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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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 DormanE@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 additional information regarding the Potato Registration Process, contact Elizabeth Dorman at 517-449-8491 or via email at DormanE@Michigan.gov.