A P.E.I. farmer who raises hens was among several people who appeared in front of an agriculture committee hearing Tuesday to express concerns about the future of their businesses.

Raymond Loo told the committee that he is currently allowed to raise up to 299 laying hens in his backyard, for eggs that he sells at his stall at the Charlottetown Farmers Market.

Loo said the P.E.I. Egg Commodity Marketing Board wants to reduce backyard flocks to 49 hens, which would be another hit to his bottom line.

"You have to do all the work the same for 49 that you would've for 299," he said.

Although selling the eggs is not a lucrative business, Loo said every bit helps.

"A few farmers can make some money through this time of year."

Loo was among several farmers who told the committee that things are changing for the worse on P.E.I.'s farms.

Some days I give up - Who came up with this one? Really names please - who in the department of Ag is behind this? It is they who need to be questioned in public - What does the minister think this kind of this will lead too? This is not a rhetorical question - George?