Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Annual Reports
Fruit and Vegetable Controlled Atmosphere Storage Licensing Details, FAQ's, & Forms
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
All public meetings, that fall under the Open Meetings Act, scheduled by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will be posted here. Questions about any of these meetings should be directed to contact person in the division listed on the notice.
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).
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.
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is charged with certifying sites where industrial hemp is to be grown under the authority of the federal Agriculture Act of 2014 and the state Industrial Hemp Research Act of 2014.
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The Right to Farm (RTF) program within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) responds to nuisance complaints involving farms and will assess a farm operation at a farmer's request. Program staff evaluate farm activities to decide whether a farm is following the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Staff are also available to answer any questions or participate in outreach activities to help farmers, neighbors, and local government officials understand the RTF Act.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Right to Farm Program
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-284-5619, 877-632-1783
Email: MDARD-RTF@Michigan.gov
GAAMPs are guidelines for farm management that help promote a positive image of Michigan agriculture. They were developed and adopted by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development because of the Michigan Right to Farm Act, P.A. 93, enacted in 1981. Farms who follow GAAMPs are afforded a certain level of protection if a nuisance complaint is filed against them.
Emergency Management of Raw Milk Guidance
2021 Right to Farm GAAMPs Review Annual Report
2021 Right to Farm Proactive Review Annual Report
2021 Right to Farm Complaint Response Annual Report
Generally Accepted Processing Practices (GAPPs)
Generally Accepted Fruit, Vegetable, Dairy, Meat and Grain Processing Practices
Biosolids
Education and technical assistance to those individuals affected by the land application of biosolids.
Urban Agriculture
An overview of topics related to Urban Agriculture in Michigan.
Aquifer Protection and Dispute Resolution Program
Well owners can file complaints with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) if their well fails to produce its normal water supply or to provide potable water.
Spill Response
The rapid, cost-effective cleanup, and proper use or disposal of manure, pesticides, and fertilizer.
Bodies of Dead Animals Act
For concerns about animal mortality, disposal, management, please refer to the Bodies of Dead Animal Act; which provides the framework and rules which govern the management of diseased livestock.
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
For any disturbances greater than 1 acres in size or within 500 feet of a lake or stream, please consult with your local SESC Construction Storm water staff for applicability and regulations.
Michigan Well Code
For additional information regarding the water wells, setbacks from contamination, ground water resources and construction.
MSU Pollinators
For additional information regarding the water wells, setbacks from contamination, ground water resources and construction.
Cottage Food Law
Additional information for Farm Markets in identifying licensing requirements and exemptions for the sale of food products.
Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule
Additional information on Produce safety - mandatory, regulation of farms that grow produce that is typically eaten raw and sells a minimum of $25,000 of sales in a year. Other exemptions may apply.
NewFarmers.usda.gov
Resources for planning new farms.
Animals at Large Act
In Michigan, an owner cannot allow an animal (defined here as cattle, horses, sheep, swine, mules, burros, or goats) to run at large.
Ag Opinion #7302
2018 Attorney General's opinion regarding the preemption of local ordinances by the Michigan Right to Farm Act.