Directory
Michigan farm resources
The agencies and organizations Michigan growers rely on to sell direct: who licenses what, who inspects meat, where to get soil-health help, and where cost-share money comes from.
Links last checked September 2026
Licensing and food safety
Start here before listing anything beyond whole, uncut produce.
MDARD licensing guide for direct sales
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's product-by-product guide to what needs a license when you sell at markets or direct.
MDARD farmers markets FAQ
MDARD's answers to common direct-sale questions, including eggs, meat, and samples.
MDARD: approved food sources for restaurants
What a restaurant or other food establishment can buy directly from a farm. Useful to share with chefs.
MDARD Cottage Food
Rules for non-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen, including where they can and can't be sold.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Federal meat and poultry inspection, including the directory of USDA-inspected establishments.
FDA Produce Safety Rule
The federal food-safety standard for growing and harvesting produce, and who qualifies for exemptions.
MAEAP
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program: free, voluntary on-farm verification of environmental practices.
Selling and markets
Associations and programs that help Michigan farms find buyers.
Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA)
Statewide association for farmers markets, with a market finder and vendor resources.
MSU Product Center
Business counseling for Michigan food and farm businesses developing value-added products.
Taste the Local Difference
Local-food marketing and a farm directory for northern Michigan.
Michigan Farm Bureau
Statewide farm organization with county chapters, policy updates, and member programs.
Growing, soil health, and funding
Technical help and cost-share for regenerative practices.
MSU Extension
Michigan State University's research-based guidance on crops, soil, livestock, and farm business, with county offices statewide.
Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA)
Organic and sustainable farming network, events, and farmer resources.
Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS)
Programs for beginning and historically underserved farmers across Michigan.
NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
USDA cost-share for conservation practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and prescribed grazing.
North Central SARE
Sustainable agriculture research and grants for farmers in the North Central region, which includes Michigan.
USDA Organic Integrity Database
Look up any certified organic operation, or check a farm's certification status.
Know a Michigan resource farmers should have here, or found a broken link? Email info@chivle.com.