USDA has announced how it plans to tackle PFAS in agricultural soils and waters. Otherwise known as forever chemicals, PFAS poses a significant threat to producers and farming communities.
More than 150 inter-agency researchers, state, and university partners came together to find solutions. The long-term roadmap includes better methods of detection, understanding how forever chemicals move through ag systems, and new ways to remove the chemicals before they do harm.
Some of that future work includes a new partnership between USDA and the University of Maine.
The university’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Joan Ferrini-Mundy, says, “With our collective expertise, supported by the ingenuity and resolve of our researchers and students, we can accelerate breakthroughs in basic and applied science that will result in new tools and strategies for protecting food systems in Maine and beyond... Together, we will also expand each other’s research capacities, grant funding efforts, and infrastructure, all of which will be essential for mitigating the spread of PFAS and other toxic compounds like it.”
The PFAS Fund Advisory Committee is now seeking public input on the next steps from Maine residents. A public meeting is set to be held on October 24th in Augusta, Maine.
