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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Contact Information
800-292-3939 | MDARD-Pesticide@Michigan.gov
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) works to assure the food safety, agricultural, environmental, and economic interests of Michigan are met through service, partnership, and collaboration. MDARD's Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division regulates pesticide use and distribution.
Looking for assistance? Sign up for a voluntary compliance check:
MDARD helps businesses identify practices that are not in compliance with pesticide laws and regulations. Inspectors can help correct non-compliance through a Planned Use Inspection (PUI). To schedule a PUI, contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 or MDARD-Pesticide@Michigan.gov.
Michigan regulatory authority:
Federal regulatory authority:
Summary of regulatory requirements:
What is a pesticide?
A pesticide is defined as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest or intended for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. Pesticides include such products as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, sanitizers, and disinfectants. Pesticides also include products made with organic ingredients.
More information on Pesticide Use in Michigan.
Pesticides approved for use on marijuana
MDARD's policy for evaluation of products includes ensuring label language is appropriate and a toxicological assessment.
Michigan Marijuana Pesticide List
Minimum risk pesticides
Minimum risk pesticides exempted under FIFRA Section 25(b), are registered differently than pesticides bearing an EPA Registration Number on the product label. Minimum risk pesticides have active and inert ingredients the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found to pose little or no risk to human health or the environment when used according to the label; and are exempt from federal registration. MDARD requires all pesticides sold in Michigan, including those exempt by FIFRA 25(b), to be registered. More information about pesticide registration in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/PestReg.
Label directions for these pesticides must be followed. State regulations related to pesticide use are still applicable.
Following the pesticide label
Applicators are responsible for following all the directions for use on a pesticide label. Label directions include mixing instructions, application rates, sites where the product can be applied, method(s) of application, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the Worker Protection Standard.
Applicators handling or applying pesticides must wear all PPE required by the pesticide label, such as protective eyewear, respirators, and chemical aprons. Failure to comply with label directions is a violation of state and federal law.
Directions for use
The pesticide label's directions describe how the product can legally be used as well as use restrictions of the product. This includes:
It is the pesticide applicator's legal responsibility to follow all directions on the pesticide label.
Certification
Owners and employees of private farms growing an agricultural commodity are exempt from certification if they are only applying general use products. Persons who apply Restricted Use Pesticides (aka RUPs) for an agricultural purpose are required to obtain applicator certification or be supervised by a certified applicator.
Certification is obtained by studying certification training manuals and taking exam(s). More information about pesticide applicator certification can be found at Michigan.gov/MDARDPestCert.
Commercial pesticide applicators applying pesticides for hire may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator business license (PABL). More information about PABL requirements can be found at Michigan.gov/MDARDPABL.
Pesticide storage and spill kits
Pesticides need to be handled, stored, displayed, or transported in a way that will not endanger humans and the environment. Pesticides should be stored separately from any PPE and away from any drains leading outside. Placing pesticide containers in plastic totes provides a secondary layer of containment in case of an accidental spill or container leak.
Any person who mixes, loads, or otherwise uses pesticides shall have immediate access to a spill kit. Spill kits do not require specific materials but need to be able to contain liquid or granular materials depending on the pesticides used at the facility. A spill kit may include absorbent snakes, pillows, sheets, powder, or kitty litter for liquid spills and a broom, shovel, or dustpan or granular spills.
Disposal
Before disposing of any pesticide containers, read the disposal directions on the pesticide product label. Triple rinse the container and collect any rinsate (wash water). Puncture the pesticide container and dispose of the container per label directions.
More information on Safe and Proper Pesticide Disposal.
Repackaging
Pesticides offered for sale in Michigan must be in the registrant's or manufacturer's unbroken immediate container and have a label conforming to labeling requirements. Under FIFRA, the production of a pesticide needs to occur in a registered pesticide producing establishment. Repackaging is considered pesticide production. Any company producing or repackaging pesticides not considered to be minimum risk must obtain a U.S. EPA pesticide establishment number. Additional information can be found on EPA's website.
Worker Protection Standard
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal regulation intended to reduce the risks of illness or injury from pesticide exposure in the production of an agriculture commodity. In Michigan, cannabis is considered an agricultural commodity. When the WPS applies, agricultural employers are required to provide safety education and protections to workers, handlers, and other persons onsite. This may include but is not limited to:
WPS is applicable when the pesticide product labeling contains an "Agricultural-Use Requirements" box, and the product is used at an agricultural establishment to produce an agricultural commodity.
The Pesticide Educational Resource Collaborative is a resource for compliance assistance materials. The website can assist in determining if WPS is applicable to your establishment.
More information on Worker Protection Standards. Click here for the Spanish version.
This is a partial summary. Refer to the public acts and rules for applicable requirements.
For further information regarding pesticides and other areas regulated by MDARD, visit Michigan.gov/MDARDPest, or call 800-292-3939 and ask to be referred to your local pesticide inspector. MDARD inspectors can visit your operation to provide compliance assistance.
Video Library
Additional Information
For additional information regarding the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, visit Michigan.gov/CRA. To learn more about Michigan’s Industrial Hemp Program, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest/industrial-hemp.