LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Farmers and some lawmakers circled the Michigan Capitol in Lansing Tuesday to lobby against what Republican state legislators are calling burdensome regulations they say are increasing costs for the agriculture industry.
The procession took place during a House Oversight Committee hearing where Republicans and agriculture advocates criticized state rules governing groundwater withdrawal, waste permitting on fruit washing, wetland regulations, and slow permitting and various fees and fines that are hampering agribusiness.
The rally was organized in part by State Representatives Jennifer Wortz of Quincy and Luke Meerman of Coopersville, both who have family farms.
State Representative Jennifer Wortz outside the Michigan Capitol March 18, 2025 (courtesy Jennifer Wortz)
Some of the regulations in question include rules from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding water withdrawal restrictions, hazardous waste permit requirements, wetland regulations, fees, fines, and permit approval time.
According to Wortz, who grew up on a crop and beef farm and now owns a poultry farm, “Out-of-control bureaucracy has heaped heavy burdens on farmers, food processors and other Michiganders who work hard to put safe, healthy food on tables around the world.”
According to the Michigan Department of Economic Development, farms and food-processing companies create tens of thousands of jobs, employing 17.2% of the state’s population, and contribute $104.7 billion to the state’s economy annually.
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