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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Michigan's Cannabis Industry (including hemp, marihuana, and all cannabis products) and the state's Weights and Measures Law
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Weights and Measures Program works to ensure that all products sold by weight, measure or count contain the declared amount, including items sold both in bulk or pre-packaged. This program also administers the Service Registration Program which includes agencies and technicians who install, calibrate, and repair commercial weighing and measuring devices. The Michigan Weights and Measures Law, Public Act 283 of 1964, is enforced by the program's staff.
What does this mean for Michigan's Cannabis industry? This means that individuals and companies need to make sure they are using the correct scales and are accurately filling packages being offered for sale. MDARD's Weights and Measures staff can offer guidance in a variety of areas, including legal for trade weighing devices, packaging and labeling requirements, quantity assurance programs, and overall compliance assistance. MDARD will also provide training upon request.
Commercial scales:
• Legal for Trade scales allow for the selling of products by weight, in accordance with state law and the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) Certification. This ensures the highest level of accuracy in weight-based transactions.
o Michigan Law requires all commercial devices have a valid NTEP certificate of conformance (COC or CC).
• All commercial scales require calibration tests from MDARD's Weights and Measures Program or a Michigan Registered Service Company prior to initial use.
o Registered Service Companies are available online at Michigan.gov/WMInfo.
• Owners of a commercial scale do not have the authority to install, calibrate or seal the device unless they are also a Michigan Registered Service Company.
• When buying a scale, begin by looking at the range of weighing (minimum and maximum), the division (increment) size and the suitability that will meet your business needs.
o Suitability means a scale with a resolution and capacity to meet the needs of your business and has a load receiving element (platform) of adequate size.
Questions? Contact
Robert DeRubeis, MDARD's Weights and Measures Program Manager
DerubeisR@Michigan.gov
517-655-7227