Targeted Grants for the Study of PFAS in Agricultural Systems, Round 1
Funds short-term research to help Maine farmers manage and mitigate PFAS contamination in agricultural systems through actionable scientific studies.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 (Researcher Access request) | November 2026 (Pre-proposal) | December 2026 (Questions on full proposal) | February 2027 (Full proposal) | November 2026, February 2027, May 2027 (Researcher Access requests, quarterly)
Funding Amounts: Multiple awards under $100,000 each; project period up to 18 months; no cost share required.
Summary: Supports short-term research to help Maine farmers address PFAS contamination in agricultural systems.
Key Information: Mandatory pre-proposal required; open to US-based academic, non-profit, and government entities.
Description
This grant program funds targeted research projects that help commercial farmers in Maine make informed decisions about the use and management of agricultural property impacted by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. The program is designed to generate actionable scientific knowledge to enhance the viability and resilience of Maine farms facing PFAS challenges. Research topics may include PFAS movement in agricultural materials, remediation or disposal options, markets for contaminated hay, PFAS accumulation in livestock and pollinators, communication strategies for producers, and alternative crops such as Christmas trees. Projects must be answerable within 18 months and request less than $100,000 in total funding.
