PFAS contamination jeopardises farmers’ health — a new federal program would empower them to address the issue

Maine farmers faced a crisis when PFAS contamination was found in soil and water. These chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," endanger food supplies and the health of farmers and their families. Responding swiftly, Maine became the first state to launch an emergency relief fund for affected farmers and banned sludge-based fertilizers containing PFAS. This proactive approach saved nearly all 59 farms initially impacted.

Now, Congress considers the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, mirroring Maine's fund to aid farmers nationwide. The issue extends beyond Maine, as decades of sludge spreading for fertilization across states have left many unaware of the chemicals' presence. Lack of federal guidance means few states regularly test for PFAS, risking financial ruin and severe health issues for farmers. Maine's model, developed with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and Maine Farmland Trust, provides crucial support: testing, income replacement, healthcare, and infrastructure investments. This approach serves as a blueprint for national action, urging federal intervention and EPA regulation to safeguard farming communities across the United States.