USDA is committed to ensuring farmers, ranchers and foresters have the resources they need to make informed decisions for their operations. We are using a whole-of-government approach, working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies across the federal government to develop science-based tools, guidance and information that you can use, whether your operations have been impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), you’re looking to prevent exposure, or you just want to stay informed.
Our understanding of PFAS is evolving through continuing research and working on the ground with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and a network of committed partners across the country. As additional information becomes available, we will provide it here.
Learn more below or read answers to frequently asked questions.
PFAS Background
PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. There are thousands of individual PFAS chemicals. These chemicals break down slowly and can build up in people, wildlife, and the environment over time. There is evidence that exposure to certain PFAS chemicals, even at low levels, can negatively impact human health.
PFAS can enter farms when contaminated water, soil amendments, or air are inadvertently introduced from an outside source (for example, from contaminated biosolids spread on the land for fertilizer or irrigation water from a contaminated water source). Once PFAS are in the water, soil, or air of a farming operation, the chemicals can be taken up by crops and livestock (for example, from livestock that graze on contaminated land or feed on grain grown on contaminated fields).
PFAS Regulation Status
Current regulatory standards for safe concentrations of PFAS in soils or livestock vary from state to state. EPA and states are leading the regulatory response to PFAS, and USDA is coordinating its actions and assistance based on EPA findings and guidance. Information about PFAS – including exposure and health effects, regulations, and state activities – can be found at EPA's PFAS website.
Dairy Indemnity Payment Program
Dairy producers are now eligible to receive a payment for loss of dairy cows because of contamination, including PFAS contamination. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated the Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP) to address permanent milk contaminations.
To learn more or to participate in DIPP, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity - PFAS Testing in Water or Soil
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers financial assistance for sample collection and laboratory analysis to provide information to producers to determine if PFAS might be present in soil or water on their agricultural operation.
This prescreening testing uses EPA-approved or state-approved field sampling and laboratory methods and is part of what NRCS calls a Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity (CEMA). To learn more about PFAS testing options available through NRCS, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Ongoing Efforts
USDA agencies are working with scientific experts across the nation to explore current knowledge on PFAS in agriculture, identify technologies and practices to address PFAS, pinpoint knowledge gaps, and guide efforts needed to enable potential solutions.
USDA is committed to helping agricultural producers address PFAS issues as the scientific and regulatory environments continue to evolve.
Resources
- PFAS Frequently Asked Questions
- White House Information on PFAS (June 2022)
- White House Report on PFAS (March 2023)
- EPA Information on PFAS
- Food and Drug Administration Information on PFAS
- Department of Defense Information on PFAS
- For information regarding food safety or food packaging, contact USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Find Your Local Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.
Learn more about our Urban Service Centers.
Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.