#Healthy Soil, Healthy Future

Join our campaign in support of the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act (S.747). This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program to help states and other entities address contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, on agricultural land and commercial farms. Specifically, the USDA program must provide an eligible government (e.g., a state, territory, or Indian tribe) a grant for purposes that include

• providing financial assistance to a person whose commercial farm is affected by PFAS contamination;

• assisting the producers on agricultural land and commercial farms contaminated by PFAS in developing an enterprise budget for alternative production, remediation strategies, transitioning to an alternative revenue stream, or relocating farming operations;

• expanding the capacity of PFAS testing and data management; and

• conducting research on soil and water remediation systems and food safety relating to PFAS contamination.

Policy Brief

Introduction

PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are harmful human made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily. Hence they are also called "Forever Chemicals". They accumulate in the environment and in the human body. They leach into our soil, air, and water. People most likely get exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS contaminated food or water, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. 

The Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act (S.747) aims to mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination on agricultural lands and commercial farms. It establishes a grant program under the USDA to provide financial, technical, and research support to affected entities.

Issues the bill addresses:

Grant Program:

• Grants will be provided to eligible governments (e.g., states, tribes) to:

  • Offer financial assistance to farmers impacted by PFAS contamination.

  • Develop budgets for alternative farming methods, remediation strategies, or transitioning to other revenue streams.

  • Support relocation of farming operations if needed.

  • Enhance PFAS testing and data management capacity.

  • Conduct research on PFAS remediation in soil, water, and food safety.

Funding Allocation:

• At least 30% of total annual funding is reserved for governments serving populations under 3 million people.

Task Force Creation:

• The USDA must establish a task force to:

  • Provide advice on integrating PFAS mitigation into existing USDA programs.

  • Assess necessary actions for farms already enrolled in USDA programs with PFAS issues.

  • Offer technical support to eligible governments.

Policy Implications

• Environmental Health: The bill targets long-term solutions to PFAS contamination, which has been linked to health risks and environmental degradation.

• Economic Stability for Farmers: Financial and technical support will help farmers adapt to contamination challenges and reduce economic strain.

• Research and Innovation: By funding research, the bill encourages advancements in PFAS remediation techniques and food safety practices.

Conclusion

The Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act represents a critical step in addressing the growing issue of PFAS contamination in agriculture. Its combination of financial assistance, research investment, and strategic planning aims to safeguard both environmental and economic health for affected communities.

*Sample Call Script

Hello, my name is _____ from _______. I’m calling on behalf of SayNoToPFAS, a student-led organization dedicated to ending the use of PFAS in everyday products, to express my strong support for the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act (S.747). This bill will help lessen the economic and environmental impacts of PFAS, or “Forever Chemicals,” contamination on agricultural lands and commercial farms. It establishes a grant program under the USDA to provide financial, technical, and research support to affected entities. I urge [Representative/Senator/Office’s Name] to support this bill and join the effort to reduce PFAS contamination in our environment. Thank you for your time.

We called a total of 97 Congressmen and Congresswomen across states like California, New York, Illinois and many more, on our Lobby Day on November 26, 2024.