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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If you are planning to operate a fish farm in Michigan, your farm will need to be registered as an Aquaculture Facility and may also need additional permits depending upon the particular circumstances of your operation. In Michigan, you are considered to be operating a fish farm if you are engaged in any aspect of commercial husbandry of aquaculture species in privately controlled water.
As with any agricultural business, navigating the required regulations for a fish farm can be daunting. Michigan's Quality of Life (QOL) departments (i.e. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) are committed to helping you with your project and will provide assistance with new and expanding operations as they move through the regulatory process.
Familiarizing yourself with regulations that may affect your business, in particular reading the Regulatory Guidebook, is important before pursuing any registrations or permits. In addition, preparing a project plan and contacting the QOL departments to request a pre-application review is highly recommended. This will help to clarify specific application requirements in support of your business and clarify timing of various permits.
When preparing your project plan for the QOL group discussion, consider some of the following questions:
When you are ready to discuss your project plans, or if you need more information, please feel free to contact the Aquaculture Program Manager at 517-284-5685.
Site Selection Plans for New and Expanding Aquaculture Facilities in Michigan
Siting Guidebook - Commercial Aquaculture in Michigan