PORTLAND (AP) — The state supreme court has rejected a Blue Hill farmer’s challenge of regulations requiring him to spend thousands of dollars to be licensed to sell raw milk at his farm stand.

Farmer Dan Brown wanted to continue selling milk the way he had for years based on his understanding from state officials that he didn’t need a license. The state later reversed its position and Brown was issued a civil summons in 2011 for selling milk without state licenses.

On Tuesday, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court rejected his arguments, including his contention that a Blue Hill ordinance had exempted him from state regulations.

The state contends it has an obligation to set reasonable standards to ensure milk is safe and that the standards must apply to even the smallest farms.