|---|
| 01-Oct | New Fiscal Year Begins |
| Dec - Jan | Grant Application Announcement (usually due 60 days after advertisement) |
| Early Spring | Eligible Grant Applications Due (Local Preservation Programs) |
| MDARD reviews and scores eligible grant applications submitted. | |
| Grant scoring and recommendations submitted to the Board for
consideration and approval. Grant Award Press Release |
|
| Request Information from Recipients and Prepare Draft Grant Agreements | |
| Grant Agreements Signed. Note - Grants Are Issued with a 2 Year Term and Recipients May Request One 2 Year Extension If Necessary. |
|
|
Process New Grants and Manage Local Closings. Conduct Local Conservation Program Outreach and Guidance to Local Programs for New Grants. |
|
| Ongoing Year Round (MDARD) |
|
The full scoring criteria can be found in the Policies and Procedures for the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board. The scoring criteria are used to fairly rank the individual applications. Local programs are selected based on the scoring system adopted by the board that focuses on quality agricultural parcels and program achievements.