By Andi Anderson
Michigan Farm Bureau’s grassroots advocacy recently took the spotlight as Rob Anderson, State Government Relations Manager, testified before the House Rules Committee. His testimony focused on how state regulations affect farmers and what changes are needed to support both agriculture and economic growth.
Anderson emphasized that regulations are not just policies — they directly impact farmers’ families and businesses. With tight profit margins and high input costs, even minor regulatory changes can cause major disruptions.
“When regulations are unclear or overly strict, they slow down business, create stress for families, and in some cases, threaten the survival of long-standing family farms,” Anderson told lawmakers.
Farm Bureau policy supports a measured, thoughtful approach to regulation:
- Rulemaking should follow legislative direction.
- Regulations must be clear, practical, and fairly enforced.
- All rules should be backed by science, economic studies, and risk assessments.
At the same time, Farm Bureau opposes:
- State rules that are stricter than federal standards.
- Retroactive or unjustified regulations.
- Duplicate research requirements that add burdens.
Anderson called for greater transparency in permit decisions and criticized recent legislative actions that repealed key oversight bodies — the Environmental Science Advisory Board and the Environmental Permit Review Commission. These groups, he explained, ensured decisions were made with fairness and scientific backing.
He urged their reinstatement to help Michigan grow its economy, attract investment, and create jobs that retain talent in the state.
While no specific bills were under discussion, the hearing focused on the broader impact of rulemaking and permitting by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Farm Bureau joined other business groups in advocating for more effective, transparent, and growth-friendly regulation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle