Farmers Battle PFAS Contamination on Farmland and Demand Federal Intervention

In 2021, Michigan organic beef farmer Jason Grostic faced a shocking setback. After state testing uncovered dangerously high levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in his products, he was ordered to halt all farm operations. Nearly three years later, Grostic cannot sell his products and has no viable soil remediation options.

“I've lost everything—my savings, equipment, even my retirement land,” Grostic lamented. According to the Environmental Working Group, his story reflects a more significant issue affecting farms across the United States, as millions of acres of cropland are believed to be tainted with PFAS.

The PFAS Contamination Problem

PFAS, a class of chemicals used in numerous industrial applications, can persist in soil and water for over a millennium.

Prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to severe health risks, including:

• Elevated cholesterol
• Thyroid disease
• High blood pressure (especially in pregnant women)
• Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers

While the true extent of PFAS contamination remains uncertain, the problem is widespread. These “forever chemicals” could affect an estimated 20 million acres, or about 20% of U.S. farmland.

How Farms Become Contaminated

For decades, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promoted using biosolids—wastewater treatment byproducts—as a sustainable fertilizer option. This once cost-effective solution is now under scrutiny, as biosolids have been found to contain high concentrations of PFAS in some areas.

Grostic's farm became contaminated after biosolids from a nearby treatment plant were applied. The source of contamination was an auto parts manufacturer discharging PFAS into local waterways. 

After Michigan issued a public health warning about his beef, Grostic was forced to stop selling his products. Now, he’s suing the auto supplier responsible for the contamination.

PFAS Contamination by the Numbers

• 60 farms in Maine have tested positive for unsafe levels of PFAS.
• $60 million was allocated by Maine to assist farmers impacted by PFAS, but such resources are rare in other states.
• 20 million acres of U.S. farmland may be contaminated with PFAS, according to estimates.

Farmers Turn to Legal Action and Push for Federal Support

Grostic isn’t alone in his fight. Farmers from Johnson County, Texas, sued the EPA, accusing the agency of failing to regulate PFAS under the Clean Water Act. The lawsuit claims that PFAS contamination jeopardizes not only their livelihoods but also their health and the vitality of rural communities.

In Maine, where PFAS regulation is among the strictest in the country, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association has joined the lawsuit. In addition, Maine’s congressional delegation has proposed $500 million in federal funding to track and clean PFAS contamination in agriculture.

What Can Be Done About PFAS?

Unfortunately, there are few options for removing PFAS from soil.

However, farmers are exploring several strategies to mitigate the impact of contamination:

1. Adapting operations: Some livestock farmers use clean water and feed to ensure their meat remains uncontaminated.
2. Switching crops: Since PFAS accumulates more in leafy greens, grasses, and legumes, some farmers are switching to crops like corn, which tend to absorb less PFAS.
3. Solar energy: Some contaminated farms are transitioning to solar panel installations as an alternative revenue source.
4. Testing crops: Farmers are testing various parts of crops to determine which sections absorb less PFAS, allowing for more selective harvesting.

For example, the PFAS levels in different parts of a corn plant can vary significantly, meaning some farmers can still use the kernels while discarding other parts.

Financial Burden and the Need for National Action

The costs of mitigating PFAS contamination are often overwhelming. While Maine has provided financial support through its relief fund, many states need more resources to help farmers deal with contamination. Without federal assistance, many farms face closure.

Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, argues that stronger regulations and financial aid are critical to protecting farms and future generations.

“We want to stop this from being a crisis for more farms in the future,” Alexander stated.

As PFAS contamination continues to threaten farms across the U.S., farmers like Grostic are fighting for the survival of their livelihoods. Without more federal action and financial support, many farmers fear the long-term consequences of these “forever chemicals.”

We believe all black farmers who have had their farms contaminated with PFAs should receive justice and potential compensation, beginning with a free, private case review with our experienced legal team.