Farmers across the country could face significant economic losses due to PFAS contaminations and not even be aware.
The Environmental Working Group estimates that nearly 20 million acres of land could be impacted by these forever chemicals.
The Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act was introduced to the Senate in 2023, proposing a $500 million federal grant program.
There is no word on whether the bill will be a priority this season.
However, supporters believe it could be a game changer for the survival of impacted farms and U.S. food security. Nearly 90% of Americans are believed to be impacted by PFAS contamination.
Some environmentalists call it a national crisis.
Related Stories
Treat financial stress as a health risk—know the warning signs, normalize conversations, and connect farm families to local and national support early.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
Mexico’s tougher, two-step treatment and added checkpoints are catching cases before they can spread—good news for producers near the border.
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.