Communicating With Regulators Basics

Whether it’s installing a wastewater treatment system or upgrading restroom facilities, farmers don’t always agree with the demands of health inspectors, zoning boards, and other regulators. Laws and regulations—such as zoning, building, health codes, or even organic certification requirements—often seem ridden with ambiguities. In some cases, the law may clearly be on the farmer’s side, yet the regulator insists on a different interpretation. Farmers can often challenge what an authority says, but this can be a delicate process where due diligence and interpersonal skills pay off. Use this tipsheet to gain insights on strategically communicating with regulators to improve your compliance outcomes.