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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.
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.
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.
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.
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The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, establishes a food safety education fund that is to be used for 1) training and education to consumers on food safety, and 2) training and education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director who enforce the act. The budget this year will direct up to $356,600.00 toward training and education. Of the $356,600.00, $242,500.00 will be available for consumer food safety education and $114,100.00 for education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director of MDARD. The monies that go into the fund come from assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 on food establishment licenses. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting proposals for grants that will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Multi-year proposals will be considered on an individual basis, contingent on future year funding.
2026-2027 Food Safety Education Fund Grants Program
MDARD is soliciting proposals for grant awards between May 1 and June 16, 2026. The joint evaluation committees will convene in July and August 2025 to review and make recommendations to MDARD on the proposals to be awarded. An electronic copy of the request for proposals (RFP), with the new grant application is available on the department’s website. The grant application provides instructions, grant criteria, grant eligibility; and the timeline for submission and application process.
May 1, 2026
Release Request for Proposals
June 16, 2026
Proposals Due
July 2026
Evaluation Committee Received Proposals
August 2026
Evaluation committee meets and selects proposals for funding
September 2026
Award Announcement
Proposal Considerations and Selection Criteria:
Please note that while there is no cap on individual grant awards, the selection committee has historically awarded grants annually between $5,000 and $75,000.
Proposals will be scored and selected based on the following criteria:
Project Purpose and Summary
Impact and Audience Reach
Expected Measurable Outcomes
Work Plan
Budget
Lasting Impacts
Grant Criteria:
This is a cost-reimbursement grant program. Grantees are responsible for costs until proper reports, invoices, and receipts are received and reviewed. If an exception is required, this must be clearly identified in the project proposal. Grantees will be eligible for reimbursement up to four times at specified dates, during a 12-month grant cycle.
Each grantee will be required to submit written reports and appropriate financial reports with documentation to MDARD, including an invoice with a financial summary compared to the budget, and a supporting general ledger report. Reporting must include outcomes and impacts of the grant in addition to other criteria identified in the grant agreement.
Eligibility
The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, directs money in the fund to be used for providing food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees, and agents of the director who enforce the Michigan Food Law of 2000.
Applicants must be Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are NOT eligible for this grant opportunity. Proposals with subgrantees will be considered. Proposals should not include funding for required routine training such as HACCP or manager certification such as ServSafe.
Use this grant application for the proposed project. Follow the instructions to complete each section.
Please send completed proposal by end of day Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to: MDARD-FSEF@michigan.gov. Electronic submission of grant proposals is encouraged and will be confirmed via email receipt. If you have not received a confirmation email within 5 business days of submission, please email greens2@michigan.gov or call 517-420-3249.
