By Andi Anderson
The symposium, hosted by MSU's Center for PFAS Research, brought together farmers, government agencies, university researchers, and advocates from across the country to discuss challenges, research, regulations, and solutions.
While PFAS chemicals are not produced by or used on farms, they can find their way to farmland through a variety of sources, including industrially impacted biosolids or paper pulp byproducts; surface or groundwater contaminated by legacy industrial activities or waste disposal; air deposition from waste incineration; or runoff from firefighting activities at airports, military bases, and other sites where PFAS-containing firefighting foam has been used.
The symposium featured research updates on PFAS uptake in crops and animals, destruction technology development, and challenges with how PFAS chemical precursors can complicate cleanup activities. Lawmakers also discussed legislation passed in Maine to provide financial and technical support to farmers impacted by PFAS contamination.
One of the most powerful aspects of the symposium was hearing from farmers who have been devastated by PFAS contamination. They spoke about the loss of their products and land, and the destruction of their farming operations.
One of the biggest takeaways from the symposium was the need for solutions to help farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. Some states and organizations have found solutions, and these can be adapted for other states.
For Michigan, one important step is to work with MSU, Michigan agencies, and advocacy groups to develop a technical and financial support program for farmers. Michigan Farm Bureau has been pushing for such a program for several years.
With the support of other partners, Michigan Farm Bureau can continue to advocate for a farmer support program and help to ensure that farmers impacted by PFAS contamination have the resources they need to recover.
Photo Credit: Minnesota State University
Categories: Michigan, Education