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.
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 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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As the weather warms up, more people are out and about with their pets. As a reminder, pets who are not service animals, including emotional support animals, are not allowed in licensed food establishments in Michigan.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires every business to allow people with service animals to enter and go anywhere the public is normally permitted to go. However, pets and non-service animals are not allowed to enter food establishments due to risks to food safety. Not only is it against the law to allow pets into food establishments, it’s also common for other customers to complain about the animals. MDARD has recently seen an uptick in the number of complaints of customers bringing pets into food establishments such as grocery stores.
A service animal, as defined by the ADA, is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Establishment operators have a duty to exclude pets and other non-service animals from entering their licensed food establishment. Animals such as therapy animals, comfort animals and companion animals are NOT protected by the ADA and are NOT allowed to enter food establishments such as retail grocery stores.
Operators of food establishments should be aware of the potential liability of allowing customers to bring pets into their businesses, as well as the liability of excluding people with bona fide service animals.
In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions:
Staff cannot request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability. You should also inform your customers that service animals are welcome, but pets are not.
Some disabled people who need service animals consider it a disservice when businesses allow untrained animals to enter these buildings as they may interfere with the service animals’ work. For more information visit the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Service Animal web page.