MDARD, MSU Extension Partner to Equip Farmers with Stronger PFAS Tools and Support
Multi-year partnership will protect agricultural productivity and empower farmers
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a five-year partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to bolster PFAS monitoring across Michigan, providing farmers with the tools and expertise needed to protect their land, livestock and productivity.
"MDARD is leveraging cutting-edge research and building partnerships across the country to help farmers better understand environmental risks, protect crops and livestock and maintain the long-term economic viability of Michigan farmland," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Through this new partnership, MDARD and MSU Extension will provide Michigan producers with reliable information, access to testing and customized plans to safeguard agricultural operations now and in the future."
The $3.5 million investment will strengthen Michigan’s agricultural resilience and help producers by facilitating:
1) Education
MSU Extension will develop and deliver educational information and materials for farmers, agricultural professionals, allied industry partners and the public. These resources will increase awareness of PFAS, explain how and why PFAS can accumulate in agricultural settings and share practical, science‑based strategies to reduce impact.
2) Testing
MSU Extension will work with Michigan farms interested in testing for PFAS to evaluate their eligibility for no‑cost soil and water sampling. MSU Extension staff will travel to eligible farms across the state to collect samples, confidentially review laboratory results with producers and, if necessary, work collaboratively with them to design and implement mitigation strategies appropriate for each farm.
3) Mitigation
Following any practice implementation, MSU Extension will follow up with participating farms to assess progress and help farmers refine their approaches as needed. Through this program, farms may be eligible for funds to assist in mitigation strategies. This hands‑on, data‑driven process ensures farmers have clear information to guide production decisions and stay viable and productive.
PFAS, also known as synthetic “forever chemicals,” don’t easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in agricultural soil, water and animals such as livestock and poultry. These chemicals are used globally in everyday products, including waterproof clothing, furniture fabrics, personal care items and firefighting foam. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to health problems in humans and animals.
MDARD is a core member of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), a collaborative effort of seven state agencies to coordinate responses to PFAS contamination in Michigan and protect public health. In September, MDARD awarded PFAS research grants to leading researchers across the country to help better understand how these chemicals impact agricultural systems in Michigan.
This MSU Extension grant and the PFAS Research Grants are initiatives of MDARD’s Office of Agricultural Science and Research, which is investing in the best available science to strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture industry, improve environmental outcomes and increase agricultural resiliency.
Learn more about MDARD’s Office of Agricultural Science and Research.
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