Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD

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MDARD improves quality of life by protecting Michiganders from the pump to the plate, supporting farmers and producers who put food on the table, and creating economic opportunities within the agriculture industry. Vision - To be recognized as a national leader among state departments of agriculture through our expertise, effectiveness, application of sound science and delivery of quality service

to our stakeholders. Mission - Assure the food safety, agricultural, environmental, and economic interests of the people of the State of Michigan are met through service, partnership and collaboration.

Michigan’s agricultural community is bursting with local flavor... ​and innovative farm stops are making it easier for f...
13/09/2026

Michigan’s agricultural community is bursting with local flavor... ​

and innovative farm stops are making it easier for families to bring that goodness home. By blending farmers‑market freshness with everyday convenience, they’re expanding access to nutritious, locally sourced food across the state.​

Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor is a standout success. Launched by Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample, Argus connects neighbors directly with hundreds of Michigan producers through two vibrant markets and a café. This delivers more sales for farmers and brings more local food to Michigan tables.​

Last year, Argus received a Farm Stops grant from MDARD’s Farm to Family Program. These grants helped farm stops across the state expand their footprints and increase community access to fresh, Michigan-grown foods. ​

Michigan’s farm stops aren’t just markets, they’re a movement reshaping local food access.​

Farm Flavor

From Detroit to Traverse City, MDARD volunteers were honored to support 9/11 Day of Service events in communities across...
11/09/2026

From Detroit to Traverse City, MDARD volunteers were honored to support 9/11 Day of Service events in communities across Michigan. We will never forget those we lost and those who rose in service on September 11, 2001. ​

Thank you to , Kids' Food Basket, Clare Conservation District, Peace Ranch, a dba of 501c3 Charity Paraklesis Inc., and 9/11 Day for organizing these service opportunities.

Today we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the resilience that united us on 9/11. ​We will never...
11/09/2026

Today we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the resilience that united us on 9/11. ​

We will never forget.

See it, squish it!​Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been spotted in Berrien County, which is the first detection of the inva...
10/09/2026

See it, squish it!​

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been spotted in Berrien County, which is the first detection of the invasive pest in West Michigan. ​

While SLF is NOT a threat to people or animals, it can damage specialty crops. ​

Reporting sightings of SLF helps us track its spread. Learn how you can help based on where you live in Michigan: https://go.mi.gov/9h0463335

Increasing opportunities for Michigan farmers and food businesses.​MDARD announced grants to help 28 Michigan food produ...
09/09/2026

Increasing opportunities for Michigan farmers and food businesses.​

MDARD announced grants to help 28 Michigan food producers and distributors expand, including:​

- A new meat processing facility in Shiawassee County​
- Additional cold storage for a food bank in Flint ​
- New milling equipment for farms in Berrien and Oceana counties​
- New production equipment for dairy businesses in Oakland and Washtenaw counties​
- New equipment for fruit and vegetable processors in Kent, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties​

“Smart investments in our food and agriculture systems boost business growth, build stronger communities and improve quality of life for Michiganders,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These grants will create new jobs, cultivate new economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and food businesses, and give more Michiganders access to nutritious, locally grown foods.”​

Learn more about all the grants that were announced​
https://go.mi.gov/40twm3306

Let's take a moment this Labor Day to honor the incredible dedication of Michigan's farmers, growers and our wonderful a...
07/09/2026

Let's take a moment this Labor Day to honor the incredible dedication of Michigan's farmers, growers and our wonderful agricultural community. Their tireless work ensures Michiganders have high-quality food available and our state's agriculture industry continues to thrive. ​

Thank you for all you do... bringing the food... from the field to the fork.

More locally grown foods for Michigan families? You can bank on it!​It’s National Food Bank Day, and we’re celebrating t...
04/09/2026

More locally grown foods for Michigan families? You can bank on it!​

It’s National Food Bank Day, and we’re celebrating the South Michigan Food Bank (SMFB). Earlier this summer, SMFB received a Last Food Mile Grant from MDARD’s Farm to Family Program to purchase a new refrigerated delivery truck.​

MDARD Director Tim Boring stopped by SMFB’s warehouse in Battle Creek to see how the new truck will expand the delivery of nutritious, locally grown foods to Michigan families in eight south Michigan counties.​

Healthy foods build healthy communities. That’s why we’ll keep working with farmers, food producers, and community institutions to give Michiganders more access to locally grown foods. ​

Want to learn more about your regional food bank? Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website: https://www.fbcmich.org/

Don’t bring an unwanted guest to your next campfire!​Untreated firewood can carry more than 140 invasive insects and pla...
03/09/2026

Don’t bring an unwanted guest to your next campfire!​

Untreated firewood can carry more than 140 invasive insects and plant diseases. Once moved to a new area, these pests can threaten Michigan’s forests, agriculture and natural resources.​

That’s why MDARD and Michigan Department of Natural Resources have teamed up for Michigan's Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program. This program certifies businesses who heat-treat their firewood to kill invasive pests and diseases, making it safe to transport plus... the wood will now burn cleaner and longer.​

And if you're heading out to camp this holiday weekend, remember: Buy firewood at or near your destination. And keep an eye out for the new Michigan Certified Invasive-Free seal on firewood in coming months!

Learn more about the certified firewood program: https://go.mi.gov/48pqk3253

“Good for us, good for the community and good for the environment.”​That’s what Tom Bodtke says about MDARD's Michigan A...
01/09/2026

“Good for us, good for the community and good for the environment.”​

That’s what Tom Bodtke says about MDARD's Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).​

Tom is involved with Cornerstone Ag Enterprises, a family-owned farming operation based in South Haven, Michigan. Cornerstone primarily specializes in blueberries and belongs to a grower-owned marketing cooperative (MBG Marketing /Naturipe Farms), meaning they have their own pathway into the market. ​

Tom heard about MAEAP through Farm Bureau when MAEAP was getting started and wanted to get Cornerstone verified. Today, Cornerstone is verified in the MAEAP Farmstead and Cropping Systems as part of their overall strategy to grow nutritious and delicious produce while protecting the environment. ​

Tom found MDARD'S verification process to be straightforward and easy. He likes that the program is confidential and staffed by auditors who are “first-class, knowledgeable, and on your side to help get you better.” ​

Michigan Farm Bureau

31/08/2026

The county fair season is in the home stretch... so soak up the sights, rides, and agricultural fun while it lasts!​

Grab your friends, support local 4‑H exhibitors, and make one more memory before the lights go down.

Address


Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+18002923939

Website

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