Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
This area contains information for press and media agencies. Press Releases, Pics, Podcasts & Videos
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.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Michigan's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was created to help protect our environment and wildlife. Michigan is partnering with the federal government to implement conservation practices of great significance to the state, and valuable to the nation, in matters of soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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.
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 law allows for the termination of all or part of a Farmland Development Rights Agreement prior to an Agreement's expiration under one of the following conditions:
Find the conditions that best fit your situation and proceed from there to make a request for a full or partial termination.
Required Repayment: Except when due to death or disability, the law requires the landowner to repay the last seven years of tax credits attributable to the Agreement, or the part of the Agreement being terminated or released, plus 6% simple interest. Repayment on termination or release due to death or disability uses a formula that prorates the last seven years without any additional interest. After full review of your request, our office will inform you of approval or denial. If approved, we will send a request to the Michigan Department of Treasury to calculate the required payback amount (or lien amount). Upon completion, we will notify you of the repayment amount, if any. After the lien amount is paid, or if the amount is zero, the State will relinquish the Agreement, or part of Agreement, and send the relinquishment document to the landowner. The landowner is responsible for recording the relinquishment at the Register of Deeds in the county where the land is located. Expect this process to take two months or more.
*Definition of Essential to Farm: A person essential to the farm is a co-owner, partner, shareholder, farm manager or family member who cultivates, operates or manages farmland under an Agreement and meets one of the following: Has a financial interest equal to or greater than 1/2 the cost of producing the crops, livestock, or products; and inspects, advises and consults with the owner on production activities; OR works 1,040 hours or more annually in activities connected with the production of the farming operation, and can document it (W-2, payroll records, e.g.).