In a bipartisan, bicameral effort to provide vital assistance to farmers affected by toxic "forever chemicals," also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) reintroduced the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act. The legislation would authorize grants for states to provide financial assistance to affected farmers, expand monitoring and testing, remediate PFAS, or even help farmers relocate.

"USDA must provide support to our nation's farmers, who through no fault of their own are at risk of losing their livelihoods," said Senator Collins. "In the past, the federal government's response has failed to keep pace with this growing problem. Our bipartisan legislation would direct USDA to help by providing financial assistance and expanding PFAS monitoring and testing where it is needed most."

Specifically, the funds authorized by the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act could be used for a variety of purposes at the state level, including:

• Providing financial assistance to affected farmers;

• Building capacity for PFAS testing for soil or water sources;

• Monitoring blood for individuals to make informed decisions about their health;

• Upgrading or purchasing equipment to ensure a farm remains profitable during or after known PFAS contamination;

• Developing alternative production systems or remediation strategies;

• Developing educational programs for farmers experiencing PFAS contamination; and

• Researching soil and water remediation systems, and the viability of those systems for farms

The bill would also create a task force at USDA charged with identifying other USDA programs to which PFAS contamination should be added as an eligible activity. This would help bring even more resources to farmers through existing programs. Additionally, the task force would provide technical assistance to states to help them coordinate their responses effectively.

"Maine farmers, residents and policymakers are leading the country on tackling PFAS contamination in our food and water," said Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). "Maine has created essential policies to help farmers who have suffered consequences of forever chemicals through no fault of their own. Senator Collins' and Congresswoman Pingree's bill signals a critical opportunity for the federal government to coordinate a response so that farmers across the country will have the support they need to address PFAS contamination."

"PFAS contamination of agricultural land is a nationwide challenge that has been met with an inconsistent patchwork of policy and program responses to date. What is needed in response to the challenge of PFAS contamination of agricultural land is dependable and comprehensive support so that farm families, the agricultural sector, and our food system are not in jeopardy. This bill seeks to do just that. Maine Farmland Trust is grateful for the introduction of the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act and the strong federal safety net of support that it would provide. Maine farmers stand with farmers nationwide who deserve comprehensive support and solutions," said Shelley Megquier, Policy and Research Director of Maine Farmland Trust.

"American Farmland Trust (AFT) applauds the reintroduction of the bipartisan Farmers Hit with PFAS Act," said Tim Fink, Vice President of Policy for AFT. "The discovery of PFAS contamination can be devastating for farms, farmers, and their families - all through no fault of their own. However, the experience of the Maine relief program has shown that with the right financial and technical support, most farms can return safely to operation. It's time that this essential financial, technical, healthcare, and research support be available to impacted farmers across the nation."

"PFAS contamination poses a significant threat to our farms, wildlife, and food," said Rebecca Meuninck, Ph.D., Great Lakes regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation. "Farmers are being put out of business because they unknowingly spread biosolids containing PFAS on their land or had their water contaminated from neighboring military or industrial sites. The reintroduction of this legislation is a big step forward in supporting farmers and ensuring their resilience against the impacts of PFAS."

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