A coalition of Michigan farmers pushed back Tuesday against state regulations they say are threatening their livelihoods.

At a hearing before the Michigan House Oversight Committee on Burdensome Regulation, farmers, business leaders, and advocates voiced frustrations over policies imposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration, particularly by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

The farmers argued that some regulations are making it harder for them to stay in business, including EGLE’s pollution standards and aggressive enforcement.

EGLE’s regulations redefining pollution, fertilizer, and protected wetlands, have made it more difficult for small farms to operate, the farmers allege. Farmers further assert these changes, along with surprise inspections and inconsistent enforcement, are driving family farms out of business.

During the hearing, business executives, farm consultants, and members of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce shared their experiences. Michael Meccariello of Generate Upcycle was the first to testify, addressing new rules on anaerobic digestion. Previously, the by-product of the process was considered fertilizer, but EGLE now classifies it as a pollutant, equating it with sewage.

James DeYoung of CJD Farm Consulting emphasized the strained relationship between regulators and farmers, saying there is a “lack of trust” and that those who push back often face “additional scrutiny.” He also raised concerns about surprise inspections making compliance even more difficult.

Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, added that farmers fear speaking out due to retaliation from the state.

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“People are scared,” he said.

Tuesday’s Oversight Committee hearing made one thing clear—Michigan’s farmers are fed up with regulations they say do more harm than good. With growing concerns over arbitrary enforcement and shrinking profit margins, many are calling for a more cooperative relationship between regulators and the agricultural community. Without reform, they say, small family farms may continue to struggle under the weight of bureaucratic red tape, threatening the future of Michigan’s agricultural industry.

Watch the full hearing here: