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.
Food Industry Related Resources, including Emergency Action Plans
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 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is investing in the NextGen Crop Insurance pilot, an initiative designed to give farmers greater choice and flexibility in their crop insurance coverage when they implement regenerative practices that improve soil health.
Research shows that practices such as planting cover crops, diversifying crop rotations, and reducing tillage can improve farm resilience and profitability over time by building healthier soils and reducing the risk of crop loss. However, traditional crop insurance programs are largely based on a producer's historical yields and do not fully account for the long-term benefits of regenerative practices.
The NextGen Crop Insurance pilot will help develop a new insurance model that more accurately reflects the reduced risks associated with regenerative practices, with pricing options designed to better align with farmers' long-term risk profiles.
As more data becomes available, the pilot is intended to expand beyond Michigan to additional states and crops.
NextGen Crop Insurance was developed to benefit farmers by:
Enabling farmers to keep their existing federal crop insurance and their current insurance agent, while receiving supplemental support as they transition to regenerative practices that improve soil health.
The pilot is available for the 2027 crop year to eligible corn and soybean producers in Huron, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties who use cover crops, crop rotation, and no/low till.
Additional eligibility requirements and enrollment information are available through NextGen Crop Insurance web page.
MDARD is supporting the pilot through a $480,900 grant awarded to EarthShare, the fiscal sponsor of the Resilience in Agriculture Lending and Insurance Coalition (RALIC).
MDARD’s grant funding supports the:
The NextGen Crop Insurance pilot was developed by the Resilience in Agriculture Lending and Insurance Coalition (RALIC), led by Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS). The insurance product was developed by Aon's Agriculture Resilience Center and is being implemented in partnership with A3, The Nature Conservancy Michigan, the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and other coalition partners.
The pilot is supported through MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Program, which supports soil health and regenerative agriculture initiatives throughout Michigan.