Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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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.
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Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
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Effective January 1, 2021, the Seed Potato Act, Public Act 94 of 2018 requires certified seed be used for all farms growing over one acre of potatoes. In addition, it requires each person growing potatoes in combined seed lots of one acre or more within the state of Michigan, to notify the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by January 1 of each year.
Michigan Potato Grower Registration Form
The requirements in Act 94 were needed to bring Michigan in compliance with the State National Harmonization Program (SNHP) for seed potatoes. The SNHP is a partnership between State and Federal agencies which helps to facilitate trade and to address present and future potato pest issues in a coordinated fashion. Each participating State agrees to follow baseline standards regarding both quarantine and non-quarantine potato pests, creating a framework in which interstate and international commerce can be facilitated. One of the most important requirements of the SNHP is that states only distribute and/or plant certified seed.
In any year that there is an insufficient volume of any cultivar of certified seed potatoes, potato growers may apply to the Michigan Seed Potato Advisory Committee for permission to plant uncertified seed. Upon recommendation from the advisory committee, the MDARD Director may grant growers permission to plant specific uncertified seed potatoes for that growing season only.
To apply for an exception, complete the Insufficient Cultivar Exception Request form and submit to MDARD-NurseryCE@michigan.gov. Be sure to include any necessary supporting documentation.
Insufficient Cultivar Exception Request
As part of the requirements of the Seed Potato Act, growers will need to make several documents available for an independent records review. View the checklist.
For information on the Potato Registration Process:
Elizabeth Dorman, Pest Detection, Diagnostics, and Response Unit Manager
DormanE@michigan.gov
517-449-8491
Andria McCubbin, Program Specialist
MDARD-NurseryCE@michigan.gov
517-599-5748