By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded $1.9 million in research grants to improve understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their impact on agriculture.
The funding will support several innovative projects designed to help protect Michigan’s food production systems, natural resources, livestock, and public health.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds that do not easily break down in the environment. These chemicals have been widely used in products such as waterproof clothing, furniture fabrics, personal care products, and firefighting foam.
Because PFAS can persist for long periods, they can accumulate in soil, water, crops, animals, and other agricultural systems. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to health concerns in both humans and animals.
Tim Boring, MDARD Director, emphasized the importance of advancing scientific understanding of these contaminants. He said, “MDARD is investing in research that will strengthen our ability to protect Michiganders, our land, and our livestock from PFAS and other emerging contaminants.” He added, “By better understanding how these chemicals move through agriculture systems, we can implement measures to reduce their impact. Today’s grants reflect MDARD’s commitment to investing in proactive science and research to protect Michigan’s food and agriculture sector now and in the future.”
One of the funded projects is led by Marta Venier, associate professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, who received a $400,000 grant. Her team will investigate how PFAS enters Michigan farm fields through air, water, pesticides, manure, and other common agricultural pathways. Researchers from Michigan State University are collaborating on the project.
Additional grants support several other studies focused on PFAS in agriculture. Dr. Subhasis Giri, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, will examine PFAS levels in soil, water, corn, and soybeans while evaluating farming practices such as cover crops and reduced tillage. Dr. Dinesh Maddipatla, Assistant Professor at Western Michigan University, will develop an affordable sensor to quickly detect PFAS in irrigation and runoff water.
Other projects include research led by Dr. Judith Perlinger, Professor Emerita at Michigan Technological University, who will study PFAS accumulation in vegetables and evaluate methods to reduce contamination. Dr. Amina Salamova, Assistant Professor at Emory University, will investigate how numerous PFAS compounds move through soil, crops, and livestock on an affected Michigan farm.
MDARD is among the first state agriculture departments in the United States to establish a research grant program specifically focused on PFAS in agricultural systems. The initiative aims to build knowledge that can support future mitigation efforts, strengthen environmental protection, improve agricultural resilience, and safeguard food production for years to come.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture