The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) compiles a list of the organic farms located in Michigan. This list, known as the Certified Organic Farm Registry, is provided to all commercial pesticide firms that are licensed in agricultural, right-of way or aerial application. The registry will be provided to these firms in order to allow them to identify organic farms and take the appropriate precautions necessary to prevent pesticide drift.

What is An Organic Farm?

Reg. 637 defines an organic farm as a location or site that grows an agriculture product for commerical sales. An organic farm is further defined as a farm under a federal, state, or private certification program approved by the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The term also includes farms that are in the 3-year transitional period before certification.

How Can I Register My Farm?

Organic farm registry applications are accepted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture on an annual basis. If you own or operate an organic farm in Michigan and you wish to participate in the current Certified Organic Farm Registry, you may download the forms and applications to do so at the bottom of this page.

Application Instructions:

1. Application for this registry must be received by MDA no later than March 1, 2010.
2. Complete county/acres/township/range/section and subsection of the application.
3. Verify the name and address of the business and proprietor of the farm.
4. Verify the certified organic farm locations (listed on application).
5. Verify the certifying agency information.
6. Sign and date the application (back of application).

Organic Farm Location Map Instructions:

1. Draw a diagram of your organic farm location(s) on the map for accuracy. Once we receive an accurate map of your farm, it will be on file for future renewal. Failure to complete these columns will result in the return of your application for corrections.
   
   
2. Please list the legal description of your organic farm locations according to the follow example:
   Ionia County, T5N, R6W, Section 12, Subsection NW 1/4, N 1/2. (This describes the northwest quarter of the north half of section 12 of township 5 north and range 6 west in Ionia County).
   
   
3. Take a look at the example Organic Farm Location Map found here.

Where Do I Send My Application and Location Map?

Applications and location maps should be mailed to:

Michigan Department of Agriculture
Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909

Or fax them to:

(517) 335-4540

If you have questions concerning this registry contact:

Marie White
(517) 241-1169
Email: whitem9@michigan.gov

Certified Organic Farm Registry Listing and Forms

• Michigan Registered Organic Farms
• Application for Registration of Certified Organic Farm (two-sided)
• Organic Farm Location Map Example Form
• Organic Farm Location Map
• Certified Organic Farm Registry Letter