PFAS Forever Chemicals: Resources for Farmers and Ranchers

On October 5th, American Farmland Trust (AFT) submitted public comments in response to newly proposed EPA guidance to address the threat posed by PFAS in biosolids. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment. They can accumulate in soil, water, crops, livestock, and people, and have consequences for human health and farm viability.

This photo shows different rates and types of biochar applied to a PFAS impacted field prior to incorporation. AFT is undertaking research to understand whether biochar, a high carbon sorbent, can reduce uptake of PFAS in forage crops.

But how do they get there? PFAS are used in many consumer products, such as nonstick pans and waterproof clothing. Through household use and manufacturing, these chemicals enter wastewater and end up in biosolids or “sewage sludge,” the semi-solid end product of the wastewater treatment process. Because they are nutrient-dense and carbon-rich, farmers use biosolids as an agricultural fertilizer and soil amendment. However, biosolids contaminated with PFAS can in turn contaminate soil, food, drinking water, and more. While biosolids are a leading cause of contamination, other common sources include contaminated well or irrigation water, industrial residuals, firefighting foam, and some pesticides.

Policies, guidance, and research related to PFAS are evolving at both the federal and state levels. However, farmers and ranchers still face significant gaps in guidance, support, and remediation options, and are seeking practical information on what contamination means for their operations. Several states have been at the forefront of addressing PFAS. For example, Maine has banned the land application of biosolids and developed a first-in-the-nation support system for impacted farmers. Michigan restricts land application of biosolids with concentrations of PFAS above set threshold levels. Farmers seeking guidance should ask their state agricultural and environmental departments and extension services for resources. In addition, USDA offers support for PFAS testing and certain dairy losses.

AFT believes that EPA can strengthen its new guidance by providing farmers, ranchers, landowners, and the broader public with the information necessary to make informed decisions about biosolids and PFAS. Farmers and ranchers need data and resources to better understand the risks of PFAS in biosolids, and what they should do to protect themselves, their land, and the communities they feed if they think their land may be contaminated.

Resources Table

Below is a collection of practical, science-based resources to help farmers, ranchers, agricultural service providers, and others better understand PFAS in agriculture. Users addressing an immediate concern, or seeking a deeper understanding of PFAS in agricultural systems, will find general information about PFAS, specific resources on health impacts, effects on crop and livestock systems, testing, and mitigating farmland contamination, as well as lessons learned from affected farms and communities.

Download the Resources Document

PFAS Call to Action

AFT is developing an introductory curriculum to train agricultural service providers on the basics of PFAS so they can help farmers navigate this important and complex topic. If you would like updates on this future course and other PFAS-related work, or have resources or insights to share with our team, please contact our staff.