Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Annual Reports
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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.
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Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
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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.
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Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
Intercounty Drains
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.
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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.
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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.
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
Fruit and Vegetable Inspection
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is charged with certifying sites where industrial hemp is to be grown under the authority of the federal Agriculture Act of 2014 and the state Industrial Hemp Research Act of 2014.
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October 06, 2022
In 2021, Kids’ Food Basket served over 1.3 million healthy meals to young Michiganders
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell toured Kids’ Food Basket to understand better how this local organization addresses food insecurities within the Grand Rapids area. Throughout 2022, McDowell is traveling across the state, meeting with food and agricultural businesses as they advance during Michigan’s economic recovery and revitalization.
The Kids’ Food Basket aims to pursue a hunger-free West Michigan in a way that promotes the experiences and passion of the local community. At Kids’ Food Basket, they believe healthy food is a right, not a privilege, for every child in Michigan.
The program began by providing 125 students at three schools in Kent County with nourishing evening meals in a brown bag, which they called Sack Suppers. Nearly 20 years later, thanks to the support of a diverse range of community partners, they have grown to now serve thousands of children and families in four counties throughout West Michigan every day.
“Governor Whitmer is committed to ensuring every Michigander has access to healthy, affordable food, especially our children. No child should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Director McDowell. “The Kids’ Food Basket program is a fantastic example of how our local communities are stepping up to help close food insecurity gaps. When we all work together, we can ensure our students can get healthy, fresh food to help them develop and thrive.”
In March of 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Food Security Council released several recommendations to help combat food insecurity across Michigan. Recommendations include increasing funding for fresh food through local and regional programs, increasing feedback from Michiganders who use community food programs, and ensuring Medicaid beneficiaries, such as those with diabetes, can access medically appropriate food.
Throughout 2022, Director McDowell is meeting with Michigan’s food and agricultural businesses to focus on how they can continue to thrive in Michigan’s new economy and how MDARD can best assist their continuous development.
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MDARD Media Contact
Chelsea Lewis-Parisio
LewisC31@Michigan.gov
517-331-1151
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) works to assure food safety, protect animal and plant health, sustain environmental stewardship, provide consumer protection, enable rural development and foster efficient administration operations through service, partnership and collaboration.
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Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Constitution Hall, 6th Floor
525 W. Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
800-292-3939
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At MDARD, we encourage and embrace innovation, creativity, and growth, so we can provide the best possible service to our food and agriculture businesses, communities, and colleagues. As a department, we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that builds upon our values and invests in our employees and provides an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment.
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