Agriculture & Rural Development
Industrial Hemp Update 1/6/26
MDARD – Industrial Hemp
Industrial Hemp Program Update
January 6, 2026
Below is a brief update from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) hemp grower registration for 2026:
RENEWING APPLICANTS:
MDARD mailed out 2026 renewal applications during the week of December 29, 2025, to all businesses registered in 2025. As a reminder, your current registration is valid through January 31, 2026. If you did not receive your renewal application, please contact 800-292-3939.
NEW APPLICANTS:
If you were not registered in 2025 and would like to apply for a Hemp Grower Registration, download an application online. Once your application is approved, your registration will be valid starting February 1, 2026. If you need a new registration covering any days before February 1, write this on your application and know you would need to apply again for a registration starting February 1.
Please be advised, MDARD will not issue registration unless all past sampling fees, testing fees, and administrative fines have been paid. If you need an invoice emailed to you again, please call 517-241-6001 (Accounting Service Center, invoicing and credit card payment) or 517-290-0077 (Plant Health Admin, invoicing).
Preharvest and remediation sampling performed by Plant Health Inspectors will continue to be charged as $150 per site visit. Testing of these samples by MDARD’s Geagley Laboratory will be charged at a new fee of $150 per sample beginning January 1, 2026.
Currently, several bills regarding hemp continue to be under consideration, and we will share updates as soon as more information becomes available. MDARD will continue to implement the state’s registration program for hemp growing until authorized by a legislative change to move the program to U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
Thank you,
MDARD Industrial Hemp Program
About MDARD
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.
LINKS
- MDARD – Industrial Hemp Main Page
- Michigan Hemp Forms
- Michigan Hemp Resources
- Michigan Hemp Laws
- Michigan Hemp Testing